Barcelona chair

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe designed the Barcelona Chair for his German Pavilion at the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, Spain. The German Pavilion was a ground breaking modernist design of stunning simplicity and purity. It was highly influential in the development of modern architecture.  Mies van der Rohe's famous maxim was 'less is more'.

Mies van der Rohe was born in Germany and although he was never formerly trained in architecture, he went on to be Director of the Bauhaus School of Art and Design in pre-Nazi Germany. Mies van der Rohe emigrated to the USA in 1937, after he found it difficult to work under the Nazis.

In the US, he became one of the country's most successful architects. His famous Seagram Tower in glass and bronze on Park Avenue, New York is considered a masterpiece of modern design.

Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona Chair became a design classic.  It was a favourite choice for the public areas of corporate HQs in the 50s, 60s and 70s.  It retailed at top stores.  In 1968 Heals sold the Barcelona Chair in chrome plated mild steel to Mies van der Rohe's own specification, claiming it was over 100 cheaper than the original stainless steel version.

In the 70s, Heals were selling the Barcelona Chair for £447 and a matching stool for £277.  In the 80s, original versions became collectors' items and sold at Christies.

It was the simplicity of the design that captivated people, but the buttoned style seat and back set a fashion in sixties furniture, influencing leather sofas, large leather swivel boardroom chairs and hotel bars.  It also found its way into  Ford Motor Company's flagship car, the Zodiac Executive.

Today the Barcelona Chair is still regarded as a design classic.  Reproduction versions are available and it is still a favourite way of showing corporate good taste.

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