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A true icon of American modernist design, this exceptional set of six “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 leather hide suspended between a precision-crafted polished chrome frame. The leather is a particularly beautiful deep oxblood red—a rich, earthy color with undertones of burgundy, brown, and red that changes subtly depending on the light. Decades of use have given the leather a wonderful natural patina, adding depth and character without taking away from the remarkably clean architecture of the design.
The construction itself is one of the most compelling aspects of the T Chair. The substantial leather sling sweeps continuously from the seat into the high back, wrapping elegantly around the metal supports at the front and top. Viewed from the side, the leather creates an almost uninterrupted curve, while the slender chrome uprights and black structural crossbars give the chair its distinctive architectural presence.
The contrast of materials is especially striking: warm oxblood leather, polished chrome, and graphic black steel. The result is a chair that feels simultaneously industrial and luxurious, substantial yet visually light. From the rear, the minimal central support emphasizes just how cleverly the leather has been suspended within the frame.
Architecturally refined and remarkably comfortable, the T Chair exemplifies the modernist philosophy of doing more with less. Rather than relying on conventional upholstery, padding, or a heavy frame, the designers allowed the natural strength and flexibility of thick leather to create both the seat and backrest.
Offered here as a set of six, these chairs make an extraordinary dining set. Their tall sculptural backs create a dramatic rhythm around a dining table, while the slender frames keep the overall composition open and airy. They would be equally compelling around a large dining table, executive conference table, or within a sophisticated residential or architectural interior.
The beautifully aged oxblood leather is an especially appealing feature of this set. Rather than appearing new or overly restored, the surfaces retain the variation, wear, and character that make original vintage leather so desirable. Paired with the cool polished chrome, the deep earthy red gives these chairs a warmth and richness that is difficult to reproduce in contemporary examples.
An exceptional opportunity to acquire a set of six original Katavolos, Littell & Kelley T Chairs for Laverne International, combining one of the most recognizable forms of American Mid-Century Modern furniture with beautifully patinated vintage leather.
Details:
Dimensions: 22.5 D x 23 W x 32.5 H
Designers: William Katavolos, Ross Littell & Douglas Kelley
Manufacturer: Laverne International
Model: T Chair
Period: Mid-Century Modern
Country: United States
Materials: Thick oxblood leather, polished chrome and black metal
Quantity: Set of 6
Condition: Vintage leather displaying beautiful natural patina and age-related character
A true icon of American modernist design, this exceptional set of six “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 leather hide suspended between a precision-crafted polished chrome frame. The leather is a particularly beautiful deep oxblood red—a rich, earthy color with undertones of burgundy, brown, and red that changes subtly depending on the light. Decades of use have given the leather a wonderful natural patina, adding depth and character without taking away from the remarkably clean architecture of the design.
The construction itself is one of the most compelling aspects of the T Chair. The substantial leather sling sweeps continuously from the seat into the high back, wrapping elegantly around the metal supports at the front and top. Viewed from the side, the leather creates an almost uninterrupted curve, while the slender chrome uprights and black structural crossbars give the chair its distinctive architectural presence.
The contrast of materials is especially striking: warm oxblood leather, polished chrome, and graphic black steel. The result is a chair that feels simultaneously industrial and luxurious, substantial yet visually light. From the rear, the minimal central support emphasizes just how cleverly the leather has been suspended within the frame.
Architecturally refined and remarkably comfortable, the T Chair exemplifies the modernist philosophy of doing more with less. Rather than relying on conventional upholstery, padding, or a heavy frame, the designers allowed the natural strength and flexibility of thick leather to create both the seat and backrest.
Offered here as a set of six, these chairs make an extraordinary dining set. Their tall sculptural backs create a dramatic rhythm around a dining table, while the slender frames keep the overall composition open and airy. They would be equally compelling around a large dining table, executive conference table, or within a sophisticated residential or architectural interior.
The beautifully aged oxblood leather is an especially appealing feature of this set. Rather than appearing new or overly restored, the surfaces retain the variation, wear, and character that make original vintage leather so desirable. Paired with the cool polished chrome, the deep earthy red gives these chairs a warmth and richness that is difficult to reproduce in contemporary examples.
An exceptional opportunity to acquire a set of six original Katavolos, Littell & Kelley T Chairs for Laverne International, combining one of the most recognizable forms of American Mid-Century Modern furniture with beautifully patinated vintage leather.
Details:
Dimensions: 22.5 D x 23 W x 32.5 H
Designers: William Katavolos, Ross Littell & Douglas Kelley
Manufacturer: Laverne International
Model: T Chair
Period: Mid-Century Modern
Country: United States
Materials: Thick oxblood leather, polished chrome and black metal
Quantity: Set of 6
Condition: Vintage leather displaying beautiful natural patina and age-related character
See why our clients trust Hobbs Modern:
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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