Barcelona Chair Reproductions

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, commonly known as Mies, was an architectural pioneer and philosopher of structure. His work helped to define Modern architecture — the clear lines and simple style of 20th century homes and buildings. He is not only known for his signature unadorned style, but also for the phrase, ‘less is more.’ This simple, yet profound statement continues to influence architects as well as anyone involved in developing style today. Mature and with no frills, the true beauty of the elements used and the structure formed can come through with the Mies philosophy on style.Although Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was well-known for his American work, including the Farnsworth House outside of Chicago and the Seagram Building in New York, this modernist designer was actually born and trained in Germany. The son of a stone-carver, he started out working at his father’s shop. Over the years Mies worked at different German design firms and studios, including the Peter Behrens studio where other 20th century modernist architects were trained. He studied the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and Karl Friedrich Schinkel and was a formidable force in the avant-garde art movement in Europe in the 1920′s. Obviously talented and passionate, Mies began working as an architect for the German elite. He became known for his simple composition and unique ability to merge the natural environment with his designs at the beginning of his career.

The simple, yet edgy style of Mies is found in the sharp lines and mature elements of his existing works. The Farnsworth House was a straightforward structure of steel and glass, designed as a weekend retreat for Dr. Edith Farnsworth. It was an open space that allowed for a free flow of movement, another feature that Mies loved to work into his structures. The Tugendhat House was the last European home that Mies designed. Like the Farnsworth House it features massive walls of glass that shed natural light into the home. More importantly they allow the inhabitants to enjoy the view outside. Crown Hall is known as one of Mies’ most remarkable works. It is located at the Illinois Institute of Technology. A rectangular shape with steel and glass, Crown Hall again displays the trademark style of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

Mies died in 1969 in Chicago after decades of influencing both European and American architecture and design. His works stand today for those who are interested in the great inspiration of the Modern art movement.

Ludwig Miers van der Rohe, was a German architect who quickly became one of the most influential masters of Modern Art. He wanted to find a new architectural design that would represent a new era after World War I. Van der Rohe sought to create an architectural design that stated clarity and simplicity. This strategy helped him later design the Barcelona chair with then partner Lilly Reich. Lilly Reich is only now being acknowledged for the huge part she played in the design of the Barcelona chair. Lilly Reich and Mier van der Rohe were long time partners and met during the time that Reich became editor of Werkbund, due to her reputation for being just as good an architect as most men. You see, during this time it was still not acceptable for women to go outside of what society deemed as work fitting for a woman. That is why it was a huge achievement when Reich became the first director of Deutsch Werkbund in Germany. It is thought that Reich was just as good a designer as Ludwig and probably was the one with a more articulate eye.

With these two working together, it is no wonder that they created such a masterpiece together. The design was first introduced in 1929 and then was redone in 1950 because Ludwig wanted to make use of stainless steel that was in demand due to the advance in stainless steel. The original design was designed to be put together by bolts, but now the chair could be one smooth piece of metal. Even though Miers was known for wanting to make furniture that was accessible to the working class people, the Barcelona chair does not meet those requirements. In fact, this particular chair is very expensive with prices ranging from 600 to 3,000 dollars. The Barcelona chair is beautiful in its simplicity and would make a great collectible item if you are into that sort of thing.