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| Examples of Grecian Klismos Chairs found on Ceramics |
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| Grecian Klismos Chair |
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| This a superb example of a Baltimore painted and gilt "fancy chair" |
Here are a few examples of early 19th c. klismos chairs.
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| Early 19th c. American Klismos Chairs |
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| Antique Klismos Chairs |
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| Regency c. 1805 Klismos Chair |
 
The chair directly above the pair of Gustavian Blue seated klismos chairs is a Michael Smith designed chair that references the best of English neo-classical Regency design. And the Gustavian, early 19th c. Swedish side chairs are also perfection.
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| Steven Gambrel Klismos |
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| Steven Gambrel Klismos |
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| Robsjohn-Gibbings Klismos Chair c. 1937, Metropolitan Museum |
Now, I'm finally getting to the reason I decided to post on Klismos chairs. I was perusing the Derring Hall site the other day and came upon this fantastic NEW Neoclassical klismos chair by Steven Gambrel.......At first glance, this chair appears to be really great: cerused oak, very dramatic Grecian form, definitely a riff (sp?/real word?) on Robsjohn Gibbings mid-century design as shown directly above.
I love the design aesthetic of Steven Gambrel--I have not seen a single room designed by Gambrel that I would add to or subtract from--that said: I really don't think that the design of these chairs is up to his usual high standards. The form is highly stylized and elongated, but comfortable?....not too sure. Take note of the wood projections to the front of the seats---I can only imagine getting hung-up on these square off pieces of wood. Yes, they mimic the Robsjohn-Gibbings chair, but lack the grace and construction details of the earlier chairs. Also, (in my humble opinion) the legs are chunky and clunky rather than anticipated elegance of traditional Klismos chairs. I think that these chairs come off as impressive and stagey rather than patrician. The cerused oak is gorgeous. I think that you'll get a better idea of what I mean by comparing Steven Gambrel's chair with other examples of klismos chairs. Below are examples additional examples of iconic Robsjohn-Gibbings mid-century chairs. The connection of the first klismos chair to the Gambrel chair is clearly evident. I guess I just wish that Steven Gambrel had stayed a little closer to his personal design criteria.
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| Robsjohn Gibbings Klismos Chair by Saridis |
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| Robsjohn Gibbings Klismos Dining Chair |
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| Mid-Century Stylized Klismos Salon Chairs |
These super elegant Klismos-inspired mid-20th c. Salon Chairs are another example of great American design. I have sold several versions of this chair--they always make a room sing--to bring it into 21st century design, the upholstery could be switched out to a high-end Ikat.
And now............
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| Mary's Mid-Century Klismos Chairs |
Guess where these beauties currently reside? Yep, they are mine. I have a set of 8 of these gorgeous mid-century lacquered and brass inlaid Klismos dining chairs. They date to the late 1940's/early 50's and are in great original condition. Three of the chairs have had their cane seats replaced (you cannot stand on caned seats!!), otherwise they are all original with brass details to the back rail and seat rail.
AND THEY ARE REDUCED FROM $4800.00 TO $3200.00
FOR MY SUMMER SALE
This is a fantastic price (only $400/each) for a set of eight perfect klismos chairs and in this condition. (Note: I have a period English Regency 54" round solid mahogany table that would be the perfect partner for these great chairs--not listed on my website).
Please check out my website mjhdesignarts.com for more neo-classical pieces that are currently reduced.
(PLEASE: forgive the mis-steps in formatting this post---can't quite figure out the ins and outs--stick with me).
Thanks for joining me on this adventure.
Mary and Jones (and Cole)
