Description
The origins of the bent-steel cantilevered chair are somewhat murky, but generally, three names come up in the discussion. Marcel Breuer is widely credited with pioneering the exploration of the material, Mart Stam seems to have been the first to conceive a “chair without back legs,” and Mies van der Rohe is remembered as the one who made it beautiful.
It is believed that Mart Stam described his idea—a continuous loop of steel (he used a thinner gauge gas pipe in the earliest versions) with a cantilevered seat—at a meeting of the Werkbund in 1926. In attendance were Marcel Breuer and Mies van der Rohe, both of whom were inspired to design cantilever chairs of their own in the coming months. Mies replaced the right angles on the front legs with a graceful curve, which increased elasticity while preventing material fatigue.
Mies first showed the MR 10 and MR20 at the Stuttgart Weissenhof Estate — a seminal Werkbund exhibition, which first brought modernist works to the public, with buildings designed by Peter Behrens, Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe and others.
Over the next five years, Mies developed a series of tubular steel designs, which Knoll now presents as the MR Collection.
ABOUT KNOLL – A Legacy of Modern Design
Knoll embodies a belief in the power of modern design—a philosophy that has guided the brand for over 80 years. Rooted in the Bauhaus design principle that modern furniture should complement architectural space rather than compete, Knoll has consistently upheld this ideal, creating environments where form and function coexist harmoniously.
Founded by Hans and Florence Knoll, the company draws inspiration from the innovative spirit of the Bauhaus School and the Cranbrook Academy of Art. Their vision of a new kind of furniture and workplace design, where craftsmanship and technology blend seamlessly, continues to shape Knoll’s values and informs every piece produced today.
For more than eight decades, Knoll has collaborated with pioneering modernists and bold contemporary designers, pushing the boundaries of design. Partnerships, from Florence Knoll’s timeless works to the innovative creations of Antenna Design, Don Chadwick, and David Adjaye, have defined the brand’s legacy and will continue to shape its future.
Knoll is more than just furniture; it is about creating connections—between people and their work, their lives, and their world. Recognised globally since 1938, Knoll’s workplace and residential furnishings are designed to inspire, adapt, and endure. The company’s commitment to modern design, deep understanding of the evolving workplace, and dedication to sustainability have culminated in a unique portfolio of products that respond to the changing needs of its customers.
This is Knoll’s story—a story of design that not only stands the test of time but also continues to lead the way forward.