How to Identify Barcelona and Wassily Chairs Authenticity

[@KevinGillan]

In all the years I've been restoring vintage Wassily, and building replacement leather straps for Wassily chairs, I've never seen an early Gavina version with caps on the ends of the tubing. You might be right. I've just never seen one, and I've seen hundreds of Wassily chairs over the past 20 years or so.

[@JessicaHamilton-y1q]

Kevin, thankful to have found your video! My boyfriend and I were wondering if you could answer a couple questions for us? We have a pair of Barcelona footstools and are trying to authentic them. Thank you for your time sir.

[@bitrhbj56]

How about pics/ video of the finished Barcelona lounge Chairs ( and pics of the finished straps showing the final tension ) Also , what type of foam do you use to re core the cushions , the originals used latex foam,

[@machinefannatic99]

This was awesome very educational.

[@jlai3861]

Isn't that early year Gavina version Wasiliy chair also use metal end cap?

[@docmacyou]

I enjoyed this video and appreciate the pointers to look for in "knock-offs". I would wonder if your use of thicker leather, while it will last longer, may affect the comfort or feel of the chair. I have to believe it will not sit the same as the original (at least in the Wassily).

[@KevinGillan]

There is no change in comfort. In each case the leather is mounted taut, with no slack. Knoll uses vegetable tanned (belt grade) leather that is tanned for durability, not softness. We do as well. Knoll typically used a 7-8 ounce leather. We use a 9-10 ounce leather so the differential in thickness is perhaps 1/16 of an inch. Ours adds a bit more longevity but will not offer any differential in comfort or feel. But we're splitting hairs. In both cases you can expect the leather to last decades.

[@docmacyou]

Kevin Gillan Wow, thanks for the fast response and insightful answers. I know where to go if I ever need repairs! All the best.

[@christiannn94]

what kind of thread do you guys use? also thickness and color. thank you!!

[@KevinGillan]

We typically use Gutermann Extra Strong Thread which is a high tensile strength nylon thread. Thread thickness varies based on what the original manufacturer used, we match that. In most cases the color of the thread doesn't matter as when we color the leather, the thread gets colored too. If the client wants an off-color thread (thread not same color as leather) then we try as best possible to find a matching Gutermann thread. To us, strength of the thread is more important than color.

[@christiannn94]

@@KevinGillan im trying to order some thread for a repair but im not certain on thickness. what is a average thickness yall have used in the past? thanks for responding

[@KevinGillan]

@@christiannn94 The tensile strength is more important to us than the thickness. Thickness of thread, like leather, is measured by its weight for a fixed dimension. In the case of thread its a fixed length, in leather it's the weight of one square foot. This web site gives various ratings of thread based on the material (ie. nylon, polyester, cotton, etc.). You might find some useful info here: www.sailrite.com/Selecting-the-Right-Thread-Size

[@JuliaLucena-zc8kv]

Great Video

[@EdenStormV]

great video

[@al-ashirintisar5019]

Hello Kevin. I have been studying Design Technology (International Baccalaureate) and I am doing a research on Design classics. I will be really grateful if you can answer briefly 3-5 questions about Wassily Chairs on a very short online interview or survey. Thanks for the video. It was really helpful.

[@Master_Blackthorne]

Hello, Kevin. Thanks for your very informative video. I just have one question before I buy an authentic Wassily: Is it comfortable? That's all I want to know. Thanks again.

[@KevinGillan]

The Wassily chair is a work of art, pleasing to the eye, but not so much to your body if you intend to sit for long periods. I've had some clients tell me they like it for comfort. However, I've had many, many more clients tell me its not comfortable at all. So comfort is in the butt of the beholder. For me, no it's not a chair for taking an afternoon nap.

[@ur1cat]

I worked in an office that had 2 Wassily chairs in the reception area. I took my breaks in those chairs as I found them very comfortable, easy to sit in.

[@carolestephens8198]

I have two Wassilys. I’m not sure that they are originals; nevertheless, I enjoy sitting in them. They “make” you sir uptight. No padding, just leather straps. Comfortable. Maybe not for two hours, but they do sit well. They are a thing of beauty; totally classic. Go for it!!!! Thank me later. 😉

[@anitaavery2883]

Thank you for your informative videos. I inherited a barcelona chair a few years ago. One of the straps underneath the chair is broken. Where would I be able to find a leather strap of that thickness to replace the broken one. I live in rural Kentucky, I am thinking I may be able to get someone who makes horse saddles to replace the strap since they own tools that work with thick leather. Is this wise?

[@NatalovesLilly]

Yes you could ask them. Or go to the website of this KZbin Chanel. I think they have an online shop where you can order single replacement straps

[@cptakeda]

Hello, great video. Just a question I'm hoping you can still answer for me. I am reupholstering a Wassily chair myself. From my knowledge it is an authentic version, however in repairing the seat panel I found a piece of cellulose board by Bontex. It was my understanding that a real Wassily was solely made of leather. Have you encountered this type of material in an authentic chair? Thanks

[@KevinGillan]

That's the way it is manufactured these days and has been for the past few decades. It adds a bit of stiffness to the end product. However, we see it as an unnecessary component as long as you have high quality, properly vegetable tanned hides. We use premium grade 8/9 ounce veg double shoulder or sides which is a bit thicker than the original. The grade generally refers to the lack of scarring or other aesthetic anomalies, not necessarily tensile strength.

[@barbaraodair4560]

Kevin, I see this video is more than 5 years old. Are you still working with Barcelona chairs and where are you located? Thank you, Barbara

[@KevinGillan]

+Barbara O'Dair We're in Hayward, CA, which is part of the SF bay area. Yes, were still creating replacement components for Barcelona chairs - straps and cushions.

[@fabioleoncio]

Meu amigo tenho uma poltrona dessa aqui no Brasil e o assento dela estourou. Quanto fica para você me enviar o assento aqui para o Brasil?

[@sandralazovitz2238]

Kevin, Do you except work from the east coast? If not can you recommend anyone in the Philadelphia area for Wassily strap repairs?

[@KevinGillan]

+NYUGirl 87 Yes, we have built replacement Wassily leather components for our clients from all over the world, many from the east coast.

[@sandralazovitz2238]

+Kevin Gillan - How can I contact you directly to discuss specifics?

[@KevinGillan]

+NYUGirl 87 You can call me at 510-786-6059 to discuss details. We're available M - F 9:00 to 4:30. We're pacific coast time zone.

[@tanstewie5853]

Hello Kevin, do you have a shop or email or number ? I have a wassily chair over 20 years old with the Ends cut as a continuous piece but was wondering if you can help me with verifying it’s authenticity

[@jchvuylsteke4777]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I have however a problem with changing the leather to another thickness : you change the original design ... Not sure if Mies and Marcel would agree . It's taking away a certain "finesse" which was "designed"

[@KevinGillan]

Thank you for your comments. The thickness differential is minuscule. Even the most picayune observer would hard pressed to discern the milimeter or two differential. Furthermore, leather is not plastic or metal, rather it is a natural product that by its very nature will vary in thickness. I have seen hundreds of Wassily chairs over the years and I can attest to the reality that there is variance in leather thickness. That said, there was no architectual drawing created by Marcel that precisely defines this parameter. For the benefit of my clients I pushed it on the high side.

[@margmc9]

Thank you!

[@bjoernaltmann4844]

On the real Barcelona the squares of the cushion are all separate pieces

[@KevinGillan]

That's correct. While they look square, they are cut in a specific shape such that when they are tufted (pulled down), they appear square. In the upholstery industry the squares are called biscuits. At each tufted point, where 4 biscuits and 4 welts intersect, there are 16 layers of leather to sew through. This is one reason why I classify a Barcelona cushion as one of the most difficult upholstery projects there is.

[@midop1975]

The real original Marcel Breuer design uses strong fabric