The Iconic Barcelona Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

When tasked with designing a chair suitable for a king and queen, architect and designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a prominent figure in modernist architecture, rose to the occasion with the iconic Barcelona Chair. This enduring design was a collaboration with Lilly Reich for the 1929 International Exhibition in Barcelona's German Pavilion, anticipating the visit of the Spanish monarchs.

The Barcelona Chair, paired with a matching stool, was envisioned as a modern-day throne. Its fundamental design draws inspiration from the ancient Roman curule chair, a symbol of power and status, characterized by its folding, curved-legged frame without a backrest.

Mies and Reich crafted a minimalist yet sophisticated piece, embodying Mies's philosophy of "less is more." The design features a slender, chrome-plated steel frame forming an elegant X under the seat. The wide, armless seat is upholstered in luxurious cowhide (originally pigskin), adorned with deep, precise hand-tufting in a grid pattern, seamlessly merging aesthetics with functionality. The Barcelona Chair, with minimal changes over the decades, continues to be a testament to timeless design.