Vintage gebogen houten esdoorn en glazen eetset van Frank Gehry voor Knoll International, 1980

A Frank Gehry compact dining set featuring 2 bentwood maple ply Cross Check chairs matched to a maple and glass Face Off dining table manufactured by Knoll International. Originally conceived in the late 80’s Gehry’s Cross Check chairs and Face Off table formed part of a collection produced by Knoll International in collaboration with their most famous consultant, the art collector and New York socialite Barbara Jakobson. After three years of experimentation and exploration, the collection was debuted in the Frank Gehry New Furniture Prototypes show at The Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1992 with production starting shortly afterwards; the collection proved to be an immediate success with many of the designs still being produced today. Inspired by the strength of the apple crates he played on as a child, Gehry created his ribbon-like designs using thin strips of maple ply bonded with flexible glue. The resulting structures echoed many of the sculptural and organic forms that had become his architectural trademark. As always Gehry’s designs transcended conventions of style by exploring the essential challenge of deriving form from function and his collection for Knoll exemplified that ethos. The chairs in particular feature the same style of flowing lines and surfaces as found in many of his most famous creations. As such they appear as deconstructed elements of form that harness sweeping, sinuous curves in pursuit of the perfect sitting experience. In this way the clever use of the interwoven bent plywood slats yields with a soft spring like effect to give comfort in the seat and back. Both the chairs and the table date from 1998 and bear the manufacturer’s mark and Gehry’s signature to the base of each piece as shown in the accompanying pictures. All the pieces in this set are in very good vintage condition with the woodwork showing small marks and signs of use as expected – the glass has no chips and only minor scratches to the surface and can be removed from the base if required for storage or transportation. The set is perfect for a smaller dining space or in a breakfast room, conservatory or on a covered patio. Dimensions: Table – H74 x Dia 102cm Chairs: H85 x W59 x D57cm Seat Height: 46cm