Metal framed armchair with upholstered back and loose seat cushion, Parker Knoll Toledo PK707.
Identifier
FPF452
Title
Metal framed armchair with upholstered back and loose seat cushion, Parker Knoll Toledo PK707.
Date
1947-1950
Description
Metal framed armchair with upholstered back and loose seat cushion, Parker Knoll Toledo PK707.
Full Description
This armchair has a metal alloy frame with a fitted upholstered back and a loose upholstered seat cushion. The arms are padded and have wooden tips, and rest on curved supports which are continuous with the tapering front legs. The back posts are curved to provide lumbar support and are continuous with the back legs, which are also tapered and raked. The seat cushion and upholstered back rest on Parker Knoll tension springs; those in the seat are hooked into Parker Knoll webbing whilst in the back they are held by small caps along the back posts. The back cushion is attached to the frame by thumb screws at the bottom corners. The upholstery covers have been replaced.
The PK707 Toledo was developed by Parker Knoll in 1946-7 in anticipation of revised post-war Utility scheme regulations. Alloy metals were available from the disarmament of military equipment, and this seemed like a viable material for furniture while timber was still in short supply. It was made until 1950 when production of chairs with more familiar, and much less heavy, wooden frames had been fully restored. The Toledo was available in spray-painted colours described as light oak and walnut (Bland, 1995).
The PK707 Toledo was developed by Parker Knoll in 1946-7 in anticipation of revised post-war Utility scheme regulations. Alloy metals were available from the disarmament of military equipment, and this seemed like a viable material for furniture while timber was still in short supply. It was made until 1950 when production of chairs with more familiar, and much less heavy, wooden frames had been fully restored. The Toledo was available in spray-painted colours described as light oak and walnut (Bland, 1995).
Condition
The paint is badly chipped and flaking in many places.
The upholstery has suffered moth infestation and is damaged in numerous places.
The upholstery has suffered moth infestation and is damaged in numerous places.
Materials
Cast metal alloy.
Wooden back rail and tips to armrests.
Steel tension springs.
Upholstery.
Wooden back rail and tips to armrests.
Steel tension springs.
Upholstery.
Physical Dimensions
H. 87
W. 69
D. 77
W. 69
D. 77
Marks
Parker-Knoll Reg. Design No 853391 – stamped into back seat rail.
Parker Knoll branded webbing for the springs.
Parker Knoll branded webbing for the springs.
Parker Numbers
PK707.
Provenance
Acquired for the Collection by Jonathan Arnold, c.2000.
Notes
Stephen Bland, Take A Seat: the Story of Parker Knoll 1834-1994, Baron, 1995, p.115-118, see also illustrations of the Toledo chair on p. 117, top right and p. 118 top left.
Paul Evans and Peter Doyle, The 1940s Home, Shire Publications Ltd, 2016.
Related material can be seen in the Parker Knoll Archive, including upholstery cutting plan and assembly diagram, held at the London Metropolitan University.
Paul Evans and Peter Doyle, The 1940s Home, Shire Publications Ltd, 2016.
Related material can be seen in the Parker Knoll Archive, including upholstery cutting plan and assembly diagram, held at the London Metropolitan University.
