BKF Chair Reissued by Isist Atelier
Isist Atelier is reintroducing the iconic BKF chair, designed by Antoni Bonet, Juan Kurchan, and Jorge Ferrari Hardoy, with a focus on preserving the original details and proportions.
Design and Legacy
The BKF chair, also known as the Butterfly chair, was created in 1938 and has become a hallmark of 20th-century design. It is part of MoMA’s permanent collection and features in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater house.
The chair's design is instantly recognizable by its tubular steel frame crossing to support a slung leather seat, reminiscent of military campaign furniture but firmly modernist in style.
Reissue and Authenticity
Over the past 86 years, many licensed and unlicensed copies have been made, but few maintain the chair’s original artisan craftsmanship or proportions. Isist Atelier has obtained the license from the Bonet Estate to produce authentic reproductions.
The company has collaborated closely with the estate to ensure every detail matches the original design.
Manufacturing and Materials
Each chair is handcrafted in Spain by Isist Atelier. Customers can choose between vegetable-tanned leather or cotton canvas for the seat material, maintaining the chair’s artisanal quality.
"Isist Atelier remarks that past reproductions rarely preserve the chair's original proportions or artisanal integrity."
Author’s summary: Isist Atelier revives the historic BKF chair with precise craftsmanship, honoring its original design and offering authentic materials in a modern reissue.