With magnificent buildings such as the Guggenheim Bilbao, Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and the new Foundation Louis Vuitton in Paris, Frank Gehry changed the nature and spirit of contemporary architecture. The architect has also enjoyed a prolific career as a designer of artful and functional objects, ranging from furniture to jewelry, that even at smaller scale are as lively and captivating as his architectural designs.
Gehry was born in Toronto and moved with his family to Los Angeles in 1947. He received a degree in architecture from the University of Southern California in 1954 and — after several years of casting about that included a stint in the U.S. Army and studies at Harvard — Gehry opened his architectural practice in L.A. in 1962.
Idiosyncratic renovations to his small, traditional house in Santa Monica — such as cladding portions of the exterior in chain-link fencing and corrugated metal — drew attention to Gehry in architectural circles. Corporate and institutional commissions added to his reputation, culminating in the global acclaim that greeted the opening of the Guggenheim Bilbao in 1997. But the combination of visual dynamism and structural integrity expressed by that building had been evident for decades in Gehry’s designs. In 1972 he introduced a much-admired line of furniture he called Easy Edges. The curves and flowing lines of the pieces, which include the Wiggle chair, seem antithetical to the material are made from: cardboard — a presumably flimsy material that, when stacked, laminated and folded, is actually extraordinarily sturdy.
Many of Gehry’s designs feature an abstracted fish motif. For the architect, it was a symbol of vitality, strength and flexibility. The fish appears in a group of 1982 plastic lamps created for Formica (and exhibited by the Jewish Museum in New York in 2010). Gehry used the motif in crystal goblets for Swid Powell (1990), his Pito kettle for Alessi (1992) and as earrings for a 2006 jewelry collection for Tiffany that also includes torqued rings, necklaces and bangles.
Gehry returned to furniture design in 1992 with a remarkably energetic line of furniture for Knoll with frames and seating made of bent, lightweight wooden strops. (The pieces' names, such as Power Play and Cross Check, derive from ice hockey.) In 2004, Heller released a group of twisted, faceted furnishings in molded polyethylene meant to evoke Gehry’s architecture. But — whether its tableware, jewelry or furniture — all Gehry’s designs do that--sharing an animated aesthetic built on a solid foundational core. To possess a piece of Gehry design is to own one of his buildings, in miniature.
Find vintage Frank Gehry chairs, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Frank Gehry Power Play Chair and Ottoman for Knoll, Signed, Great Condition
By Frank Gehry, Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Power play chair and ottoman designed by Frank Gehry for Knoll in very close to new condition. There are no chips, cracks or repairs to the wood slats...
Maple
Pair of Frank Gehry Power Play Chairs for Knoll, Black Lacquered
By Frank Gehry, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Frank Gehry Power Play chairs. Hard maple, black finish. Frame constructed of hard white maple veneer strips. The underside of both...
Maple
1972 Frank Gehry 'Contour' Rocking Lounge Chair by Easy Edges Inc.
By Frank Gehry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1972 Frank Gehry 'Contour' Rocking Lounge Chair by Easy Edges Inc. This iconic 'Contour' rocking lounge chair, designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry for Easy Edges, Inc., i...
Masonite, Paper
Frank Gehry Power Play Chair for Knoll, Black Lacquered
By Frank Gehry, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Frank Gehry Power Play chair. Hard maple, black finish. Frame constructed of hard white maple veneer strips. The underside of both piece...
Maple
$5,463Sale Price|43% Off
1990, Frank Gehry Powerplay by Knoll International
By Frank Gehry, Knoll
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This chair is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beac...
Wood, Plywood
Frank Gehry for Knoll Mid Century Power Play Chair
By Knoll, Frank Gehry
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Frank Gehry for Knoll Mid Century Power Play Chair This chair measures: 32 wide x 32 deep x 31.5 high, with a seat height of 16.5 and arm height/chair clearance of 24 inches Excell...
Bentwood
Frank Gehry for Knoll Mid Century Power Play Chair and Ottoman
By Frank Gehry, Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Frank Gehry for Knoll Mid Century Power Play Chair and Ottoman The chair measures: 32 wide x 30.5 deep x 33 high, with a seat height of 16 inches and arm height/chair clearance of 2...
Wood
1993 Restored Frank Gehry for Knoll Power Play Lounge Chair
By Frank Gehry
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Power Play Lounge Chair, initially designed by Frank Gehry for Knoll in 1990. This example dates to 1993 and is stamped as such. Gehry worked on this line beginning in 1989...
Maple, Plywood, Laminate
Pair Frank Gehry Power Play Chairs, Ottomans for Knoll, Signed, Great Condition.
By Frank Gehry, Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair (two) Power play chairs and ottomans designed by Frank Gehry for Knoll in very good condition. There are no chips, cracks or repairs to the wood ...
Maple
1993 Frank Gehry for Knoll Power Play Lounge Arm Chair in Maple
By Knoll, Frank Gehry
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Power Play Lounge Chair, originally designed by Frank Gehry for Knoll in 1992. This particular example was produced in the United States and dates to the year 1993. The scu...
Maple
$7,840Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 30.25 in W 36.5 in D 25.5 in
Pair of Warren Platner for Knoll Lounge Chairs in Sapphire Velvet
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now we have 2 pairs of Warren Platner Lounge Chairs. Priced per pair these chairs are a sublime fusion of opulence and iconic design that are timelessly chic. Crafted to perfection, these lounge chairs are not merely pieces of furniture; they are functional pieces or art. Enveloped in a sumptuous deep sapphire velvet, these lounge chairs redefine comfort and style. The allure of the plush upholstery beckons you to sink into a world of indulgence, with the rich velvety texture against your skin, a tactile symphony that will elevate your relaxation to an art form. Warren Platner was a luminary in the world of modern design, Platner's career was marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and elegance. Trained as an architect, he seamlessly transitioned into the realm of furniture design, leaving an indelible mark with his distinctive creations. Platner's ingenuity was particularly evident in his collaboration with Knoll, a legendary name in the world of modern furniture. Founded in 1938 by Hans Knoll and later joined by his wife Florence Knoll, the company became synonymous with cutting-edge design and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. Knoll became a trailblazer, collaborating with visionaries like Warren Platner to create pieces that would go on to define an era. The Platner Lounge Chairs, with their unique design and quality materials, stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of both Warren Platner and Knoll. These chairs aren't just pieces of furniture; they are collectors' items, highly sought after by those who appreciate the intersection of art and functionality. In a world where trends come and go, the Platner Lounge Chairs stand the test of time. They aren't just a place to sit; they are an experience, a visual and tactile journey into the lap of luxury. Owning these chairs isn't just a choice; it's an affirmation of a lifestyle that values the finer things – where comfort meets design, and every piece of furniture is a statement. These chairs would look incredible in any mid century modern, contemporary or modern environment. We currently have these chairs in our gallery alongside other iconic pieces, and Arne Jacobsen egg chair, and Eero Saarinen dining set...
Nickel
Pair of Knoll Barcelona Chairs Stainless Steel with ottoman
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Authentic Midcentury Modern Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll – Premium Stainless Steel Version Offered for sale is an iconic Barcelona Chair, designed by Ludwig Mies ...
Stainless Steel
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
H 28 in W 44.5 in D 32 in
Harry Bertoia Diamond Chair and Ottoman for Knoll, circa 1950's
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large diamond chrome chair designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll in 1952. The chair and ottoman have the original red fabric cover. Harry Bertoia’s wire chairs...
Chrome
Pair of Barcelona Chairs - Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll
By Knoll
Located in Dekalb, IL
c. 1970s-1980s; Knoll International, Inc. - New York, New York An iconic pair of Barcelona chairs featuring hand-tufted brown leather cushions supported by polished steel frames. Or...
Steel
$14,995 / set
H 39.38 in W 41.5 in D 25.5 in
Warren Platner Lounge Easy Chair and Ottoman by Knoll, Bronze Frame, 1972
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This iconic lounge chair and ottoman by Warren Platner for Knoll International represents the peak of sculptural American modernism. Designed in the mid-1960s and still celebrated as...
Stainless Steel
Frank Lloyd Wright Lounge Chair
By Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in Weesp, NL
Limited edition lounge chair designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1920's for the Tokyo Imperial Hotel. A select number of Wright furniture designs from the Imperial Hotel were put into limited production in 1996 by Cassina (owner of FLW furniture...
Fabric, Wood
$8,630 / set
H 30.5 in W 35.75 in D 24.5 in
Pair of Warren Platner Mid Century Modern Lounge Chairs for Knoll
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic pair of Mid Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chairs by Warren Platner for Knoll International. An ottoman, listed separately, is also available. This pair of lounge chair...
Steel, Chrome
$9,000
H 38 in W 33.25 in D 30.5 in
Pair of Marcus Jehs and Jurgen Laub for Knoll black leather lounge chairs
By Knoll, Jehs & Laub
Located in Ferndale, MI
In my mind this is the 21st century Womb chair . Jehs and Laub lounges for Knoll . Wide seat and comfortable backrest would allow one to easily curl up on it . Strikingly simple Lo...
Steel, Chrome
$8,450 / set
H 33.5 in W 31.75 in D 21 in
Vintage Ettore Sottsass for Knoll Eastside Lounge Chairs - A Pair
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace the iconic design of the late 20th century with this rare pair of vintage lounge chairs, designed by the legendary Ettore Sottsass for Knoll. These chairs embody a distinctiv...
Metal
Frank Gehry "Easy Edges" Wiggle Side Chair for Vitra
By Frank Gehry
Located in Dronten, NL
An iconic Wiggle Side Chair designed by Frank Gehry as part of his groundbreaking Easy Edges collection, produced by Vitra. Originally conceived in the early 1970s, the Easy Edges se...
Other
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 28 in W 30 in D 26 in
Pair of Vintage Mid-Century Modern Black Leather Wassily Lounge Chairs for Knoll
By Knoll, Marcel Breuer, Stendig Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Vintage Mid-Century Modern Black leather wassily lounge chairs for Knoll. The Wassily lounge chair was designed by Marcel Breuer in Black full leather. Has flat caps on the e...
Steel, Chrome
$1,200
H 30 in W 34 in D 27 in
Mid-Century Modern Red Wire Diamond Lounge Patio Chair by Harry Bertoia Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic diamond chair designed by Harry Bertoia and produced by Knoll. This chair features a red factory powder coat. Always used indoors but could be used as a patio chair.
Wire
Danish 1960's Lowback Easy Lounge Chair by Ryesberg Mobler
By Ryesberg Møbler
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic 1960s easy chair by Ryesberg Mobler, Denmark, possibly designed by Kurt Østervig. Charming clean design with a strong statement for a little chair. Original wool showing som...
Wool, Teak
Paire de chaise Easy Edges Wiggle par Frank Gehry pour Vitra
Located in Rouen, FR
Paire de chaise Easy Edges Wiggle conçu par Frank Gehry et édité par Vitra. Structure composée de couches de carton compressé avec chants en contreplaqué apparent, formant une assise...
Paper composite
Warren Platner for Knoll Easy Chair
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Warren Platner for Knoll, easy chair model '1705', steel, fabric, United States, design ca. 1962, production later. This iconic lounge chair by Warren Platner is created by welding ...
Steel
Sold
H 43.5 in W 20 in D 21.5 in
Pair American Modernist "High Sticking" Black Chairs Frank Gehry for Knoll 1992
By Knoll, Frank Gehry
Located in Portland, OR
A good pair American Port-Modernist "High Sticking" sculptural chairs by Frank Gehry for Knoll International in black, designed in 1992. One of the most celebrated architects of th...
Maple
Frank Gehry for Knoll Power Play Chair and Ottoman, circa 1994
By Frank Gehry
Located in Seattle, WA
Inspired by the surprising strength of the apple crates he played on as a child, Frank Gehry created his thoroughly original collection of bentwood furniture. The ribbon-like designs...
Maple, Plywood
Pair of Frank Gehry for Knoll Cross Check Chairs
By Frank Gehry, Knoll
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Inspired by the apple crates he had played on as a child, Pulitzer prize-winning architect Frank Gehry created the ribbon-like design of the cross check chair...
Maple
Frank Gehry "Easy Edges" Contour Chair
By Frank Gehry
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Countour low lounge chair, from Frank Gehry's "Easy Edges" furniture series, designed and produced from 1969-1973. This rare chair is made of laminated ...
Masonite
Rare Original Frank Gehry, Easy Edges, Cardboard Contour Chair
By Frank Gehry
Located in Kansas City, MO
Iconic, original contour chair designed by Frank Gehry for easy edges. Made of Industrial corrugated cardboard and masonite.
Frank Gehry Knoll Cross Check Armchair
By Frank Gehry
Located in Wayne, NJ
Frank Gehry Knoll cross check armchair.
Rare Frank Gehry Easy Edges Set of Nesting Chairs
By Frank Gehry
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Seldom seen easy edges nesting chair set! Three individual chairs that stack neatly into one unit. Innovative use of materials were the hallmark of this early 1970s design from Archi...
Masonite, Paper
Frank Gehry Power Play Lounge Chair for Knoll, Brand New
By Frank Gehry, Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
This is a brand new signed power play lounge chair designed by Frank Gehry and made by Knoll.
Birch
Vincent Chair and Ottoman by Frank Gehry
By Frank Gehry
Located in New York, NY
Vintage chair and ottoman by Frank Gehry.
Frank O Gehry Sitting Beaver Chair
By Frank Gehry
Located in Pawtucket, RI
"Sitting Beaver" chair deigned by Frank O Gehry and manufactured by New City Editions. Design date for this chair is 1979 but put into production in 1986...
Frank Gehry "Powerplay" lounge chair and ottoman by Knoll
By Frank Gehry
Located in Highland, IN
The "Powerplay" lounge chair and accompanying "Off-side" ottoman are part of the revolutionary group of designs by Frank Gehry. Inspired by apple crates, t...