Eero Saarinen

(Finnish-American, 1910–1961)

Womb Chair and Ottoman, 1946 / c. 1970
for Knoll International, USA

chrome-plated steel, foam, upholstery

36 h × 39½ w × 34 d in. | chair

Property from the Estate of Pierre Robert, WMMR disc jockey, Philadelphia

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

literature: Knoll Furniture: 1938-1960, Rouland and Rouland, pg. 73 Knoll: A Modernist Universe, Lutz, pg. 116

Atlas of Furniture Design, Vitra Design Museum, ppg. 400-401

chair: 36 h × 39½ w × 34 d in (91 × 100 × 86 cm)
ottoman: 16 h × 16 w × 19½ d in (41 × 41 × 50 cm)

no visible marks or signatures

In overall good and ready to place condition. The frame is intact and stable. The upholstery is mostly clean with a few spots not readily noticeable. Original hardware under cushions present. The upholstery is likely a later replacement. Tarnish throughout the metal legs. Please see or request additional condition images.

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Roger Ward

Vice President, Head of Department, Design

[email protected]312.447.3280

Ward brings over 20 years of deep and wide-ranging design experience to this role. Before joining Freeman’s, he worked in the Design department of a prominent New York-based auction house focused on in 20th-century furniture and design with a particular interest in European furniture from the second half of the 20th century. He also co-owned and operated Full Circle Modern, a successful vintage design store in Brooklyn specializing in furniture from the 1960s through the 1980s.

Mr. Ward also has a broad background in real estate, as an appraiser, broker, rehabber, and investor.

"I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to enter an already robust Design program with Freeman’s. In the coming years, I look forward to expanding this legacy by continuing to feature Design auctions in Chicago and Philadelphia. We will be looking to curate future auctions based on our existing strengths in 20th-century design by building our presence in the contemporary Design space and strengthening the offerings that explore the connections of Fine Art and Design by introducing present-day artists to the market," commented Roger Ward.

Modern and Early 20th Century Design

Eero Saarinen (Finnish-American, 1910–1961)

Womb Chair and Ottoman, 1946 / c. 1970
for Knoll International, USA

Modern and Early 20th Century Design

Eero Saarinen (Finnish-American, 1910–1961)

Womb Chair and Ottoman, 1946 / c. 1970 for Knoll International, USA

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Womb Chair and Ottoman, 1946 / c. 1970
for Knoll International, USA