Robert Venturi 'Queen Anne' Chair for Knoll International, C. 1985, Signed

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This rare and sought after set of four (4) collectors pieces are called the 'Queen Anne' chairs by Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown for Knoll International, circa 1985 and feature a faux olive burl design with tan leather seats. Post-Modern functional art ready to be used as stand-alone collectible sculptures or as chairs. Signed underneath three chairs with Knoll International labels.

Please note, the color amongst the 4 chairs are consistent however due to the studio lighting they appear slightly different from chair to chair, this is simply due to the angle and position of the studio photography lights.

*Note, this listing is priced for a set of four (4) chairs. If you wish to purchase a single or a pair, contact us to discuss.

This design was part of the 'Venturi Collection' for Knoll which was introduced in 1985 shortly after they (Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown) helped design Knoll's New York showroom. The Venturi Collection was a postmodernist’s interpretation of historical chairs which Venturi describes as “modern technology and historic symbolism, traditional symbolism and modern symbolism, comfort and elegance, function and wit, high purpose and fun.”

Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown produced nine variants of the Venturi Collection side chairs for Knoll in 1984, each suggesting a specific historical furniture style. For this chair, the silhouette of the back is an adaptation of Thomas Chippendale's 18th Century English designs. In 1985 the 'Chippendale' model was introduced by the Philadelphia Museum of Art as part of their collection.

Besides the Queen Anne chair, others in the collection include the Sheraton chair, Chippendale chair, Art Deco chair, Hepplewhite chair, Empire chair, Gothic Revival chair, Art Nouveau chair and Biedermeier chair. Venturi stated "We see this furniture as part of the tradition of Modern furniture, as an evolution within the bounds of modern design."

Venturi created his 'Grandmother fabric', a patterned plastic laminate, after a visit to his grandmothers house in Pennsylvania where he saw fabrics of hers that inspired him. Later he copyrighted his pattern, although licensing it to Knoll for use with his chairs.

As these seminal chairs were not mass produced and released similarly to an art collection and not like regular furniture, they are now highly-sought-after collector's item and would make a unique addition to any space and an apt conversation starter.

MEASUREMENTS:
Height: 38.5"
Depth 24"
Width (at bottom where it is widest): 27"
Width (at seat): 22"
Seat Height: 19"
Seat Depth: 17.5"

CONDITION:
Very good condition. Some light age and wear including minor scratches and touched up scuffs. Leather with light patina. Very attractive and clean vintage examples ready for immediate use.