This monograph is the first to chronicle the work of David Rowland, the American industrial designer and inventor renowned for his iconic 40/4 chair. Released in 1964, this chair revolutionized…

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This monograph is the first to chronicle the work of David Rowland, the American industrial designer and inventor renowned for his iconic 40/4 chair. Released in 1964, this chair revolutionized seating with its unique ability to stack forty chairs in a mere four feet, establishing a new paradigm in furniture design. The narrative, enriched by Rowland’s wife Erwin and writer Laura Schenone, unfolds the inspiring journey of the 40/4 chair from concept to global recognition. Despite initial rejections from major furniture brands, Rowland’s persistence paid off, with the chair becoming one of the most successful and ubiquitous designs, selling over 8 million units.

The book features over 250 photographs and documents, many previously unpublished, detailing both Rowland’s design process and the broader scope of his career. It celebrates the 60th anniversary of the 40/4 chair, a testament to Rowland’s pioneering spirit and his significant contribution to mid-century design. Born in 1924 in Hollywood, California, and educated at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan, Rowland’s 40/4 chair stands as a masterful example of elegance and engineering, marking a pivotal moment in 20th-century design.