Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich originally designed Barcelona chair for the German Pavilion as an entry to the reputed International Exposition of 1929 that Barcelona hosted. The chair received the wide acclamation from those who have taste for something different and unique. It was first used in Villa Tugendhat as a masterpiece of Mies.
Early stage
Mies Barcelona chair is not the same what people see nowadays. Initially, it was designed to be bolted together. However, it was redesigned in 1950 and stainless steel frame was used this time to not only form the seamless piece of metal but also give it a smoother and more appealing look. In addition to this, ivory-colored pigskin that was used in the earlier piece replaced with bovine leather. Mies patented Barcelona chair in Germany, Spain and US in 1930 and it was manufactured in limited numbers from 1930 to 1950. Mies van der Rohe ceded his rights and his name on the design to knoll six years after the death of Reich in 1953 that helped renew the popularity of the design.
Purpose
Barcelona chair wasn’t designed for the common man initially, but for the royalty of Spain. The chair was use by royalty to oversee the opening ceremonies of the exhibition and Times magazine described it inhibiting. The form of the chair was believed to be extrapolated from Roman folding chairs dubbed as Curule and upholstered stools that Roman aristocracy used.
Measurement and material used
Mies Barcelona chair measures 75cm in height, 75cm in width and 75 cm in depth. The chair stands on the chrome steel frame and features leather cushion filled with PU foam to offer ultimate comfort and add more to the living or any other space where it is placed.
Exclusivity of style and appeal
Barcelona chair was the emblem of style and appeal that lured the masses like anything. It was only exclusive design and prominent features like no other that made the chair instant hit – something that it is even now and perhaps will remain forever.
Reproduced version
It is a well-known fact that anything exclusive and unique comes with exorbitant price tag – Barcelona chair is no exception to this rule. Due to its exclusive design, style, appeal and comfort factors, only those with good bank balance can afford to buy it. However, for those who have taste for something unique, different and particularly those who love to own the best of everything but somehow couldn’t afford it, there are many furniture houses that offer the replica of Barcelona chair at a fraction of the cost. Replica chair comes with same specifications, design and style to match the original every bit.
Current production
After 1953, Knoll Inc owns the right to manufacture the original Mies Barcelona chair that comes with chrome and stainless steel. The chair is hand crafted, comes with Mies van der Rohe's signature stamped on each chair and has an exorbitant price tag of $6906. Reproductions are available worldwide too and sold under different marketing names.
About IFN Modern
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