Set of 4, 1950's Katavolos T-Chairs, Chrome and Black Leather Sling Chair

Details

Description

Offered is a set of 4, 1952 William Katavolos, Ross Littell, and Douglas Kelley “T Chairs” (Model 3LC)—an icon of … Read more Offered is a set of 4, 1952 William Katavolos, Ross Littell, and Douglas Kelley “T Chairs” (Model 3LC)—an icon of early American modernism originally produced for Laverne, New York. This set features fully chrome-plated steel frames (a rare and highly desirable finish) paired with original black leather slings. While many T-chairs utilize a mix of black-lacquered and chrome steel, this set represents the most elevated, cohesive aesthetic of the original 1952 design.

*Chairs are from an original private grouping of ten -- we'll be keeping two for our personal collection.* There are no makers marks or remaining stickers/identifiers.

Condition:
The chairs are in remarkable vintage condition. As is standard for 70-year-old museum-grade leather, a professional restoration is recommended to ensure the longevity of the slings. The frames have been well maintained and show minimal patina; even the "roughest" chairs in the group required only a few minutes mild polish and dusting to return to its lustrous, high-chrome finish. The leather retains a beautiful, authentic patina consistent with its age and history.

The single chair shown in the photos represents the most conservatively preserved example in the group—it has received only very light polishing and dusting, with no restorative work performed. Even so, it presents strongly; the remaining chairs are equal or better in overall condition.

Design Pedigree & Museum Collections:
Designed in 1952, the T-chair won the American Institute of Decorators award for the best furniture design in the United States. Its minimalist, three-legged silhouette—inspired by the functionalism of Mies van der Rohe—is a masterclass in tension and balance.

The T-chair is a permanent fixture in the world’s most prestigious design archives, including;
- The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), New York
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- The Vitra Design Museum, Germany
- The Louvre, Paris

Exceptional Provenance:
The original owner was a trustee of MoMA, giving this set exceptional, museum-adjacent provenance rarely encountered on the market. Further detail upon request.

Specifications:
Dimensions ~32" H x 23" W x 23" D
Materials - Chrome-plated tubular steel, original black leather sling. See less