SOLD 1966 Series Prototype Arm Chair by Richard Schultz for Knoll in Polished Aluminum with Riveted Frame
This is a Prototype 1966 Collection dining arm chair, introduced by Richard Schultz for Knoll in 1966. This important piece was obtained from the designer’s own collection and was actually stored in the garage of Richard's son Peter for years. It features an aluminum frame, and retains its original nylon-webbed sling seat. Initially, Schultz tried to assemble the chairs using small rivets as seen in this example. The rivets would come to be replaced by epoxy in the chair’s final production. Schultz designed the 1966 Collection at the request of Florence Knoll, who had retired to Florida and desired outdoor furniture that could withstand the corrosive ocean air.
This particular chair is especially noteworthy in that Richard Schultz experimented for a time in trying to introduce a polished aluminum variant to production, however, they found that this was so unbelievably costly that it would never be feasible for production. It was also explored as an interior finish, but similarly did not see its way into production.
The chair measures 23 inches in width, 24.5 inches in depth and 29 inches in height. It has a seat height of 14.25 inches and the arm height is 20.25 inches.
This piece is in very good condition, but does show some signs of wear and use. There are some surface abrasions to the aluminum frame, and the webbing shows faint soiling. One bolt to the underside is stripped. The chair remains solid and is ready for use.