Butterfly chair

BKF Chair

Butterfly Chair

The Butterfly Chair, also known as the BKF chair, is a style of chair that features a distinctive frame and cover design. It was created in 1938 by three Argentine architects: Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, Juan Kurchan, and Antonio Bonet. The chair's design is notable for its simplicity and comfort, as well as its unique aesthetic that has made it a popular choice for a variety of settings, from casual living rooms to stylish office spaces.

History

The Butterfly Chair was originally designed for an apartment building in Buenos Aires. Its creators, Ferrari-Hardoy, Kurchan, and Bonet, were part of the Austral Group, a collective of architects who were influenced by the modernist movement. The chair's design was inspired by the Tripolina chair, a portable chair used by the British military in the 19th century. However, the Butterfly Chair simplified the design further, using a single piece of leather or fabric stretched over a minimalist, steel frame. The chair quickly gained popularity for its innovative design and was awarded a prize by the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1941.

Design

The Butterfly Chair consists of a folding frame made from steel or iron and a cover traditionally made from leather. The cover is designed to fit snugly over the frame, creating a comfortable, hammock-like seat. The chair's design allows it to be easily assembled and disassembled, making it portable and versatile. Over the years, the design has been adapted to include a variety of materials for the cover, including canvas and other fabrics, allowing for a range of colors and styles.

Cultural Impact

Since its creation, the Butterfly Chair has become an iconic piece of furniture, symbolizing modern design and casual comfort. It has been featured in numerous design exhibitions and is part of the permanent collection of several museums, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The chair's popularity has led to numerous imitations and variations, making it a staple of modern interior design.

Controversies

The Butterfly Chair's widespread popularity has also led to controversies regarding copyright and reproduction rights. The original design was not patented, which allowed for numerous manufacturers to produce their own versions of the chair. This has led to debates over the authenticity and quality of different Butterfly Chairs, with purists advocating for designs that stay true to the original specifications set by Ferrari-Hardoy, Kurchan, and Bonet.

Legacy

The Butterfly Chair remains a popular and influential piece of furniture design. Its simplicity, comfort, and aesthetic appeal have ensured its continued relevance in the world of interior design. The chair is not only a functional piece of furniture but also a symbol of the innovative spirit of its creators and the enduring appeal of modernist design principles.