If It's Hip, It's Here (Archives): eero saarinen

Here's a little eye candy...er, vegetable, for you. I came across this fun image created by illustrator Christoph Niemann for the New York Times and wanted to share it with you, along with the originals that it represents.

The image features mid century modern furniture classics, architecture - even a famous architect in his iconic eyewear - by well known designers crafted from squash and gourds.

In case you are unfamiliar with the originals that inspired them, I have culled them for you here.

1. Hang-it-All by Charles and Ray Eames, 1953

2. PH 4/3 Lamp by Poul Hennigsen, 1966

3. TWA Terminal in New York by Eero Saarinen, 1962

4. Philip Johnson (1906-2005)

above portrait by Luca Vignelli

5. La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames, 1948

6. The Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen, 1958

7. The Swan Chair by Arne Jacobsen, 1958

Christoph is best known for his work for the New Yorker Magazine. You can see more of his wonderful work at his website here.

To Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Eero Saarinen's now iconic collection, Knoll has introduced these tables, chairs and stool with a platinum finish as well as re-introducing the wood (rosewood and teak) tabletops.

Above: The original Saarinen table from Knoll in my own dining room. The table belonged to my parents who bought it in 1958. The chairs are actually Burke reproductions and the cushions are the originals from Knoll in sunshine yellow vinyl with cotton and velcro backs.

Design Eero Saarinen, 1956.
Aluminum base, fiberglass, upholstery.
Made in USA by Knoll.

History
In 1956, Eero Saarinen addressed the “ugly, confusing, unrestful world resulting from the slum of legs underneath typical chairs and tables. In 1957, Knoll unveiled the Pedestal Collection by Eero Saarinen, known today as the Tulip Collection, which has evolved into a symbol of mid-century modern design and a mainstay of the Knoll design legacy.

See the original 1958 Press Release from Knoll here.

Above: The original chairs

Commemorative Edition
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of this iconic collection, Knoll is adding a platinum base finish and reintroducing rosewood and teak table tops. These new finishes will be a permanent addition to the line.

Above: The special platinum edition
In addition, all Tulip pieces ordered between August 1, 2007 and August 1, 2008, in any finish, will ship with a commemorative medallion and special certificate of authenticity.

Where To Buy
Several Knoll Space retailers are promoting the Saarinen 50th Anniversary collection. By visiting these retailers, you can preview the commemorative medallion and obtain literature on the Anniversary Collection.

The Tulip Collection, in any finish, can be purchased through all Knoll Space retail locations or dealers in North America. Find a Knoll Space retailer near you.

Awards
The Museum of Modern Art Award, 1969
Federal Award for Industrial Design, 1969
Design Center Stuttgart Award, 1962

Construction
Chairs and tables feature a heavy, molded cast aluminum base with a strap polished finish. Black and white chairs and tables are rilsan coated. Platinum finish consists of a high-resilient polyurethane enamel wet coat with a clear satin finish.
Shell is molded fiberglass with a reinforced, plastic bonded finish
Chairs are available with or without arms in a fixed position or with swivel action.

Upholstery
Available with a seat cushion only or with upholstered inner shell
Available in a variety of Knoll Textiles or Spinneybeck leather
Seat cushion is removable and is encased with a zippered cover and fastened to the shell with velcro
Platinum shell finish is not available with inner shell upholstery

Above:20" Side table with timeless teak top and platinum base is accompanied by an oval Rosewood coffee table

Finishes
Base and shell finishes are available in white, black and platinum
Table top options include white laminate and various marble, veneer and granite options

Sustainable Design
All Knoll Studio seating is GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® for low-emitting products