B.K.F. Chair

B.K.F. Chair

1938
Designer
Antonio Bonet, Spanish, 1913-1989
Born: Barcelona, Spain
Work Locations: Uruguay, Argentina, Paris, France
Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, Argentine, 1914-1977
Born: Argentina
Work Locations: Argentina, Paris, France
Juan Kurchan, Argentine, 1913-1975
Born: Argentina
Work Locations: Argentina, Paris, France
Manufacturer
Artek-Pascoe, USA
Work Locations: New York, NY
Knoll International, Inc., 1938-
Work Locations: New York, NY
Country
Argentina
Object
chair
Medium
Painted wrought-iron rod and leather
Accession Number
1995.72
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Albert Christ-Janer

Antonio Bonet (Spanish, 1913–89), Juan Kurchan (Argentine, 1913–75) and Jorge Ferrari Hardoy (Argentine, 1914–77), B. K. F. Chair, 1938. Painted wrought-iron rod and leather. Manufactured by Artek-Pascoe, USA (about 1941–43); Knoll International, USA (about 1950–75). Denver Art Museum Collection: Gift of Mrs. Albert Christ-Janer, 1995.72.

Dimensions
height: 35 in, 88.9000 cm; width: 31 3/4 in, 80.645 cm; depth: 29 1/2 in, 74.93 cm; seat height: 16 in, 40.6400 cm
Department
Architecture and Design
Collection
Architecture and Design

Antonio Bonet
Spanish, 1913–89
Juan Kurchan
Argentine, 1913–75
Jorge Ferrari Hardoy
Argentine, 1914–77
B. K. F. Chair 
1938
Painted wrought-iron rod and leather
Manufactured by Artek-Pascoe, USA (about 1941–43); Knoll International, USA (about 1950–75)
Gift of Mrs. Albert Christ-Janer, 1995.72

The B. K. F. chair (also known as the Butterfly chair) would become one of the most imitated chairs of the twentieth century. Practically speaking, it is relatively lightweight, some versions could fold, and it was available in any number of festive colors at a relatively low price. The lounge chair became hugely popular in the United States, particularly on the West Coast, and an estimated five million were sold in the country during the 1950s alone.

Known Provenance
Gifted 1995 by Mrs. Albert Christ-Janer to the Denver Art Museum.
Exhibition History
  • "What Is Modern?" — Denver Art Museum, 10/30/2010 - 3/24/2013