manufactured at the Ron Arad Studio in Italy, between 1994 and 1998, patinated mild steel. Marked with signature “Ron Arad 1/94”. Height approx. 94 cm, width approx. 139 cm, depth approx. 74 cm, height of seat approx. 38 cm.

This is one authorised armchair “Big Easy” in patinated mild steel, produced in a limited series of 20 + 5 Artist proofs. The Big Easy in patinated mild steel was designed in 1988 and first produced in that year. It was the 1st version to be produced (the stainlesssteel version was 1989). The Italian workshop unfortunately made a mistake with the numbering: numbering this piece as 1/94, clearly referring to it being the first piece made in 1994.

“In 1988 and 1989, Arad’s London »One Off« work shop created an entire series of »Big Easy« armchairs using bent sheet steel welded at the edges. The »Big Easys« were brought out as individual items or small limited series; they all had a striking basic form and inflated arms reminiscent of comics – but they differed in terms of the welding and color. In the course of time, the initially oarse, roughly welded »Big Easys« went through changes, first becoming colorful lacquered chairs with smooth surfaces and then elegant versions made of polished stainless steel. Although Ron Arad’s furniture are variants on everyday things, they seem strange and irritate the eye – not only owing to the choice of material. Formally and functionally speaking, they undermine customary assumptions. You feel you have to first learn how to use them. A »Big Easy’s« voluminous steel body of the »Big Easy« resembles a traditional upholstered club armchair but can hardly be associated with a sense of comfortable interiors. Ron Arad considered it an art object that could likewise be functional, but was not intended to be particularly practical.”

www.vitra.com/en-us/living/product/details/miniatures-collection-big-easy

Caroline Thorman of Ron Arad Associates has confirmed the authenticity by email correspondence. Together with Caroline Thorman in 1981 Ron Arad founded the design and production studio One Off and 1989 Ron Arad Associates.

Cf. Lit.: D. Sudjic, Ron Arad, London 1999, pp. 53-57; Ron Arad, Sticks and Stones, Vitra Design Museum, Weil am Rhein 1990; Volker Albus, The Bookworm by Ron Arad, Frankfurt am Main, 1997, ill. p. 22 f.

Provenance: Private ownership, Germany.

Caroline Thorman of Ron Arad Associates has confirmed the authenticity by email correspondence. Together with Caroline Thorman in 1981 Ron Arad founded the design and production studio One Off and 1989 Ron Arad Associates.

Cf. Lit.:
D. Sudjic, Ron Arad, London 1999, pp. 53-57; Ron Arad, Sticks and Stones, Vitra Design Museum, Weil am Rhein 1990; Volker Albus, The Bookworm by Ron Arad, Frankfurt am Main, 1997, ill. p. 22 f.

Provenance:
Private ownership, Germany.