Ludwig Meis van der Rohe initially designed this iconic chair to use inside the German Pavilion for King Alfonso XIII and his wife, Ena, as part of the 1929 Barcelona International Exhibition. The design was based on on a Roman magistrates stool called the Sella Curulis, which were often used by the Roman Aristocracy. In 1953 Mies ceded his rights and his name on the design to Knoll, the producer of the chair, knowing that his design rights had expired. This is what made the Barcelona chair one of the most recognised chairs of the 20th century, and it is still in production today.
When the chair was first designed it featured a chromed steel base, and had to be bolted together. In 1950 the design was altered and stainless steel was used instead. This allowed the base to be created using only a single piece of steel, resulting in a much smoother aesthetic. The original chairs used ivory coloured pig skin, but this was also changed, and bovine leather was used instead. This made the chairs easier, quicker and cheaper to make for Knoll, allowing them to be produced at a much faster rate.
The Barcelona chair is inspired by classical forms; the basic scissor-shape design (known as a curule seat) dates back to 1500 BC. Although the chair is based on a classical design, the materials used and the form of the base give it its modernist appearance. The use of both polished steel and cowhide leather gives this chair the diversity to work in most interior spaces.
Due to its popularity this chair demands a high price tag, finding an original 1950’s Knoll can be difficult and costs between £3,000 and £4,000. Brand new pieces can also be purchased and customised to your taste by Knoll. The new pieces cost approximately £4,000.
As the Barcelona chair is so popular, there have been thousands of replicas produced. To make sure that you are buying a high quality original rather than a reproduction, use the following tips to identify a genuine Barcelona Chairs from an imitation:
- In Knoll examples, the back cushion should be a bit taller than the steel frame it rests against, and will also have a slight curve to fit the back. The cushions have always been made with high quality fillers that hold their shape over time as well, so a sagging chair is a sign of a cheap copy.
- The upholstery is always made from a single cowhide. If you notice variations in the texture of the leather, this is a sign that it is probably not an original and more likely to be an imitation.
- Look for any labels underneath the cushions which can attribute the chair to Knoll. Some labels may have fallen off through age but the originals were always made with identifying labels.
- The original cushion support on the Barcelona chair is made with 17 straps of leather. If other cheaper materials such as vinyl have been used this would indicate the chair is a fake. On the originals, the straps are evenly spaced on the back and under the bottom cushion, and will be attached with aluminium rivets as opposed to being buckled to the frame.
When looking to purchase an original Barcelona chair, it would be advised to err on the side of caution. Only purchase from a reputable dealer, who can provide evidence of authenticity. That being said, purchasing an original Knoll Barcelona chair would prove to be a sound investment for the future, and provide a touch of real class to any contemporary interior.
I’m James Broad, a lover of all things vintage and Co-founder of Intique, a marketplace with personality selling vintage and antique furniture with character.
