A rare pair of early 1970s Wiggle side chairs by Frank O. Gehry from his innovative and iconic Easy Edges collection of cardboard furniture.
Conceived in 1969 and launched in 1972 to critical and popular acclaim, the original production run of the Wiggle side chair was halted by Gehry just a couple a years later, due largely to his concerns that his furniture designs would overshadow his work as an architect. Because of this, it’s very uncommon to find an original matched pair, especially in such fine vintage condition.
As comfortable as it is sculptural, with a strong, sinuous form that resembles a gently unspooling roll of paper. It’s a clever visual reference to the sustainable source materials, and a hint at the undulating aesthetic that would later become a hallmark of Gehry’s internationally renowned architectural designs.
Hardboard sides sandwich layers of corrugated cardboard, the open edges of which have a nice velvety feel. Back “foot” sits on a discreet inset wood runner. A full 3 inches wider than Wiggle chairs produced by Vitra in the 1990s and currently. Unmarked.
H 30.38 in. x W 16.75 in. x D 22.5 in. Seat height 17.75. Professionally cleaned and in great vintage condition. Some cardboard “snags”; and a few small flattened spots on bottom front curves. A few faint spots on hardboard. Minor compression at top/bottom, mostly on one chair.
***SOLD***