Florence Knoll Bassett (1917-2019) was a celebrated architect and pioneer of modern interior design. Her career is inextricably linked with Knoll, Inc., the company she helped her husband and founder Hans Knoll bring to preeminence. Florence Knoll transformed the field of “interior design” from a decorative practice to spatial architecture. Florence led the Knoll Planning Unit, shaping the standard aesthetic of modern corporate interiors of post-war America. Florence and the Knoll Planning Unit were responsible for the interiors of some of America’s largest corporations, including Heinz, GM, and CBS.
Florence Knoll also served as the Design Director for Knoll Inc. where drawing on her background in architecture, she introduced modern notions of spatial planning and collaborated closely with important mid-century modern architects, such as Philip Johnson, Gordon Bunshaft and Marcel Breuer, as well as designers like Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia, and George Nakashima. With these collaborators, she developed high-quality furniture, textiles, and graphics for Knoll, Inc.

Art played a central role in all her interior projects. The showroom at 575 Madison Avenue was one of the first furniture showrooms to incorporate contemporary art, contributing to Florence’s signature “Knoll look” that would epitomize the styles of the 1950s. The showroom included works such as a photomural by Max Bill, an “air wall” installation by Knoll’s creative director Herbert Matter, paintings by Angelo Testa and Jackson Pollock, sculptures by Alexander Calder—people she all had personal friendships with. Her sculpture by Marino Marini was a centerpiece of the Knoll showroom for many years.
Florence Knoll Bassett believed art should be lived with and enjoyed daily.
- Paul Makovsky, Critic and Curator

Phillips Editions is pleased to offer a selection of ceramics by Picasso (lots 128-131), Braque (lot 150) and Louise Nevelson (lot 241). Other works will be sold in our 20th Century & Contemporary Art and Design sales this fall.