1950’s: Tulip Armchair
History
Eero Saarinen designed the Tulip Armchair in 1955-56 for the Knoll company in the USA. It was part of a series of Tulip chairs, with arms. The other designs had no arms. There are also completely upholstered versions of the Tulip chairs and armchairs. Saarinen also designed a matching circular table, also on one pedestal leg. The idea was for the Tulip chairs and table to be used together, to get rid of the visual clutter of the many legs.
Designed by
Designed by a Finnish-born American designer Eero Saarinen (1910 – 1961) for the Knoll Associates.
Dimensions
Height 80 cm, width 64 cm, depth 60 cm.
Materials
Fiberglass-reinforced polyester and cast aluminum.
Elements and Principles
Form and Harmony. The Tulip Armchair resembles both the tulip flower, and also the wine glass, particularly in its stem. The flowing simple and elegant form of this armchair creates a harmonious piece of furniture. Eero Saarinen used to say: “The undercarriage of chairs and tables in a typical interior makes an ugly, confusing, unrestful world. I wanted to clear up the slum of legs. I wanted to make the chair all one thing again.”
Manufactured by
Knoll Associates, New York, NY
Used by Designers
Tulip chairs, including this Tulip Armchair have inspired many modern designs, includingThe Jestsons, modern aircraft terminals, and even the Sydney Opera House. They have also remained one of the iconic chairs and are still favoured by interior designers. They can be used equally successfully in residential rooms, dining rooms in particular. They also work well in sophisticated commercial spaces, such as luxury hotels, cafes and restaurants.
Replicas, contemporary interpretations and influences
The Tulip chairs are replicated worldwide. They remain one of the most popular iconic pieces of furniture. Apart from originals being manufactured by Knoll, just about every seller of iconic furniture replicas does also sell replicas of the Tulip chairs. They come in a increasing range of colours. In Australia you can buy it from Matt Blatt, Sokol and many more.
Resources
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/bydesign/tulip-chairs/4600042
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulip_chair
http://www.design-museum.de/en/collection/100-masterpieces/detailseiten/tulip-chair-no-151-saarinen.html?desktop=1&cHash=1edbd2646495f65cdf06d45071671706
http://www.moma.org/collection/object.php?object_id=2565
http://www.mattblatt.com.au/Replica-Dining-Chairs/Replica-Eero-Saarinen-Tulip-Armchair-Plastic-Fabric-Cushion.aspx?p1583c4#1584
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/luxury/collectables/33997/on-a-pedestal-saarinens-tulip-chair.html
http://www.sokol.com.au/products/379/replica-furniture/replica-saarinen-tulip-armchair-leather-seat-pad/
