German designer Walter Knoll was born in Stuttgart in 1971. The son of Wilhelm Knoll, himself a seat and furniture manufacturer, he grew up in a world of commerce. Indeed, the original Knoll company was so successful that it provided furniture to the royal court in the 1900s. After completing his education, the young Walter Knoll worked as a cadet in the army. The company’s factories were badly damaged in WWII, but went on to achieve great international success. Indeed long after Knoll's death in 1971, the Walter Knoll Company continues to design and produce pieces that stay true to the original creator’s values. Most notable of the Knoll collection is the FK range. The bucket-shape of the 'FK family' is now recognised the world-over.