Wilhelm Knoll, the founder of the Knoll dynasty, opens the doors of his “leather shop” in Stuttgart, Germany. Widely travelled expert in leather: in 1864, annual stay in Paris – the world centre of leather, fashion and luxury goods.
“Knoll leather” becomes the hallmark of quality, and the House of Württemberg names Wilhelm Knoll „supplier to the royal court“.
Electric teleprinter is invented. The first transatlantic cable is put into operation.TV is invented. The first transatlantic cable is put into operation.
Walter Gropius founds the Bauhaus in Weimar.
New direction in the post-war era
While Germany is still accustomed to classic furnishings after 1945, Walter Knoll is presenting a modern way of life. Hans Knoll supports his father in this time of reconstruction with the “Vostra“ model.
IBM makes the first mainframe computer.
Founding of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Konrad Adenauer becomes Chancellor.
The establishing of the HFG College of Design in Ulm. Foundation of the Design Council (Rat für Formgebung).
Bundesrat (Upper House of Parliament) passes a bill on the equality of men and women.
Building of the Berlin Wall.
Extension of the Walter Knoll company premises in Herrenberg.
Frei Otto designs the tent-like roof construction
Moon landing; Neil Armstrong (USA) is the first man on the moon.
Office and contract
The Contract division is established in the seventies. Elegant executive offices, comfortable swivel chairs, fine conference facilities as well as elegant sofas for foyers and lobbies account for the success in furnishing business premises.
First commercial mobile phone is launched onto the market (Motorola).
True values
German reunification.
Founding of the European Union (EU).
Walter Knoll takes over the company Wilhelm Knoll and continues to sell the products as the “Wilhelm Knoll Collection”.
Introduction of the Euro.
In Germany Angela Merkel, the first woman is elected Federal Chancellor.
Inauguration of the multifunctional building in Herrenberg.
Walter Knoll founds subsidiary company „Walter Knoll Australia“.
Walter Knoll receives the Design Management Europe Award for their successful design management.
Apple introduces the first generation of the iPhone.
The crash of the American bank Lehman Brothers marks the beginning of the global financial and economic crisis.