An almost forgotten chapter of Modernism comes to life once again through e15, with the re-editions of chair STUTTGART and kilim ZET by the late Stuttgart-based architect, interior designer, graphic artist, Richard Herre, now available at Viaduct.
Inspired by functionality and modernism, Richard Herre’s timeless design for the Stuttgart chair has been revived by e15 for the first time since 1926.
After the workspace of Herre was completely destroyed in 1944, the only works that remained were preserved over time in his private apartment and family home. With the help of his son Frank Herre and grandson Max Herre, the recently rediscovered designs of the Stuttgart Chair and Zet Kilim have been re-commissioned by e15 almost a century after their creation.
Also recently rediscovered as an important representative of the New Objectivity of the 1920s and as an influential figure in the Stuttgart Werkbund, Herrre is considered one of the initiators of the Stuttgart Weissenhof Estate, where he was responsible for the interior architecture of the house designed by Max Taut.
Herre generated furniture and lighting as well as textiles and carpets, creating holistically designed rooms with an inventive use of colour. His furniture and textile designs from the 1920s are notable for their pure and geometric forms, punctuated by carefully considered colour compositions, which look as fresh and relevant today as they did close to a century ago.
Zet Kilim rug and Stuttgart dining chairs with upholstered seats
By applying solid wood in a contemporary form, the structure of the front legs continues through to the arm and backrest, creating a sophisticated and practical piece that can be used as a dining, office or occasional chair. Chair STUTTGART complements the e15 collection and aligns with the original idea of e15, namely applying solid wood in contemporary forms.
STUTTGART is available in various woods and upholsteries including velvet, leather and cane, where the mix of different materials generate interesting contrasts and combinations.
Stuttgart dining chair with cane seat or upholstered cushions
During the 1920s, Herre produced numerous designs for textile firm Pausa, which belonged to the Löwenstein brothers in Mössingen. He also designed carpets that were hand woven by Sofie Mörike and showcased in numerous exhibitions on contemporary living. The ZET kilim is a chromatically striking and graphic design that captures the spirit of 1920s New Objectivity yet also conveys Herre’s exceptional use of colour.
These re-editions from e15 are the first of Herre’s designs to be reproduced almost a century after their creation. They demonstrate that compelling designs from early Modernism can still fit perfectly into our present day. These designs are exclusively available at Viaduct from April 2020.
Stuttgart chair, £1,255, Zet rug, £1856, viaduct.co.uk.