Rohe Barcelona Chair

About the Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Chair: So well known as one of the leading pieces of the Modern Movement, the Barcelona Chair Mies van der Rohe designed, in 1929, is still being produced, one by one, in Italy with his name stamped on them.  Anyone owning one of these chairs is considered among the fortunate to have a piece of history sitting in their home, because  van der Rohe initiated what was known as the Bauhaus movement that followed his famous dictum, "Form follows function."  The Barcelona Chair is the perfect example of his belief.  The frame is in the shape of an "X" and interestingly enough, the "X" looks like it's occupied—even when it is not.  The shape is warped to look as though a weight is bearing down on it.  To get that look, each part of the bent and delicate frame is welded together, as opposed to using straight pieces, easily riveted or screwed together. The chair was introduced at the German Pavilion Barcelona Exhibition and seen by hundreds of Europeans whose enthusiasm grew to epidemic proportions.  Everyone who claimed an Avant Guard knowledge of fine furnishings wanted the Barcelona Chair in their living room.  They were right to covet the chair.  It was destined to start a revolution in furnishings design.  Up to that point, fine furniture was a mimicry of Louis XIV or XV and satin or velvet was deriguer for upholstery. Barcelona Chairs were covered in leather—rich and thick and tufted—actually quite masculine, and, in spite of that, managed to strike the fancy of even the most delicate feminine tastes.