Barcelona Chair: The story Behind the Throne

One of the most commented facts about the Barcelona Chair has to do with the role of the Kings of Spain, Alphonso XIII and Victoria Eugene.

As they held the International Exposition of Barcelona in 1928, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich took over the German Pavilion hoping to receive the visit of the Spain royalty. In order to guarantee a good stay for the Kings, Mies thought on the convenience of displaying two "Royal Chairs" for them to sit and rest for a while.

Who where the Kings of Spain at 1928?

Alphonse XIII and Victoria Eugene were the Kings of Spain at the moment of the International Exposition of Barcelona. Alphonse XIII belonged to the House of Bourbon and Victoria Eugene to the House of Habsburg. Alphonse XIII was King of Spain since its early childhood, due to the death of its father, Alphonse XII. And it was raised by Maria Christina of the House of Bourbons, as his regency.

At that time, Spain was in social unrest, and the rising of social manifestations was every time louder and louder. The International Exposition of Barcelona was one of the last attempts of the Spanish Monarchy to promote development and economic growth, but the efforts weren't good enough. The socialist forces took over and the King has to flew the country in exile in 1931, two years later. The bitter path of the Civil War in Spain was about to begin.

But what could be a proper modern chair for a couple of Kings?

But let's get back to the Chair. What was Ludwig Mies van der Rohe thinking when he thought of a Royal Throne? . He affirmed previously that took inspiration from the ancient times, particularly from Roman and Egypt empires. Actually, the "X" shape that characterized the Barcelona Chair frame can be traced to the Roman "Curule" Chair, or to the Egyptian Royal Chair. In any case, is evident that the Barcelona Chair was very successful taking inspiration from a royal sense and project it in a modern way.

And did the Kings of Spain seated in the Barcelona Chair ?

No. In spite of that, The Kings of Spain attended to the German Pavilion in the International Exposition, and Alphonse XIII exchange some minutes with Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who was glad to speak with him for a while. But why didn't the kings seated?. According to qualified sources, it was related to protocol and etiquette issues. The German Pavilion wasn't a royal saloon, and to keep the majesty of the kings while seated in there, wasn't possible.

But in the end, the Barcelona Chair never lose its royal appeal, and it only grow, from the very year of 1928 until now, where is more popular and trending than ever.

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