GIBRALTAR FURNITURE (800 416 3635) INTRODUCES THE NELSON COCONUT CHAIR.

Originally introduced in 1955, the Nelson coconut chair is again available after a 23-year hiatus. This 20th century furniture icon has a simple, striking shape, and is a very comfortable place to unwind at home, in the office, or at the studio. It is available now for the introductory special price of only $995. Other stores sell the Herman Miller version of this chair for $3899!

Our Coconut chair features a white fiberglass shell, a chrome leg frame, and 100% Italian Leather construction. This coconut chair is completely true to George Nelson’s original design, materials, and detailing. With the unique shell design, he accomplished his goal of providing comfortable and attractive lounge seating that allows free movement so that people can sit in just about any position they choose.

George Nelson (1908 - 1986) was one of the founders of American modernism, along with Charles and Ray Eames. George Nelson was born in Hartford, Connecticut. He died in New York City.

George Nelson’s catalog design and exhibition designs made him a vanguard pioneer in the field of American design. At one point Ettore Sottsass worked at his office. He was without any doubt the most articulate and one of the most eloquent voices on design and architecture in the U.S.A. of the 20th century. In 1971 he received a grant from the Graham Foundation for his project “Hidden Cities”.

Modern Outdoor Furniture for Summer 2008

Gibraltar Furniture is proud to announce the future of outdoor furniture has landed.

The “Outdoor Living Collection” is a series of ultramodern modular units that re-define the landscape of exterior design. The compilation consists of “The Sphere,” “The Vase,” The Column,” and “The Egg”. All of the materials are weather resistant and designed to live outside.

The “Outdoor Living Collection” is a group of geometric interlocking pieces that can be stacked to save space and create magnificent art based installations when exhibited in their full glory. This stacking method also helps keep the seats and table top clean and protected from the elements while not in use.

These all weather units are destined for big things. Neiman Marcus will be showing the collection as the “must have” item for use this summer.

The “Sphere” stacking patio furniture set is a creative and handy arrangement for outdoor seating environments. The 5 pieces (4 chairs and a table) load into a single orb resembling a giant golf ball. The set is easy to disassemble and features 5 stylish pieces of patio furniture that look great in any environment. The materials are weather resistant and designed for indoor/outdoor use. When stacked, the entire “golf ball” has a 43.34″ diameter at its largest point, and stands 43.34″ tall.

The “Vase” stacking patio furniture set is an artistic and convenient system for outdoor furniture. This assortment has a large vessel type shape that resembles a grand vase or sculpture on your patio. The unit is easy to disassemble and features 5 stylish pieces (4 chairs and a table) of patio furniture that look great in a multitude of settings. The materials are weather resistant and designed to be outside. When stacked, the entire Vessel has a diameter of 27.5″ at its largest point, and stands 63″ tall.

“Column” stacking patio furniture set is imaginative and creative furniture at its finest. The 5 pieces (4 chairs and a table) mount into a striking hourglass shape that stores like a pillar or sculpture on your patio. This compilation will sparkle in any environment.

 

The “Egg” stacking patio furniture set is an inventive and handy seating constellation. The 5 pieces (4 chairs and a table) lock into a futuristic-looking capsule shape. The set is easy to dismantle and features 5 stylish pieces of patio furniture that look great in a multitude of settings. The materials are weather resistant and designed to be outside. When stacked, the capsule has a diameter of 27.2″ at its largest point, and stands approximately 47.3″ tall.

Gibraltar Furniture www.gibraltarfurniture.com is a top secret weapon web site for buying first rate imported products at wholesale! This Beverly Hills store sells designer items from Europe, America, and Asia at wholesale prices to the public.

Gibraltar offers the entire line of products from the Architectural Pottery collection, Art Watches Atali, Ameico, Aluma, Ann Kersen, Ares Line, AV, Ballfinger Lighting, Brave Space Design, Burhans, Beau & Bien, Carl Martens, Compar, Conmoto Fireplaces, Dams, Dare Décor, David Edward, Davis, DHD Lighting, Diamond Teak, Ezgo, Fabulux, Firefarm, Gaia & Gino, Girari, Gordon International, Gray, Havaseat Chairs, Jeep, Knu, Innovation, IQMatics, Janke, Jet Age, Kenshoma, Logical Progression, Litto Kids, Lucein Gau, Lunar Lounge, Maku, Malik, Modloft, MunNimulA, Newform, Not Neutral, Ogus Design Lighting, Ooba, Offi, Oeuf, OFM, The Phillips Collection, Plodes Design, Produzione Privata, Serralunga, Spazia. Stig Hansen, Straifht Line Designs, Studio4LA, Swanky Design, Touch Design/Lighting, Trevi Outdoor, Veneman Outdoor Colection, True Modern, Venini Artlight, Vig, Zuo Modern, 100Times Better among others.

Gibraltar Furniture offers architectural office and home furniture at wholesale prices. We feature discount major brand, world famous designer leather/metal/wood furnishings & seating factory direct to you!

Barcelona Construction

When you buy a Barcelona piece of furniture be aware that what you don’t see can really impact your purchase. Take the composition of the interior foam cushions for instance.

FOAM

We use the best foam that money can buy on our entire series. And we use only fire proof material that complies fully with CA 117 FR foam regulations for all of our pieces.

Foam is a substance - liquid or solid, that is formed in such a way as to trap many gas bubbles within it. The Foam used in furniture upholstery is generally Polyurethane (foam rubber), but latex rubber is also used sometimes.

Polyurethane foam has two basic characteristics that describe its suitability for various uses: Density: Density is the weight of a regular unity of the substance. For example, one type of foam rubber might weight 5 lbs per cubic foot. Commercial foam manufacturers generally measure foam density in kg per cubic meter. Ranging from approximately 15 - 50 kg per cubic meter. Where 50kg is the denser foam and therefore is generally less susceptible to compression.

Resistance and Load Deflection: Measures the change in the cubic dimensions of the foam when compressed by a particular weight of specific size and shape. Or looked at another way: A piece of foam that does not change shape and size significantly under the weight of an 8 inch round metal plate is said to have high ILD, (indentation load deflection). A soft piece of foam would have a low ILD. Specifically - to compress a piece of foam by 25% (for example making a 4 inch piece of foam 3 inch) by putting a 40lb weight on it, implies that the foam sample in question is very firm - and has an ILD of 40.

Although a somewhat subjective matter - ILDs of between 10 - 24 are considered soft, 25 - 32 are medium and 33 - 40 are firm. 41+ are considered to be extra firm. Foam does soften slightly over time with use. (Better quality foam will soften comparably less over time).

COMFORT
Our Barcelona seating units boast the highest level of comfort in the marketplace. Different people consider different firmnesses of foam to be more or less comfortable. The tastes of countries and cultures vary too. The Americans prefer considerably softer foam than the Germans for example. The average comfort range for a sofa in the United States is 25 - 35, where as the average comfort range in Germany is approximately 30 - 40 ILD. Another consideration is that comfort is dependant upon the specific usage. An ILD that is comfortable in a sofa might be too soft for a lounge chair or a mattress.

SAFETY

Safety concerns about the flammability of foam rubber, has prompted the creation of many governmental standards for fire resistance in furniture manufacture internationally. The most demanding being that of the British BS-5852 certification and Californian CA-117. We are fully compiant with the aforementioned requirements.

FIRE RESISTANCE
To make Polyurethane foam fire resistant a variety of fire retardant chemicals are added to the compound. It is worth noting that latex rubber is naturally fire retardant and does not require the addition of chemical additives to meet and exceed the legal requirements for British BS-5852 and Californian CA-117 certification.

ZIPPERS
Today the cushions of the Barcelona Chair commonly have color matched, heavy duty, plastic zippers running the length of the bottom edge of the back rest, and, under the seat cushion, along the back edge of the downward facing surface. (running along side the air vent commonly found here).

The zippers allow manufacturers to insert the foam cushion into the leather upholstery.

SEAMS
he seams of the Barcelona chair are quite complex. The seams on our entire Barcelona seating series are perfect and completely hidden. The characteristic patchwork of the cushions is comprised on individual sections, (called biscuits). These are sewn together with the leather tube that constitutes the piping, sandwiched in between them. The corner junctions between these sections have 16 layers of leather that have to be neatly sewn together. Leather needles, also known as Glovers needles have a triangular shaped point for piercing the leather without tearing it. Used on leather, suede, vinyl and plastic. Sizes 3/0-10.

PIPING

Piping may be made in a variety of different ways, the earliest of which was by simply folding long strips of fabric or leather over cord or thin rope and then hand or machine stitching as closely as possible to the encased cord, leaving the double thick margin to be tacked and then sewn into the cushion itself through four thicknesses of leather. The Gibraltar Barcelona seating series offer perfect piping in strict accordant with the original design. Plastic tubing is most often used today, because it provides a consistent and regular tube. However the highest quality manufacturers still use rope. Knoll has over the years used hemp, cotton and acrylic rope.

BUTTONS
Two part hollow metal buttons, comprised of a top and a bottom section, both covered in leather are then pressed together so that the bottom half snaps or fits snugly into the top half. A metal loop which is an intrinsic part of the lower level is then attached via stout generally synthetic, high tensile thread, through the cushion by means of a button hook to a matching button on the other side.

STRAPS
Barcelona chair straps are made of 7 - 8 oz weight leather hide. This thick leather, also called vegetable tanned hide, is color matched to the upholstery. It’s very strong and resistant (although not impervious) to stretching. Purchased in whole hides, manufacturers cut the straps out and then either screw or rivet them to the frame. The straps extend from the front edge of the seat frame, to a rod running along the back edge, and from the top of the back frame to the same rod. Straps are wrapped around the metal in such a way as to ensure that rivets and screws are hidden from view.

CLOSURES
Poppers and buckles are the two primary fastening mechanisms used by manufacturers of licensed and reproduction chairs. The fasteners affix the cushions to the frame, so that it doesn’t move about too much. Knoll itself has over the years alternated between both methods, and is currently using buckles.

All of our products are reproductions and are not licensed items. Instead they are inspired by by the designer. Gibraltar Furniture offers architectural office and home furniture at wholesale prices. We feature discount major brand, world famous designer leather/metal/wood furnishings & seating factory direct to you! Tel 800 416-363.

www.gibraltarfurniture.com

Barcelona History

Many prospective purchasers of the Barcelona Chair ask if the chair they are buying is “authentic” or original. Clearly they are trying to ensure that they end up with the best option available, however this is not the best question to ask to achieve that end. The original chair made by Mies and Lily for the exhibition, was a relatively low grade steel, with a chromed finish.Our release in comparison features the highest quality stainless steel frame as pictured below.

Although stainless steel was invented at the end of the 1800s, and patented in 1913, it was not in wide spread production for some time there after - and no doubt was not an easily accessible option in 1929.

STAINLESS STEEL TECHNICAL INFO

Stainless steel is defined as an iron-carbon alloy with a minimum of 10.5% chromium.

Stainless steel gets its name from the fact that it has higher resistance to oxidation, rust and corrosion. Different grades of stainless steel are resistant to oxidation associated with different types of environment. Eg. Air versus water, sweet water versus salt water etc. Resistance to oxidation associated with air borne moisture is normally achieved with additions of a minimum of 13% (by weight) chromium - given average ambient temperatures and salinity, but may require up to 26% for more extreme environments.

This works in the following way: The chromium forms a surface layer of chromium(III) oxide (Cr_2 O_3 ) when exposed to oxygen, however the layer is too thin to be visible, so the metal retains it smooth and shiny appearance. It is, however, impervious to water and air, and so serves to protect the metal beneath. Also, this layer quickly reforms when the surface is scratched.

This phenomenon is called passivation and is also seen in other metals, such as aluminum and titanium.

Nickel also contributes to passivation, as do other less commonly used ingredients such as molybdenum and vanadium.

STAINLESS STEEL TYPES

The addition of nickel or manganese makes stainless steel non-magnetic and less brittle at low temperatures. This is called an Austenitic steel and is graded as a 300 series steel. Over 70% of total stainless steel production world wide is 300 series stainless steel. They contain a maximum of 0.15% carbon, a minimum of 16% chromium and sufficient nickel and/or manganese to retain an austenitic structure at all temperatures from the cryogenic region to the melting point of the alloy.

• There are over 150 grades of stainless steel, of which fifteen are most common.

Type 304 is the universal grade; the classic 18/8 stainless steel. Also referred to as “A2″ in accordance with ISO - International Organization for Standardization.

METAL FINISHES

With regard to the Barcelona Chair, only two standard stainless steel finishes are common - in the creation of that distinctive highly polished aesthetic appearance. • No. 7 - reflective finish • No. 8 - mirror finish

We polish our Barcelona chairs to a brilliant mirror finish as standard feature. Knoll will charge you extra for this upgrade. Here is an image that displays the triple polish look on all of our Barcelona frames.

All of our products are reproductions and are not licensed items. Instead they are inspired by by the designer. Gibraltar Furniture offers architectural office and home furniture at wholesale prices. We feature discount major brand, world famous designer leather/metal/wood furnishings & seating factory direct to you! Tel 800 416-363.

www.gibraltarfurniture.com

Barcelona Features

The Barcelona chair is one of the chief symbols of modernism in the furniture movement pioneered by Mies Van der Rohe.

You can purchase this piece form DWR and pay $4,083 or buy the same chair for $795.00 from Gibraltar Furniture.

Gibraltar Furniture spotlights architectural office and home furniture at wholesale prices. We feature discount major brand, world famous designer leather/metal/wood furnishings & seating factory direct to you! Tel 800 416-3635

FEATURES

* Ultra High-quality imported density foam

* Superior grade stainless steel frame

* Hand-selected Italian leather, expertly sewn and piped.

* Seat and back cushions adapt to fit curve of frame.

* Individual leather panels are cut, hand-welted and hand-tufted

* Panels and buttons are crafted from a single hide

BARCELONA MATERIALS

The Barcelona series is a unique and striking piece of furniture comprised of metal legs and a frame.

Metal Legs: We use only highly polished stainless steel legs. The bar metal is shaped and welded, ground and polished.

Tufted leather upholstery: A patchwork checkerboard of piped leather and leather covered buttons, stretched gently across firm foam cushions.

Leather Straps: Behind and beneath the back rest and seat cushions - matching leather straps are riveted (or sometimes screwed) to the frame . Fastening Systems: All cushions are fasted to the frame and straps with buckles, (beneath the seat) and poppers at the back. Some modern variations include buckles in both places, fabric ties or even Velcro.

METAL LEGS

The frame of The Barcelona chair is metal. The question is what metal. To the laymen this might seem to be a simple question; however it turns out to be a surprisingly complex one.

Each type of metal, like steel and stainless steel, chromed steel and aluminum - can be made in a large number of different ways. Blending the component elements of iron, carbon, nickel, chrome etc in different quantities, using different techniques creates very different results.

The alloys produced by these different blends have specific characteristics suited to particular purposes. Some are more brittle, some more pliable; some are easier to weld; others are less prone to corrosion and a host of other forms of deterioration. Some have a higher shine than others, others scratch more or less easily… and so the list continues in ever increasing layers of subtlety and technicality. Price and availability are also pertinent.

For each range of desired characteristics there might be one or a dozen applicable alloys. Marine stainless steel for example, has quite uncompromising requirements. It needs to be tremendously resistant to the corrosion caused by salt water; it also needs to be weldable, not brittle, but not too pliable. Lives depend upon its structural integrity and so standards must necessarily be high. Raw materials are expensive, and AISI grade 316 stainless steel is only produced by three or four countries, creating a certain scarcity that is in part responsible for the high price.

FRAMES

For Barcelona Chair frames - there is considerably more latitude with regard to these criteria. Certainly the steel must be weldable and not too brittle - but the stressors and weights that can be expected to affect a chair are considerably less extreme than those on the hull of a steel ship. The frame of a chair should not corrode - but it can reasonably be anticipated that it will never have to survive submersion in salt water for extended periods of time. The question of price sensitivity is more personal. Most people purchasing an item like the Barcelona chair do not have access to information about the steel grade of one chair versus another - (even assuming that they knew that this is a variable to consider.) This variable is however one of the principal influences on the price of The Barcelona Chair.

Our Mies Pavilion chair features premium grade 304 bar stock stainless steel for the frame.

Gibraltar is based in Beverly Hills California and can be found on the web at http://www.gibraltarfurniture.com. This firm has been in operation for over 50 years, and is an insider secret weapon for blue chip merchandise at warehouse prices. Yahoo reports that Gibraltar Furniture has “The best prices, models, and service of any site on the internet. This Beverly Hills 90210 store (www.gibraltarfurniture.com) is nirvana for people who want Bauhaus, art deco, modern, mid century, or designer furniture at wholesale prices.”

Barcelona Furniture & Mies van der Rohe

Mies Van der Rohe created the legendary Barcelona series of furniture that laid the framework for modernism.

Our Barcelona chair series is the highest quality reproduction that you will find anywhere in the marketplace. The internet is rife with the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to authentic designer reproductions. This creates a great deal of confusion in the marketplace when consumers experience huge differences in price points for the same items.

Many of the lower cost products from China may appear to be terrific buys at first glance. However, on closer examination the adept consumer will slowly see that a great price does not always equal a superior product.

For instance we have seen many instances where water buffalo, pig leather, or PVC (poly vinyl chloride) is offered in place of the high end 100% Italian leather that we utilize for our entire series.

Many of these low end “knock off’s” do not use the same lines, construction techniques, or materials as the originals. The frames that these sub-par companies use tend to fail over time due to their low grade materials. Most of these units don’t come with any warranties unlike our products which are fully guaranteed for 1 year.

We supply our Mies Pavilion-Barcelona items from Europe and also from our own overseas factory. Unlike our competitors, we use the Capitonné technique which uses individual tabbed squares of leather cut from a single hide and sewn, welted and tufted by hand. Each line is a “pipe” not just stitching. This results in the ultimate luxury product.

We use a total of 17 heavy saddle Italian leather straps ensuring durability and support. All straps are made to match the specified upholstery color. Knoll uses 34 stainless screws to secure straps to steel frame. We follow the same method using 34 stainless rivets to prevent the leather straps from loosening over time.

Our Mies Pavilion chair features premium grade 304 bar stock stainless steel for the frame. Single piece construction ensures long-term durability. each frame is shaped, welded and hand-polished to an impressive mirror finish. Our frames are highly buffed to enhance the luster and appearance. We include the stainless steel frame on all models and we do not up charge for this feature. (Knoll also offers this option but you will have to pay several hundred dollars more for such.)

Knoll uses thinner padding on their Barcelona edition. It has a slight curve to it. The back of the seat cushion is lower giving you a slightly more reclined position. Our chair uses 4″ thick cushions and has a more ergonomic seat angle for better lumbar support and easier position to get up from.

Finally, our cushions are premium quality, highly resilient urethane foam with Dacron polyester fiberfill to 100% match the official Knoll release.

We sell these units form two main sources:

1. Italian leather, Italian stainless Steel, European construction from Gordon International.

We use 100% Italian Leather and 100% stainless steel frames. As Italian labor is more costly than non -European overseas sources the cost corresponding goes up. Please visit the Gordon website for pricing info.

It takes 15-20 hours to pay these chairs. Labor in Europe is about $30 per hour. This makes the total cost higher. However, we mark down all of these models and the price that you will pay will be 30% off of the list price. We deep discount all of these models as we are a factory direct internet wholesaler.

2. Italian leather, Italian stainless Steel, Non-European construction

We source these models from our own overseas factory. We use 100% Italian leather and 100% stainless steel frames. As overseas labor is less expensive than European workmen the total price goes down accordingly.

It takes 15-20 hours to pay these chairs. Non-European labor is about $3 per hour. This makes the total cost lower. We deep discount all of these models as we are a factory direct internet wholesaler.

The quality is the same, the materials, are the same, and the end product is the same. Therefore the choice is yours.

Gibraltar uses our own special off shore factories to create the ultimate in value, design, and quality for this award winning series. We have constructed our own superior facilities that employ strict quality control features to fashion gold standard collectible furniture pieces at cost effective prices.

We can craft each unit in your choice of any of our stock colors. In addition we can also custom fabricate any piece in COM (customers own material)or COL (customers own leather). No other store on the internet can offer any of these services!

Our competitors cut their prices by using low grade bar stock, inferior hides, and unskilled labor. The result is a second-rate product that will quickly fall apart. Many of these lesser products are formed in Asia. We pledge to never source our Mies van der Rohe classic series pieces from cheaper sources and pass them off as design classics. Instead we guarantee that we only sell products from our own plant. The results are world class products that look exactly like the Knoll originals.

Gibraltar is based in Beverly Hills California and can be found on the web at http://www.gibraltarfurniture.com. This firm has been in operation for over 50 years, and is an insider secret weapon for blue chip merchandise at warehouse prices. Yahoo reports that Gibraltar Furniture has “The best prices, models, and service of any site on the internet. This Beverly Hills 90210 store (www.gibraltarfurniture.com) is nirvana for people who want Bauhaus, art deco, modern, mid century, or designer furniture at wholesale prices.”

No one else can offer all of these extras, or the ability to customize Le Corbusier classics at prices that can’t be beat. Gibraltar offers architectural office and home furniture at wholesale prices. We feature discount major brand, world famous designer leather/metal/wood furnishings & seating factory direct to you! Tel 800 416-3635

The Barcelona Chair, In-Depth [Part 1]: Barcelona Leather

A Google™ search indicates that www.gibraltarfurniture.com  is  the foremost site for high end Barcelona design and furniture at wholesale prices. “This West coast Internet pioneer features retro, modern, and post-modern furnishings at rock bottom prices. Gibraltar offers an exceptional array of wholesale, architectural, modern, high quality items at factory direct discount prices. Gibraltar Furniture is one of the leaders in the world of Internet modern architectural products. Gibraltar sells furniture manufactured in Italy, Asia, and the USA and all sales are tax free (except for orders within CA).”

LEATHER OPTIONS

The Barcelona chair cushions are made of leather. The original was made from pig skin, but we use only 100% imported high quality Italian leather for all of releases. Contemporary manufacturers have explored the length and breath of possibility in this regard, producing Barcelona style chairs of every conceivable type of leather - some with notably striking results.

Leather is a versatile and surprisingly diverse material. Leathers can vary tremendously: Consider that a raw hide can be thin or thick, supple or brittle; it can be scared or clean grained. Grain might be regular or irregular, deep or barely visible. And all of this variation exists even before the hide has been treated, scraped, dyed, printed, coated, cut and sewn.

The characteristics of the leather upholstery on your Barcelona Chair will to large degree define the apparent quality of the whole item.

In selecting leather an expert would look several characteristics. A soft and supple ‘hand’: A technical term which really just means - how good it feels on your hand; and a texture that they like. However texture is really quite a subjective and therefore personal choice.

TOP GRAIN/CORRECTED PIGMENTED LEATHER

Top grain leather refers to the epidermis of a hide. That top layer that is both the strongest, most durable and the most characteristic. To be used as top grain leather, hides must have a pleasing regularity of appearance, without too many scars. All high quality manufacturers of leather upholstery will use top grain leather.

Corrected leather or Embossed leather has been stamped to apply an even texture, simulating the grain of leather, but without the naturally uneven markings of uncorrected leathers (removes wrinkles, bites and scars). This allows leathers with too many markings to be corrected, making them more appealing , and also addresses a growing market for uniformity and consistency. Corrected leathers are often but not always lower in price than uncorrected leathers.

Pigmented leathers are aniline dyed hides that includes a pigmented topcoat. The topcoat increases the leather’s durability and color consistency, but also increases the stiffness very slightly. People who like their leather furniture uniform and perfect as well as people who want more protection will enjoy this type of leather.

Some prefer more durable leather, one with a pigment and clear protecting coating. These can be almost invisible to the eye, but do feel slightly different to the hand.

Those in search of a less expensive variation might choose corrected leather. Corrected leathers are slightly lower quality in terms of regularity of grain and markings, and as such are slightly ‘exfoliated’ to remove the very top layer of the epidermis. They are then mechanically embossed with the grain pattern, before being treated with pigment and protective coating. These are sometimes still referred to as top grain leathers, although this term is somewhat inaccurate as some of the ‘top grain’ has in fact been removed.

We use only 100% imported Italian leather for our “Deluxe” program. Colors include Bright White, Camel, Chocolate, Ivory, Black, Red and Saddle Tan.

TOP GRAIN/FULL GRAIN FULL SEMI-ANILINE LEATHER

Semi-Aniline leathers are also colored by aniline dyes. As such they are also noted for their natural grain and softness. However semi-aniline leathers are treated with a clear sealant topcoat which has a slight sheen.

This protective layer is thin enough that it does not obscure the grain, but serves to afford additional protection and color consistency. Semi-anilines are sometimes considered to be the best choice as they offer some degree of protection while still retaining the softness and natural character and beauty of the leather.

We use only 100% imported Italian leather for our “Primo” program. Colors include Bordeaux, Cognac, Cappuccino, Golden Tan, Hunter Green, Black, Navy Blue, Parchment, Tangerine, and Wasabi.

TOP GRAIN/FULL GRAIN FULL ANILINE LEATHER

Aniline leathers are those top grain leathers colored solely by aniline dyes. Aniline dyes are used quite commonly, on all types of leather. These chromium based dies are heated to ensure better penetration into the leather, and to help the dye bond to the cellular structure of the hide.

These transparent dyes preserve the subtle depth of translucence in the leather. Used without surface treatments of pigment and protective coating, aniline dyed leathers are the most natural and ‘naked’ and are therefore favored by leather lovers and purists the world over. No two aniline leathers are identical; each hide has its own characteristics.

Aniline leathers are highly prized both for their luxurious softness and rich color. Because Aniline dyes do not coat the surface of the leather, they do leave it somewhat less protected than other dyes and treatments.

Knoll uses untreated, top grain leather for its Barcelona Chairs. These hides are very high quality, having few natural imperfections, and as such can be used untreated, (without layers of pigment or clear coat protection). The difficulty with untreated leathers is that they fade easily, (more so than those with pigmented protective layers) and being quite porous they stain very easily.

We use only 100% imported Italian leather for our “Exquisíte” program. Colors include Chocolate, Cranberry, Black, Tofee, White and Whiskey.

Gibraltar is based in Beverly Hills California and can be found on the web at http://www.gibraltarfurniture.com. This firm has been in operation for over 50 years, and is an insider secret weapon for blue chip merchandise at warehouse prices. Yahoo reports that Gibraltar Furniture has “The best prices, models, and service of any site on the internet. This Beverly Hills 90210 store (www.gibraltarfurniture.com) is nirvana for people who want Bauhaus, art deco, modern, mid century, or designer furniture at wholesale prices.”

All of our products are reproductions and are not licensed items. Instead they are inspired by by the designer. Gibraltar Furniture offers architectural office and home furniture at wholesale prices. We feature discount major brand, world famous designer leather/metal/wood furnishings & seating factory direct to you! Toll free: 800-416-363.

THE ART OF FURNITURE BY SALVADOR DALI

Art and furniture have come together on the web at www.gibraltarfurniture.com

A flamboyant painter and sometime writer, sculptor and experimental film-maker, Salvador Dali was probably the greatest Surrealist artist, using bizarre dream imagery to create unforgettable and unmistakable landscapes. In addition to sculpture, film, and art the legendary Spanish creator produced a dazzling array of remarkable furniture pieces offered by Gibraltar at 800 416 3635 or sales@gibraltarfurniture.com

For the first time in history the entire collection is presented in its entirety directly from Spain. Moreover Gibraltar is the only source to present the entire catalog on the web for discount prices. And includes free shipping on all items. The collection consists of the Leda Low Table, the Leda armchair, Vis a Vis sofa, Barcelli Lamp, Muletas Lamp, Cajones Lamp, and the Rhinoceros door handle.

These offical releases range from a low of $2, 073 for a Dali cast art piece door handle all the way up to to $28,853for the Salvador Dali Vis à Vis Conversation Bench.

The Leda Low Table was originally designed in 1 937, and was based on Dalí’s painting Femme à la tête rose” (1935) This surreal piece is composed of lacquered and polished solid brass legs, brushed brass top, with lacquered Carrara marble egg. It measures L 75” x W 17.5” x H 16.5”

The companion Leda armchair is also made of acquered and polished solid brass and measures D 16” x W 23.5” x H 35.5” / seat H 19”. This unique seating sculpture runs $20,226

We feel that a bit of art history knowledge is helpful in understanding and appreciating the art of Salvador Dali’s furniture.

The multi-media artist was born in Figueras, Catalonia. He educated at the School of Fine Arts, located in Madrid Spain. After 1929 he espoused surrealism, although the leaders of the movement later denounced Dalí as overly commercial. Dalí’s paintings from this period depict dream imagery and everyday objects in unexpected forms, such as the famous limp watches in The Persistence of Memory.

Dalí moved to the United States in 1940, where he remained until 1948. His later paintings, often on religious themes, are more classical in style. They include Crucifixion and The Sacrament of the Last Supper. Dalí’s paintings are characterized by meticulous draftsmanship and realistic detail, with brilliant colors heightened by transparent glazes. Dalí designed and produced surrealist films, illustrated books, handcrafted jewelry, and created theatrical sets and costumes. Among his writings are ballet scenarios and several books, including The Secret Life of Salvador Dalí (1942) and Diary of a Genius (1965).

In addition to furniture Dali concentrated on accessories including lighting pieces. The Bracelli lamp is an archetypal design of Jean Michel and Dali, adopted by Dali for his house at Port Lligat. Originally designed in 1937 this piece is made out of Beech wood covered in fine gold leaf, and includes a supporting bracket in pale varnished beech. The lamp is crowned in a handmade cotton and rayon shade.

The result is an angular almost unbalanced form, dreamlike and surreal. The reoccurring theme of the Muletas, or “crutch” appears here to restore order through frailty to the composition. Ironically, the appearance of crutches in Dali’s work can indicate a fragility of the human condition; here it seems to repair it. Ivory-colored cotton and rayon shade is hand made, 37 cm in diameter by 28 cm high. The lamp overall is an impressive 170 cm high. Gibraltar sells this remarkable unit for only $6000 and includes free shipping on this piece and every other unit in the collection.

The Cajones Lamp is presented with buffed opal glass shades. Originally designed in 1937 this art piece sells for $2388. The carved structure is produced in pale varnished lime wood with feet of polished lacquered or chromed brass. Beige linen shade is handmade, 30cm in diameter by 30cm high. Lamp overall height is 67cm. It takes an E-27 100W spherical bulb.

An interesting reoccurring theme we see in Dali’s paintings is that of the Muletas, or “crutches”. The appearance of crutches in Dali’s work can indicate a fragility of the human condition or other element which appears. The Muletas Lamp is presented with buffed opal glass shades. The carved structure is presented in pale varnished lime wood. Beige linen shade is handmade, 45 cm in diameter and 40cm high. Muletas Lamp overall height is 175cm. It uses an E-27 100W spherical bulb.

Gibraltar Furniture is proud to offer the entire line of authentic licensed Dali line of high end pieces to collectors interested in certified pieces. All of our exclusive items are numbered, certified, and come with letters of authentication for the descriminating conosuire of fine art pieces.

Buyers are reminded that Gibratlar is also offering a special promotion for all on-line orders. Collectors can use the Cupon code Save50 to take another $50 off of any Dali order

“The only difference between myself and a madman, is that I am not mad!” Dali

The Barcelona Series by Mies van der Rohe: A Buyer’s Guide

So you want to buy a Barcelona Chair but don’t want to spend a fortune on the Knoll version selling at full list price. That’s where modern classic furniture reproductions come in. But how do you know if it’s going to be a faithful, high-quality reproduction or an ill-thoughtout knockoff? Here are some things to consider.

The Knoll version is also a reproduction!

Florence Knoll made a deal with the designer to reproduce the visionary x shaped chair for commercial use in Chicago. However, even in Florence Knoll’s early reproductions of the Barcelona chair, modifications were made from the prototype. Photos of the original chairs show that the cushion tufts were diamond patterned, not squares. And though the original chair frames were built of nine steel components bolted together, Knoll opted for seamless welding. She kept the chrome-plated steel until the advent of polished stainless in 1964, which cost more but, unlike some chrome applications, didn’t peel.

The longstanding debate around the issue of “real” vs. reproduction Barcelona Chairs is quickly rising to an out-and-out fever pitch on the internet. So why the hubbub? The intensity of interest would seem to indicate a widespread and abiding dedication, if not an obsession, with this mid century design masterpiece. Internet chat forums on the subject attract amazing numbers of inquisitive and surprisingly well informed visitors and posters. One forum alone http://www.designaddict.com has seen 42,000 + visitors to their Barcelona thread - between its inception in October 2002 and the beginning of 2005.

So what’s all the commotion about? We need to take close up look to see what everyone is talking about here to compare the differences.

Reproductions: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Here is a close up of the GibraltarFurniture.com model of the Barcelona Chair. Note that the lines are perfect and that the entire frame is made out of polished stainless steel. All of the angles are exactly like original.

Many of the low price knock offs you’ll find elsewhere simply use pig iron dipped in chrome. In comparison you will find that the stainless steel upgrade that Gibraltar offers has a highly polished effect that outshines chrome. In addition, the problem with chrome is that it peels off over time. It’s also subject to corrosion, scratches, and deterioration. In the end you will have a piece of furniture that is compromised and second rate.

In particular, buyers should look for models that use premium 12MM thickness solid imported stainless steel (no. 304) on the narrow parts and higher gauge for the frame. For instance the Gibraltar Barcelona flat bars frames are made of 32MM wide stainless steel. Solid stainless steel frames create excellent strength, polishing ability, and springing capability. These structures are usually 20% thicker and stronger the other entries in this filed. Such frames have superior resistance to oxidation or corrosion.

Here is a picture of a Gibraltar Barcelona Ottoman compared to an inferior Barcelona Ottoman that you can find on the internet. The leather that the manufactures use is often sourced from water buffalo or pigs. Many producers of low cost imitations also use leather match or poly vinyl chloride covering.

Insist on Italian leathers that has top grain to (aniline) full grain covers. This insures that the color is consistent throughout your chair. Avoid lesser models that employ leathers that are highly corrected from China. Don’t be surprised if you end up with a very strong odor from these chairs.

When you examine a cheap imported chair you may notice that the leather is embossed with faux grain and is very uniform. This is a result of man made engineered material that is composed of scrap and bits and pieces that are bonded together artificially.

Keep in mind there are no 2 leathers alike. Many low price releases use split leathers (that are low in grade) and stamp a faux top grain pattern on the top or leather match material…

For leather that has the softest touch, consider purchasing full naked aniline leather instead.

Since 2000, a flood of super cheap Barcelona imports has been dumped into the market place. The models are usually composed of cheap steel cast in China and the frames have a nickel content is much lower than the Gibraltar or Knoll version.

The end result is rust and or corrosion. The frames are fabricated from molds with molten steel dumped into them. What is little known is that casting metal in this fashion is one of the cheapest ways of creating frames. The end result in using these molds is that pit holes can form during polishing phase. Such pits can lead to frame failure. These models usually sell for $399-$799 on the internet but cannot match the leather, strength, and quality of the solid spring steel used in the Gibraltar version and the Knoll $5,000 versions.

Look for chair cushions that use high density (2lb) fire-rated foam. This will give your Barcelona chair longevity, performance and a look that will last for years.

Avoid low density foam which will lose shape in a very short period of time.

On the original the back cushion rise about 1 inch over the stainless steel frame. Both the Knoll and the Gibraltar version have a height of 31 inches. On the other hand the cheaper Chinese knock offs are WAY OUT of proportion compared to the original version. They tend to sit very awkwardly and are totally out of proportion to the original. Some models are up to 34 inches high.

When analyzing Barcelona chairs cushions, make sure they cushions have Italian leather on ALL sides. This is not a standard feature for many lower prices chairs. Make sure that the model you select has Italian Leather all of the way around it. Though some of these chairs say their leather is “Italian”, you will often see that the leather is actually coming from China. These chairs may have a strong odor and are very offensive.

Make sure that your cushions are attached with buckles and or straps that are hidden from general view. With many lower priced models the attachment hardware is completely totally viewable from the rear of the chair.

Knoll is currently actively engaged in an attempt to scare away retailers and manufactures from selling any Barcelona product. The manufacturer is currently in litigation to choke off any non-Knoll entries into the marketplace

To win a judgment, Knoll’s lawyers would have to convince a jury that there is a “likelihood of confusion” in the mind of the consumer. And to the undiscerning eye, often the cheap reproductions are quite similar to the originals, varying only in small changes of width or height, or the thickness of the frame. Most experts regard this as saber ratting and ignore their efforts to stymie competitors.

 

David Harrison, a trademark lawyer at Rosen & Livingston in New York reports that after 75 years, the design for the Barcelona chair is in the public domain. Knoll can do little more than “make a lot of noise”.

James Biber, an architect at the firm Pentagram, sympathizes with consumers. Knockoffs, if done faithfully, make classic furniture available to a wider range of people and “Spread awareness of good design. Consumers usually can’t tell the difference unless they turn it over and look at the label.”

High Quality Reproductions made with 100% Italian Leather at GibraltarFurniture.com

Click Here to browse the Barcelona Series Furniture at GibraltarFurniture.com

We love doing business with all sorts of customers from home owners to Architectural firms and designers. Feel free to contact us with any questions you might have!

Gibraltar’s Toll Free Number: 1-800-416-3635

Email: sales@gibraltarfurniture.com

 

 

Danish Modern Furniture – Poul Kjaerholm New Releases

Poul Kjaerholm is in the vanguard of the modern furniture designers. His work is legendary in the pantheon of architectural inspired design, and he helped to popularize steel, textile, and woven cane as landmark materials.

Born in 1929 in Oster Vra, Denmark, Poul Kjaerholm began as a cabinetmaker’s apprentice. He finished his understudy as a cabinet maker with Grønbech in 1948, and graduated from the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen in 1952 with the PK25 chair that is still produced by Fritz Hansen.

In 1955, Poul Kjaerholm released the famous PK22, for which he received the Lunning Award. In 1958, he became an assistant at the Royal Danish Academy of Arts in Copenhagen, and a lecturer in 1959. He became head of the Institute for Design in 1973, and finally professor in 1976 until his premature death in 1980. During these years he designed dozens of chairs, lounge chairs, and tables that became landmarks for Danish furniture design, including the famous PK24 lounge chair.

Most of his furniture was produced by his friend E. Kold Christensen in Hellerup.
His designs are in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the V&A Museum in London, and other museum collections in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Germany. He won numerous awards in industrial and graphic design, including two Grand Prix at the Milan Trienale (1957 & 1960), the ID Award, and the legendary Lunning Award.
Fritz Hansen is the official source for the entire Poul Kjaerholm series. This venerable Danish manufacturer offers high-end product at stratospheric prices. We recommend the Frit Hansen line to all of our customers where money is of no object. However, not all collectors have unlimited funds.
Gibraltar Furniture is a good resource for design addicts looking for top-rate Poul Kjaerholm inspired reproductions of the originals at popular prices. All of the materials, design lines, and specs for all of the Gibraltar releases are the same as the European manufacturers. Gibraltar out-sources the production of these design classics to our overseas factories in order to cut labor costs. We use the same high quality imported leather, wicker, and stainless steel frames that the Danish manufacturers use.

We only accept the very best, imported, quality items at Gibraltar! This applies to the quality of hides as well as the fabrics that we use on all Poul Kjaerholm products. Consequently, we have chosen the finest suppliers for all of our raw materials. For instance, we insist on using only 100% imported Italian leather. The hides must be of superlative quality. We insist that every manufacturing detail conforms to the original lines. Craftsmanship, sewing and upholstery are a huge priority to us. In the end, the biggest difference that you will notice is the large sum of money that you will save via Gibraltar vs. the European makers.

Historically, most of Poul Kjaerholm’s pieces have been priced at astronomically high levels. For instance, the PK22 retails for $3,655.00 at Hive Modern. Gibraltar is proud to offer a similar piece for only $1,475.00!

Similarly, the PK24 Chaise Lounge in Wicker/Leather is offered at $11,732.00 at Retro Modern. Gibraltar sells an item of similar design for only $1,500.00. A wise consumer would end up saving over $10,000 by going with the Beverly Hills 90210 version instead of the higher priced Fritz Hansen original design.

The PK20 Easy Chair in Leather will run you $8,576.00 from Retro Modern. You can get a replica of this release from Gibraltar for only $1,475.00. With the additional savings, you could plan a trip to Denmark for your entire family.

Gibraltar offers the entire line of products from Compar, David Edward, Davis Furniture, Fabulux, Firefarm, Girari, Gordon International, Grey, Havaseat Chairs, Innovation, IQMatics, Janke, Jet Age, Kenshoma, Litto Kids, Lunar Lounge, Malik, Ooba, Oeuf, Offi, OFM, Ogus Design, The Phillips Collection, Serralunga, Studio4LA, Touch Design/Lighting, Trevi Outdoor, the Vessel Architectural Pottery collection, Zuo Modern, and 100 Times Better, among others.

For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release, please contact Bradley Friedman, Director of Pubic Relations, via email.

Images for all products can be obtained at www.gibraltarfurniture.com.

Contact:
Bradley Friedman
Director of Public Relations
310.276.8889
sales@gibraltarfurniture.com