Eero Saarinen
Eero Saarinen was a mid-century designer who would go on to author some of the most recognisable designs of all time. He did his best work at Knoll, bringing forth icons such as the Saarinen Tulip collection and the Womb Lounge Chair. Though his oeuvre resists easy pigeon-holing, he could often be found experimenting with modern materials, conjuring up avant-garde silhouettes for everyday problems.
Mr Mid-Century
Saarinen's body of work is a visual translation of the design era. If someone is trying to portray 60's Americana, whether on-screen or in a physical setting, his designs are front and centre. Standing as an instantly recognisable monument to a completely fresh set of ideas about what design could be. Often surrounded by a building he'd designed too.
To call him a pioneer feels a bit of understatement; the Finnish maestro was the creator of the eponymously named Saarinen table, the world-renowned Tulip chairs and even left his mark on skylines in the shape of St Louis's 'Gateway Arch'. He played a part in the lives of many, whether they were sitting in bold new shapes or arriving with an American dream at Dulles or JFK airports.
However, his influence didn't just radiate from his work, but from the man himself. A mentor to Charles Eames and a close personal friend of Florence Knoll, the story of much of the most important furniture in existence today contains his name and ideals in some regard, making him a true great of interiors.
- Which Saarinen piece is the most famous?The clue is in the name, Saarinen's eponymous dining table is seen as his magnum opus. Often paired with Tulip dining chairs.
- Which Saarinen designs are on display at Chaplins?Thanks to our close partnership with Knoll furniture, we display a vast range of Saarinen Tables, big and small. Plus a variation of Tulip chairs.
- What makes him unique?While Saarinen is a native son of Scandinavia, he had the benefit of a US-based upbringing. This combination of subtle style and bold ideas comes together in a format that finds the design sweet spot for many.
- Are his designs available in our trade programme?Yes! Many of Saarinen's works fall under our industry-leading commercial rates.
- Fun fact:The son of Saarinen 'Charles' is named after one of his most succesful students. The aforementioned Charles Eames.
