1st Generation '657' Armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll Associates, Signed

If you are seeking a pair of the classic Charles Pollock Armchairs (Model 657), these are the ones you want and here is why: First, the color combination is in our opinion, the best - while the black on black and brown on black are great as well, the classic cognac orange sling with black cushion is definitely the stand-out icon of the family. Secondly, and most importantly, these are double labeled with original Knoll Associates tags which date these towards the early few years of production before Knoll Associates changed hands to Knoll International. This pair which was produced between 1964 and 1968 are ideal for a collector who wants the 'original' production examples made when Knoll first introduced this design in 1964. And considering the condition of these - this pair won't last long so buy it while it is still available!

These leather sling armchairs perfectly blend comfort, functionality, and style. The frame comprises polished chrome steel tubing with cast aluminum, creating a sleek and subtly contrasting profile. The seat is a heavy cognac cowhide suspended on the frame which has been carefully shaped to form the back and seat sling. The thick cognac leather contrasts beautifully with the black arms, black leather seat pads and black seat supports attached to the chrome frames. Under the sling-seats are the original Knoll Associates manufacturing labels which identify these from being in their earlier (original) production runs of this design. The leather has an attractive light patina in excellent vintage conditions. Both chairs present very well, are ideal collectors examples and are ready for immediate use.

Here is a quote from Charles Pollock speaking to the design of this chair taken from Knoll's website:

“I was penniless, didn’t have a car and I was making my prototypes out of plumbing that I pulled out of an old, abandoned basement. I brought all these prototypes in [to Knoll] without an appointment and pushed them off the elevator and said, ‘I want to see Florence Knoll.’ Fortunately for me, [Senior Designer] Vincent Cafiero came out just by accident, and he said, ‘Who are you?’ I said, ‘I’m Charles Pollock.’ I had had a major article in Interiors, in a series of articles about Saarinen, Eames, and myself about three or four months before, and he had read that…. So Cafiero said, “Look, this stuff is interesting. Why don’t you take this idea and throw this other idea into it?” Eventually, between Vincent Cafiero and myself, I developed a quarter-inch scale model of a chair that was very, very similar to…the 657 chair. That was the beginning…. And the rest is history.” – Charles Pollock (1930-2013)

And here is information from Knoll regarding Florence Knoll's sentiment about this design:

It has been more than half a century since the late Charles Pollock designed what was then called the Model 657, a minimal chair of polished chrome steel tubing and natural cowhide. The 657 blended comfort, functionality and, of course, style; Florence Knoll, seeing the design for the first time, declared it “gold.” Known today simply as the Pollock Arm Chair, it initiated Pollock’s design relationship with Knoll.

These 1st Generation model '657' Armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll Associates would work great in a Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern or Danish Modern home or penthouse apartment but could also look fantastic in a Contemporary or Post-Modern room. Also consider mixing it up in a Traditional, Transitional, Classical or Art Deco room with a splash of juxtaposition. Would also be an apt choice in a commercial project such as a hotel lobby lounge or members club, creative design studio or high-rise executive office. Consider using as side chairs, cafe or breakfast table chairs, bedside chairs, fireside chairs, dressing or changing room chairs, hallway chairs, entryway or mudroom chairs, nursing or reading chairs, conference room chairs, office or desk guest chairs, lobby lounge chairs or occasional chairs ideal in virtually any setting.

MEASUREMENTS:
28" H x 25" W x 25" D
Seat Height (highest point): 17.5" w/cushion, 15.5" w/o cushion
Seat Depth: 18"

CONDITION:
Excellent original vintage condition. Some attractive light natural patina. Wear is consistent with very light and well-cared for use. Ideal 1st-Gen collectors examples.

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