Conceptualized in 1955 by Eero Saarinen to compliment the Tulip Table. The Tulip Chair has receive design awards from, The Design Center Stuggart 1962, the Museum of Modern Art in 1969, and the Federal Design Award for industrial art in 1969. The Tulip chair is renown for its futuristic curves. Between 1966 and 1969 it was also popularized further by its display on the Star Trek show. Nearly all reproductions today are constructed ABS plastic. With ongoing use, plastic chairs break at stress points under weight. Fiberglass was selected as the material for the Tulip series, by Eero Saarinen for its ability to provide a deep lustrous surface sheen and structurally, its long life. Dimensions to materials, Kardiel’s reproduction respects the exact design of the original. While actual fiberglass Tulip chairs do cost more than plastic, you may find the difference is not significant. The real difference is found in longevity and appearance. Fiberglass, it’s what the originals wore.