Set of 8 Model 1105 Oak Dining Chairs by Don Pettit for Knoll

Designer: Don Pettit
Knoll
USA - Circa 1970s
Dimensions: 32" H x 22.5" W x 21" D
Seat 18" H Arm 26" H
Condition: Excellent vintage condition.

This set of eight bentwood oak dining armchairs by Don Pettit for Knoll, circa 1970s, epitomizes the elegance of mid-century modern design. Model 1105 is a testament to the ingenuity of its era, seamlessly blending form with function in a style that is as contemporary now as it was at its inception.

Each chair is a showcase of exceptional craftsmanship, featuring two lengths of pressed and sculpted oak that form both the legs and the graceful curving back. The chairs’ seats, framed in bentwood, are thoughtfully suspended within this wooden structure, a design choice that not only provides comfort but also a visual lightness. These chairs are very sturdy and well made.

The chairs have been exceptionally preserved, displaying only minor wear indicative of their age and gentle use. They are dressed in their original fabric, a textured weave with a cream and oatmeal colored stripe that enhances their aesthetic appeal. The fabric remains in very good condition, reflecting the care with which these pieces have been maintained over the decades.

Standing ready to be enjoyed as-is, the chairs also offer a canvas for those who may wish to reupholster them in a fabric of their own choosing, presenting an opportunity to infuse them with a new life that complements contemporary interiors.

Each chair measures 32 inches in height, 22.5 inches in width, and 21 inches in depth, with a seat height of 18 inches and an arm height of 26 inches, ensuring comfort along with style. The presence of the original Knoll International tags on each chair provides assurance of their authenticity and design pedigree.

Don Pettit was not just a furniture designer but an architect of space through objects, working under the mentorship of George Nelson and contributing to the Knoll Design Development Group. His model 1105 armchair, co-designed with Bob Sabage and introduced in 1965, remains a significant piece of American design history, offering a timeless elegance that continues to resonate with collectors and design enthusiasts alike.