• Introduction
• Chairs
  • Le Grand Confort Armchair
  • The Bibendum Chair
  • The Egg Chair
  • The Barcelona Chair
  • Le Petit Confort Armchair
  • The Wassily Chair
  • The Bubble Chair
  • The Ball Chair
  • The Eames Lounger and Ottoman
  • The Panton Chair
• Sofas
• Tables
• Chaise Longues
• Full Price List

The Full Story

While it is said the royal behinds never did rest on van der Rohe’s creation, the Barcelona Chair caused a sensation that has lasted for nearly eight decades. Today, it is still a “must have” piece in the homes of wealthy aficionados, as well as architects and designers. The Barcelona was even honoured with the Museum of Modern Art Award in 1977.

Famed Bauhaus architect Mies van der Rohe and his partner Lilly Reich based the Barcelona Chair on the campaign and folding chairs of the Pharaohs and Romans, bringing a modern yet timeless flair to this ancient and regal design. The chair served as a centerpiece of the German Pavilion at the International Exhibition, which van der Rohe also designed. Germany was in the midst of a resurgence, after the devastation of World War I, and design and architecture was a huge part of the nation’s “comeback”. van der Rohe’s pavilion was a success, and his chair was the talk of the design world.

The Barcelona Chair has been in production for almost 80 years since, with very few changes distinguishing it from the first version. Originally designed before the advent of stainless steel and seamless ground welding, the frame was designed to be bolted together. However, in 1950, with the development of stainless steel, van der Rohe re-designed the chair with a seamless metal frame. Cowhide replaced the expensive pigskin used in the original chair. But other than that, the Barcelona chairs manufactured today are exactly as they were in 1929. Modern. Timeless. In a word, perfect.

• Our Quality Statement
• Meet the Team

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