Barcelona chair, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, 1929, Germany

Metal frame of flat chromium plated steel bars, in one piece, forming its shape at sides, with the back legs curving diagonally (to right) to form the seat and the front legs extending diagonally to the left to form the curving frame of the back rest. Suspension of 9 separate leather straps stretched across seat and 8 across back, These are attached to the frame with steel pins on the underside edges. Seat and back cushion are of latex foam covered in saddle leather, and buttoned with 12 leather covered buttons on the outside of the seat and back. Both cushions are detachable by metal studs on small leather strips stitched onto the top left and right of seat cushion and bottom left and right of the seat cushion.

Notes from: Hollis, R. 1970. Modern Chairs:1918-1970. The Whitechapel Art Gallery, London
"The curving contours of Mies’s chairs are always generous and calm. Being a large man, he thinks of furniture in ample terms. The Barcelona chair, the most beautiful piece of furniture he has ever designed, is large enough for two people to sit in. The single curve of the back crossing the reverse curve of the seat expresses ‘chair’ better than any other contemporary model. As always, Mies’s impeccable craftsmanship plays an important part in his furniture design. Everything is calculated to the last millimetre: the width and thickness of the strap metal and the radius of the curves at the joints; the width and spacing of the leather strapping, the size of the upholstery buttons, the fineness of the welting and the proportions of the leather on the cushions. Phillip C. Johnson: Mies Van Der Rohe New York 1947"
"Mies van der Rohe was appointed director for the German Government Pavilion at the Barcelona International Exhibition of 1929, and the chairs were specially designed for its interior."

CIRC.84:1-1969