Eero Saarinen
Eero Saarinen, four "Tulip" chairs, Knoll International, and a table.
Chairs made out of plastic on lacquered aluminum leg, seat height 40, width 66, height 79 cm. The chairs marked knoll international.
Table with marble top on lacquered aluminum leg, diameter 106, height 72, not marked.
The table top with later wooden construction underneath. Wear. One seat is almost not attached to the chairs leg. Seat cushions missing on three chairs. Wear. Stains.
Provenance
Collection of Heidi Boyce Broström (1939–2022), widow of shipowner Dan-Axel Broström (1915–1976).
From the Collection of Heidi Boyce Broström (1943-2022) and Dan Axel Broström (1915-1976).
Dan Axel Broström was the third-generation ship-owner in the prestigious Broström Company group. When he took over the firm in 1949 they had 18 000 employees.
The Canadian model and geologist Heidi was Dan-Axel Broströms third wife, the couple lived at the fashionable Särö, a few miles south of Gothenburg.
Designer
Eero Saarinen was a Finnish architect and designer born in Kyrkslätt in Finland. Saarinen, considered one of the most prominent modernist architects, made a career in Europe and the USA. He studied sculpture at Le Grande Chaumiere in Paris and architecture at Yale University. In 1963, Saarinen designed President Jefferson's memorial in St. Louis, called the "Gateway arch". Furthermore, he designed furniture in plywood and plastic, including "Tulip", "Plywood Chair" and "Womb Chair" for Knoll Associates. Saarinen drew inspiration from nature and its sculptural and organic shapes.
His father was Eliel Saarinen, an architect, designer, and lecturer.