Barcelona Chair History

This 1929 chair is a classic Ludwig Mies van der Rohe design during the Bauhaus/Modernist period in Germany.  The frame was initially designed to be bolted together, but was redesigned in 1950 using stainless steel, which allowed the frame to be formed by a seamless piece of metal, giving it a smoother appearance. Bovine leather replaced the ivory-colored pigskin which was used for the original pieces.  The design was meant for the king and queen of Spain, while the stool was intended to accommodate their attendants.  It was also meant to be affordable to the "common man" however, today's chairs can reach into the $4,000 range explaining why Zach and I have an imitation Barcelona in our home. Regardless of it's final production this design is beautiful, modern, and elegant. 

The Barcelona Chair was honored with the Museum of Modern Art Award in 1977 and is currently a registered trademark of Knoll.