Monumental Karl Springer Polished Steel 'Banker' Coffee Table
A monumental scale early production 'banker' coffee table by Karl Springer. This is an exceptional early iteration of Springer's iconic banker table, with the legs coming through the top. Circa 1977-1978. The glass is expertly cut to sit inside its polished steel frame. The chunky curvilinear legs provide a beautiful contrast with its angular cuts. There is one small chip on the underside of the glass top near one leg, which is not noticeable when the glass is in. The polished steel frame and glass top beautifully reflect their interior surroundings. This piece is meant to be the focal point of any room!
Unsigned. This table has been authenticated by Mark Eckman of Matthews & Parker and Karl Springer LTD. A formal certificate of authenticity can be supplied upon request.
KARL SPRINGER (l931 - 1991) was born in Berlin, Germany in 1931. He immigrated to New York in 1957, where he began his career as a window dresser for Lord & Taylor on Fifth Avenue, while designing his own line of exotic leather accessories. After placing some of his items in a specialty shop within Bergdorf Goodman, the line became an overnight sensation. He eventually opened his own atelier on East 53rd Street, where he was discovered by the Duchess of Windsor. It was her patronage of Springer that thrust him into stardom.
Designers and patrons alike flocked to his shop, charmed by his personality and captivated by his designs. Over time, he began taking commissions for larger and more important pieces, using only the finest materials and finishing techniques, such as ancient oriental lacquering and high quality lucite fabrication. He drew inspiration from many design movements and refined them down to their purest forms, giving his pieces a unique sense of appeal. He also developed a network of artisans and craftsmen known to produce the highest quality of materials and workmanship. Among them was Mark Eckman, a young industrial designer who had a line of lucite furniture and lighting. They began a longstanding collaboration, first in lucite and then other materials, until Karl's passing in 1991.
Karl Springer arguably became the most influential American furniture stylist of the late 20th century. His work was a favorite of the glamour set, who enjoyed the novelty of pieces finished in rich and striking materials that ranged from exotic hides and skins to lacquer and chromed metal. His blend of chic sophistication, fresh aesthetics, and exquisute craftmanship made his work powerfully attractive (and widely imitated) from the 1960s through the 1990s. His influence and legacy can still be felt in high-end contemporary design today. He was posthumously honored with a one-man show at the New York School of Interior Design in 1994. Numerous articles about him have appeared in prestigious design journals, and his original pieces are in great demand at auction houses and among both dealers and collectors of 20th century furniture.
DIMENSIONS: 60 L x 48 W x 17.5 H inches
CONDITION: Excellent vintage condition. Minor scratches. There is one small chip on the underside of the glass top near one leg, which is not noticeable when the glass is in. Sourced from the original owner.
Tear Sheets Are Available For Trade Members.
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