Florence Knoll for Knoll International Sofa in Teak and Grey Upholstery

Florence Knoll for Knoll International, sofa, model '2557', fabric, teak, 1955

This sofa model 2557 is designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in 1955. This sofa is simplistic, yet stylish in its appearance. Due to the grey color of the upholstery, the sofa underlines the streamlined and modern look. Therefore, it enhances the straight, sharp lines of the seat. The sofa is standing on a wooden teak frame, leaving an open space underneath the sofa and therefore creates a light appearance.

Florence Knoll (1917-) is trained as an architect and had a sense of style from a very young age. During her schooltime at Cranbrook, Eliel Saarinen (then the headmaster) and his family included her in their family. In 1936 she met Alvar Aalto and was trained by Marcel Breuer, Walter Gropius and (as if the long list of eminent designers is not long enough) Mies van der Rohe. This meant that although she was barely out of her teens, she was educated by the best of the European modernists. When she arrived in New York she worked on interior projects (being the only female) which is how she came to know Hans Knoll. When Florence joined Knoll, the planning unit started. Florence also made sure that the designs where more 'American Modernist' instead of Scandinavian, When Hans Knoll died she took over and did it with the utmost skill and professionality. Her long list of architect friends designed many famous pieces yet her own imprint on the company including her designs in what can be called 'humanist modernism' is what truly had the greatest impact.

Knoll International was founded in New York by the 26-year-old German Hans Knoll (1914-1955) in 1938. Hans' father, Walter Knoll, was a true modernist and furniture manufacturer who had a reputation for quality. When Hans Knoll died at a young age his wife Florence Knoll took over and under her influence the company flourished and created its best designs. She designed and led the company where she cooperated with talented designers such as Eero Saarinen, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Richard Schultz and Harry Bertoia.

Please note that the depicted photographs show an example of the way this item can be tailored to specific wishes of our clients. We kindly ask you to contact our design experts to discuss your wishes regarding upholstery and finishing. Your special requests can be realized by the experienced craftsmen and -women in our own in-house restoration and upholstery atelier. With high attention to the original, they make sure every piece retains its value and is ready for the many years to come. Please note that a custom-made reupholstered sofa has a lead-time of twelve to fourteen weeks. All to meet our high-quality and standards.

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