This is without a doubt my favorite chair of all time for one simple reason, elegance. An original Barcelona chair is so well proportioned, so refined, such high quality that there simply is no other piece of furniture out there to rival it.
The only down side is that owning one is becoming a cliché. It seems that anyone who would like to have a modern looking interior and has some cash will default to the Barcelona chair, even if that’s the only bit of modern kit in the whole place. Not to say that they’re making a poor choice, they’re not… but you know what I’m getting at.
For those who care to know, the Barcelona chair was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1929. That’s over 80 years ago!
It was designed for the German Pavilion at the International Exhibition in Barcelona. The Barcelona chair was meant to act as a thrown for the king and queen of Spain, while the Barcelona stool (some think it’s an ottoman) was meant for other guests.
One more bit of information, the chairs are made from a single hide of top quality leather. The hide is cut into several sections that will be later assembled to form the familiar shape of the Barcelona chair’s cushions. Originally, master glove makers where employed for the task to ensure the best craftsmanship possible.
Now you know why they cost so much! :)
Everything with leather, especially ‘top quality’ won’t bound to come cheap.
Well, unfortunatelly this is one of the most copied chair of all times and each copy is different.
I also think it is gorgeous but I would not buy one.
My Mother purchased a pair of brown “Original Barcelona Chairs” in the early late 1970′s…. Anyone interested in purchasing them may contact me. kbegator@bellsouth.net
Thanks….
It’s “throne”, not “thrown”.