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Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, born in Aachen, Germany, in 1886, came to be regarded as one of the true pioneers of modern architecture. Between 1930 and 1933, he was the final director of the influential Bauhaus school before it was closed by the Nazis.
The groundbreaking Barcelona Chair was created for the German Pavilion at the 1929 International Exposition, hosted by Barcelona, Spain. In recent years, design historians have also highlighted the designer's colleague and collaborator, Lilly Reich, as a significant co-creator of the chair.
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe with a model of the German Pavilion for the World Exhibition in Barcelona, which he designed together with Lilly Reich.
Designed in the 1920's
The first sketches for the chair first appeared in 1928, heavily inspired classical forms as the basic, scissor-shape design, known as a curule seat, dates back to 1500 BC, and examples of the curule seat have been found in Egyptian, Greek and Roman designs throughout history.
Even though the chairs attracted considerable attention at the exhibition in Barcelona, it would take a long time before large-scale production began. In the late 1940s, Knoll Furniture Company took over the manufacture, and they have been producing the chair ever since.
The original cushions were upholstered in ivory pigskin.
However, over time, patents and copyrights on the original design have expired, allowing more manufacturers to produce replicas without legal repercussions. This has led to a proliferation of copies in the market.
Anyone looking to buy an older Barcelona chair should be aware of several pitfalls. However, with a checklist, the risk of accidentally purchasing a fake Barcelona chair can be minimized.
How to Tell a Real from Replica
Distinguishing a genuine chair from a replica requires careful attention to detail. From the manufacturer’s mark to the quality of materials, there are several telltale signs that can help you identify an authentic Barcelona Chair. This guide will walk you through the key features to examine, ensuring that you can confidently determine whether a chair is the real deal or a replica.
Real or replica? Be aware of the pitfalls
1. Manufacturer's Mark
The Barcelona Chair was exclusively produced by Knoll studio from1953. Authentic Barcelona Chairs made by Knoll will have a stamp or engraving with the Knoll Studio logo on the frame. Check for labels or certificates of authenticity that typically come with genuine Knoll pieces.
Knoll engraving, from a later production.
2. Quality of Materials
Genuine Barcelona Chairs use a single piece of high-quality, chrome-plated stainless steel with a seamless, mirror-like finish. Replicas often use lower-quality steel, aluminum, or chrome plating that may have visible seams or welds.
Authentic chairs use high-quality, full-grain leather from a single cowhide, ensuring consistency in texture and colour. The leather should feel luxurious and supple, not thin or plasticky.
The cushions of an authentic chair are made from high-density, fire-retardant urethane foam wrapped in polyester fiberfill. They should retain their shape and offer firm support.
Authentic chairs (left) use high-quality, full-grain leather from a single cowhide
3. Stitching and Buttons
The stitching on a genuine Barcelona Chair is precise and even. There should be 40 individual panels of leather, hand-welted and hand-tufted. Authentic chairs have buttons that are well-aligned and covered in leather, matching the upholstery perfectly. Misaligned or poorly attached buttons are a sign of a replica.
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4. Dimensions
Compare the dimensions of the chair with those specified by Knoll. Authentic chairs have exact measurements:
Height: 30.25 inches (77 cm)
Width: 29.5 inches (75 cm)
Depth: 30 inches (77 cm)
Seat height: 17 inches (43 cm)
Always make sure the legs are curved.
5. Weight
The authentic Barcelona Chair is relatively heavy due to its high-quality steel frame and dense cushioning and should weigh approximately 21 kilograms. If it feels unusually light, it may be a replica.
There must be eight leather straps, regardless of the year of manufacture
6. Base Straps
The base straps on an authentic chair are made of thick, durable cowhide leather and are securely fastened to the frame. They should be evenly spaced and show no signs of sagging or poor attachment. Authentic chairs use 17 belting leather straps dyed to match the cushions, ensuring durability and a consistent look. Replicas may use different materials and might not match the cushion colour.
Altogether, this checklist can make you determine if a Barcelona Chair is fake or not.
Are you still unsure? Get an experts opinion by contacting your closest auction house here. Just upload photos and a description. Don't forget to capture the details above.
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