attributed Eva-Lisa "Pipsan" Saarinen Swanson (Finish/American, 1905-1979), Set of Four Barstools

Circa 1950, black painted iron, natural finished reed rattan back and seat, shaped stretcher with foot-rail.

44 x 17 x 16 in., seat height 29.5 in.

Aside from being the older sister to Eero Saarinen, Swanson was part of a strong period of educators and students at Cranbrook known as the "golden moment". She taught the first class on contemporary furniture design at Cranbrook. In 1935, both she and her mother had their textiles exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Swanson left the academy to work with her husband. They formed Swanson Associates in 1947. It was the first architectural firm that also included interior design services. Swanson was typically responsible for the interior design. Among the projects on which they worked was The Koebel House, located in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.

One of her most noted products was a line of indoor outdoor furniture known as the Sol-Air Group, produced by Ficks Reed. She created various other furnishings and decorative items including lamps, glassware, fabrics, and pottery with Swanson and her brothers. Swanson was also an industrial design consultant for clients including Barwick Mills, Goodall Fabrics, and the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company.

Good estate condition.