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A true icon of American modernist design, this exceptional set of ten “T” Dining Chairs by William Katavolos, Ross Littell, and Douglas Kelley for Laverne International represents one of the most innovative seating designs of the mid-century era. Introduced in the late 1950s, the T Chair remains a celebrated example of sculptural minimalism, where every element has been distilled to its essential form.
The chair’s signature silhouette is created by a single, thick saddle leather hide suspended between a precision-crafted polished chrome frame, allowing the natural strength of the leather to provide both structure and comfort. Over decades, the leather has developed a rich honey-cognac patina, giving each chair its own subtle character while highlighting the authenticity that only vintage leather can achieve. The gently rolled top edge and sweeping curves create an elegant profile from every angle, making these chairs as beautiful floating in a room as they are gathered around a table.
Architecturally refined and remarkably comfortable, the T Chair exemplifies the philosophy of doing more with less. The juxtaposition of warm, organic leather against crisp chrome creates a timeless aesthetic that feels equally at home in a sophisticated mid-century interior or a contemporary architectural space.
Finding a single original T Chair is increasingly uncommon. A matched set of ten is exceptionally rare and offers an extraordinary opportunity for collectors, designers, or homeowners furnishing a large dining room or conference table. Their clean lines maintain an airy visual presence while providing generous seating for family gatherings, entertaining, or executive meeting spaces.
Professionally preserved, this set showcases the beautiful aging of the original saddle leather alongside polished chrome frames that continue to celebrate one of the most important furniture designs of the twentieth century.
Why You’ll Love Them
- Authentic Katavolos, Littell & Kelley design for Laverne International
- Rare matched set of ten dining chairs
- Thick original saddle leather seats with a beautiful naturally developed patina
- Polished chrome tubular steel frames with striking architectural lines
- Iconic sculptural profile that appears to float in space
- Comfortable suspended leather construction that gently conforms to the body
- Ideal for large dining tables, executive conference rooms, or collector interiors
- One of the defining icons of American Mid-Century Modern design
Each Chair: 32 x 23 x 22 in
Provenance:The Collection of Mrs. Mary Jane Bodine, formerly Mrs. Mary Jane Gury.
MJ, as she was known, was married to John B Gury III in the summer of 1954 until his untimely passing in 1976. Gury's family business, J B Gury Manufacturing Co., founded in 1886, revolutionized the apparel industry by inventing the first vertical knife fabric cutting machine and serviced the ever-growing Garment District of St. Louis, as well as international manufacturers, such as Knoll International. In 1980, Mary Jane remarried to Jack Bodine, a longtime family friend and business associate. For over four decades Bodine sat at the helm of Bodine Aluminum, Inc., one of the largest producers of complex aluminum and permanent mold castings in the country.
A true icon of American modernist design, this exceptional set of ten “T” Dining Chairs by William Katavolos, Ross Littell, and Douglas Kelley for Laverne International represents one of the most innovative seating designs of the mid-century era. Introduced in the late 1950s, the T Chair remains a celebrated example of sculptural minimalism, where every element has been distilled to its essential form.
The chair’s signature silhouette is created by a single, thick saddle leather hide suspended between a precision-crafted polished chrome frame, allowing the natural strength of the leather to provide both structure and comfort. Over decades, the leather has developed a rich honey-cognac patina, giving each chair its own subtle character while highlighting the authenticity that only vintage leather can achieve. The gently rolled top edge and sweeping curves create an elegant profile from every angle, making these chairs as beautiful floating in a room as they are gathered around a table.
Architecturally refined and remarkably comfortable, the T Chair exemplifies the philosophy of doing more with less. The juxtaposition of warm, organic leather against crisp chrome creates a timeless aesthetic that feels equally at home in a sophisticated mid-century interior or a contemporary architectural space.
Finding a single original T Chair is increasingly uncommon. A matched set of ten is exceptionally rare and offers an extraordinary opportunity for collectors, designers, or homeowners furnishing a large dining room or conference table. Their clean lines maintain an airy visual presence while providing generous seating for family gatherings, entertaining, or executive meeting spaces.
Professionally preserved, this set showcases the beautiful aging of the original saddle leather alongside polished chrome frames that continue to celebrate one of the most important furniture designs of the twentieth century.
Why You’ll Love Them
- Authentic Katavolos, Littell & Kelley design for Laverne International
- Rare matched set of ten dining chairs
- Thick original saddle leather seats with a beautiful naturally developed patina
- Polished chrome tubular steel frames with striking architectural lines
- Iconic sculptural profile that appears to float in space
- Comfortable suspended leather construction that gently conforms to the body
- Ideal for large dining tables, executive conference rooms, or collector interiors
- One of the defining icons of American Mid-Century Modern design
Each Chair: 32 x 23 x 22 in
Provenance:The Collection of Mrs. Mary Jane Bodine, formerly Mrs. Mary Jane Gury.
MJ, as she was known, was married to John B Gury III in the summer of 1954 until his untimely passing in 1976. Gury's family business, J B Gury Manufacturing Co., founded in 1886, revolutionized the apparel industry by inventing the first vertical knife fabric cutting machine and serviced the ever-growing Garment District of St. Louis, as well as international manufacturers, such as Knoll International. In 1980, Mary Jane remarried to Jack Bodine, a longtime family friend and business associate. For over four decades Bodine sat at the helm of Bodine Aluminum, Inc., one of the largest producers of complex aluminum and permanent mold castings in the country.
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Wood Care
Keep the furniture in a cool, dry place
Avoid furniture's direct exposure to rain, sun or wind
Avoid placing hot objects directly on the piece to prevent undesirable marks or permanent circles.
Avoid placing objects that may cause scratches to the surface
Clean using water only in small quantities and apply it with soft, damp cloth
After damp cloth wipe with a soft, dry cloth
You can use other liquids that are especially for cleaning wood furniture. Take into account the type of wood and follow the manufacturer's instructions
Upholstery Care
Do not expose directly to sunlight to provide greater durability colors
Exchange both side pads, the seat and backrest, to obtain uniform wear
Shake the cushions regularly to remove dust and to maintain the stability of the form
Clean regularly with a vacuum cleaner in good condition
Use a textile fabric cleaning substance according to and following the manufacturer's instructions
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