Behind each iconic design of the 20th century There is a fascinating story, which includes ingredients such as friendship, love and passion. In the case of the BKF chair, also known as Butterfly or Butterfly chair, It all started in Paris, when a Catalan and two Argentinians met in Le Corbusier's studio: Antonio Bonet, Juan Kurchan and Jorge Ferrari Hardoy.
After the outbreak of the Civil War, Antonio Bonet joined his two companions in Argentina. With extensive training as a architects and designers, together they created the Astral Group, a collective of architects who had great influence on the Latin American urban planning from the first half of the XNUMXth century.
Tripolina chair, inspiration for the BFK chair
The BKF chair was created in 1938 and bears the initials of its creators' surnames. It is clearly inspired by the Tripolina chair, a folding military seat made of wood and canvas patented in 1877 by the Englishman Joseph Fenby and used by the Italian Army in North Africa. The key difference in the BKF was the replacement of the wooden structure by a system of metal pipes, allowing for industrial production and greater resistance.
A simple and functional design
The chair is composed of 12 mm iron pipes bent with two welding points, while the bag It is made of natural leather with four pockets that fit into the metal frame, a clear manifestation of its Argentine origin, whose tradition in works of saddlery is recognized worldwide.
In addition to natural leather, it is available in black, greenish brown, rust, and pearl white.
The BKF chair can be used both in interiors and exteriors. Its lightweight and sculptural design, similar to that of a hammock, allows it to merge with various decoration styles without losing its identity.
Its design represents the principles of Modern Movement, which can be summarized in three points: its constructive synthesis, its functional freedom and its timeless aesthetics.
From success to plagiarism in a decade
In 1940, the BKF armchair won the National Cultural Commission Award and First Prize from the National Commission of Fine Arts. In 1943, it won first prize at the Salon of Decorators.
The following year, in 1944, it became part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York (MoMA), thanks to architect Edgar Kaufman who also acquired a second unit for the “Falling House” designed by architect Frank Lloyd.
In 1947, the company Knoll International acquired the production rights and marketed it as Butterfly Chair until 1951, when its production ceased due to a shortage of steel.
The lack of a solid patent allowed the chair to be rmassively explained. In the 50s, approximately 3.000 units were produced per week in Los Angeles alone under names such as African Chair, Hardoy Chair and Flutterby.
In a letter to Edgar Kaufmann, Ferrari Hardoy expressed frustration that the original designers had only received $11,37 in royalties for their creation.
current manufacturing
Today, the chair is still handcrafted, and several Argentine companies and one Spanish company produce it in various versions.
In Spain, Isist Atelier It is the only company in the world that produces it with fidelity certified by the family of Antonio Bonet and the Barcelona Design Museum.
Each piece is numbered and signed, using Argentine leather 100% vegetable tanning and a durable iron frame. Handcrafted production takes approximately three days per unit, ensuring its quality and exclusivity.
An iconic design of the 20th century
The BKF chair is one of the most important creations of the 20th century industrial design. Its innovative design, its impact on pop culture and its presence in renowned museums have made this chair a cult object and a symbol of the Argentine design worldwide.
It is a shame that its creators could not benefit financially from its success, but its legacy and recognition remains alive in the history of modern design.
