Item Description
Weathered. Unapologetic. Authentic. This is a genuine Richard Schultz for Knoll 1966 Collection outdoor dining set, comprising two armchairs and a matching dining table, manufactured under license by B&B Italia. Born from Schultz’s revolutionary premise that outdoor furniture should be as refined as indoor design, this set has done exactly what it was engineered to do: live outside, withstand the elements, and age with integrity. The visible paint loss and wear across the enameled aluminum frames are not imperfections to be forgiven—they are the natural patina of decades spent in sun and rain, a testament to a life well lived outdoors. Schultz designed the 1966 Collection at Florence Knoll’s request—she famously challenged him to create furniture that could survive the salty air of her Florida terrace without corroding or trapping water. The result was a masterpiece of practical innovation: pure aluminum frames, stainless steel hardware, and breathable mesh slings that let water pass straight through. These chairs feature the iconic open-cell construction, their slender frames shaped with the graphic precision that defines the Knoll lineage. Designer: Richard Schultz for Knoll Collection: 1966 Collection Manufacturer: B&B Italia (licensed production) Period: Late 20th Century Set Includes: 2 armchairs, 1 dining table Marks: Chairs are marked with B&B Italia/manufacturer’s labels Condition: Used outdoors; significant paint loss and wear to frames. Structurally sound. Wear consistent with exposed outdoor use. This set wears its history on its sleeves. The enameled frames show peeling, flaking, and areas of exposed aluminum—sculptural in their decay, reminiscent of a Cy Twombly surface. Some collectors will restore these pieces to factory perfection; others will leave them exactly as they are, recognizing that true patina cannot be faked and that the best design tells a story.
