Brian Kane Rubber Chair for Metropolitan Furniture / Steelcase 1980's , A Pair
This rare pair of Rubber Chairs designed by Brian Kane for Metropolitan Furniture and produced by Steelcase in 1987 represents a bold moment in late-20th-century American design, where industrial innovation meets thoughtful comfort.
Each chair features a sculptural black steel frame fully coated in rubber, creating a soft-touch matte surface that is both visually striking and tactile. The rounded tubular arms and legs form a strong architectural profile while maintaining an inviting, ergonomic presence.
The chairs are fitted with upholstered seat cushions and accompanied by matching loose back pillows, designed to rest against the frame for added comfort.
Balancing postmodern aesthetics with functional seating, these chairs are ideal as statement accent chairs, desk or lounge seating, or within a design-forward residential or commercial interior.
Details:
Designer: Brian Kane
Manufacturer: Metropolitan Furniture for Steelcase
Year: 1987
Materials: Rubber-coated black steel frame, upholstered seat cushions, original matching loose back pillows
Style: Postmodern / Industrial
Edition : Unknown
Condition: Good vintage condition, consistent with age and use
Dimensions 30" H 22" W 21.50" D / Seat height from floor 17" H / Arm height from Seat 10" H
About the designer :
Brian Kane graduated from the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Design. He worked for several New York City design studios and spent a year in Milan, Italy, working for Architect Silvio Coppola. His projects included the design of seating and casegoods for such companies as Mobil Italia Spa. and Bernini Spa. After returning to the U.S. he worked in New York for atelier international (ai). Work involved special contract furniture design projects, showroom design, and the startup of U.S. production of the innovative Italian designs of Cassina, B&B and Tecno.
Kane joined the design staff at Metropolitan Furniture Corporation (Metro) in 1977. Less than three years later, he became one of four partners assuming ownership of the firm, and took on the responsibilities of Vice President of Design and Product Development. In 1987 Metro was acquired by Steelcase. Kane maintained his position as Vice President and was responsible for all aspects of Metro's design including products, showrooms and graphics.
In March of 1989 Kane established Kane Design Studio in San Francisco. The firm has been involved in the design and development of products for Metro, Steelcase, Carnegie, Landscapeforms, Bernhardt Furniture Co., Martin/Brattrud Inc, Falcon, Halcon, Tuohy, HBF, Coalesse, Decca, Nemscoff, Summit, Hon, and Herman Miller.
Kane's designs have won over 80 design awards and have been exhibited at the Whitney and Brooklyn Museums in New York and the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco.
