09-034.
Found on November 30, 2009 in Minneapolis, MN.
Eero Saarinen
Series 71/72 desk chair
Knoll International, Inc.
USA, 1951
3.75 x 3.75 x 2.75"
Vinyl upholstery, plywood, and chromed metal
Manufacturer's label
I'm amazed that this is the first example of Eero Saarinen's work I've shown here on Ars Longa. I've had Saarinen furniture in the past, but it is getting significantly more difficult to find in thrift shops. The funny thing is, I almost left this piece for someone else.
Kate and I were in Minneapolis last week to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family, and when I found a few spare hours in my schedule I knew I needed to hit some thrift stores. It was great to travel in my old stomping grounds and the trip was greatly successful, so as dinner time rolled around I decided to rush to one more shop before heading to meet up with my family. And there is was: a masterpiece of Saarinen's portfolio.
But there was one major problem. Our 2-door car was going to be extremely full for our drive home, so I was afraid there wouldn't be enough space to fit a piece of furniture into the mix. Against my better judgement, I snapped a quick cellphone photo and left it at the store.
I regretted this decision from the moment I left the store, and that feeling worsened the further I drove. By the time I arrived back at my parents' house, I was driving myself crazy with hindsight. Fortunately my Mom offered to postpone dinner a little bit, and sent Kate and I back to the store to try our luck. And luckily enough the chair was still there. And now I'm seated on it as I type this, feeling fortunate to have a family so supportive of my interests ... and also feeling lucky I was able to cram it into the car and get it the 500+ miles back to central Illinois.
Scott commented: Thanks Dawn! It's extremely comfortable, although slightly low for my desk.
I knew this was a Saarinen design from experience. I've had other 70s Series chairs in the past, and know the shape well. This one did have the paper Knoll label underneath which really helps with the attribution, but if that was gone there'd be no helpful markings. Nothing on the paper label mentions Saarinen, either.
I did find lots of stuff, but probably won't post it all. I'm considering talking about one or maybe two more pieces, but haven't decided for sure yet. I tweeted about the items from this trip all when I found them, though. If you want to keep up with the near-misses and other stuff I decide for one reason or another not to talk about here on the site, I suggest following me on Twitter in addition to participating here on the site.
- 11.30.09
- Website
Barry A. Smith commented: This is why we do it. Congrats. Neat.
- 12.13.09
- Website
Brian commented: Scott, I found one of these chairs at one of the Goodwills in Bucks County, PA over the weekend. I immediately thought of you and your find, but unfortunately, this chair was in pretty deplorable shape. I had to leave it behind.
- 3.31.10
Scott commented: Bummer, Brian. It really is a downer to spot something, and have it turn out to be wrecked. At least we're still seeing good stuff ... if that's any consolation. Happy hunting!
- 3.31.10
- Website
Brian commented: True! The good stuff is still out there. For example, I've been able to find several Jens Quistgaard items is just the past few days.
- 4.1.10
Dawn commented: Awesome recovery, Scott! You have a very understanding mom, lol. I am so happy you got the chair. It looks to be in excellent condition.
How does it feel to sit in? It looks very comfortable, and like a chair that would encourage good posture.
I don't know anything about Saarinen furniture, so I will ask you: How did you know it was Saarinen? Does it have his name on it or did you recognize the company who made it? Buying furniture always confuses me because I know so little about the design (ers) and I'm afraid of buying some cheap rip-off unless, like in the case of my Thonet chair, it still has the tag attached that says "Thonet".
You mention you found a lot of great stuff. I hope you will be posting it all---can't wait to see all your goodies from your fabulous adventures.