I have recently bought what was described as an 1960's Knoll Tulip Set with Marble top and 6 fixed base chairs. It looks to be identical but on closer insepection I noticed 'Form International London' stickers under the chairs. I can't find any information on this company. Does anybody know of them?
Form International
I believe that Form International was the UK distributer for Knoll products. As far I am aware, the products are exactly the same as the knoll ones in every way. I do have an old Form International brochure for the Saarinen Tulip range and even the company logo is the same as the Knoll one. If you want any more information relating to this brochure, drop me a line. That's a nice table and chair set you've got.
Real Saarinen
The profile of genuine Saarinen/Knoll tulip tables & chairs is fairly easy to spot. See the Knoll studio catalog online at Knoll.com which has line drawing profiles of the pieces. Also the Knoll mounting system attaching the base to the top is unique. Send a picture. And of course most Knoll tulip tables are aluminum (a few vintage exceptions) and magnets won't stick.
Thanks - I thought that may be the case
I spoke to the guys at SCP London and they said much the same. I think it is a really early example. The pedastal base is connected directly into the marble, (rather than seperated by the circular disk) and the cushion covers are also very different to those produced now. Is there anyway I could have a look at the brochure, (scanned, photographed) to see if I can see the similarities. And yes the logo is almost exactly the same, with a white FI in the centre of a black circle.
Not a problem
I'd be more than happy to scan the brochure for you. It's 11 pages with some wonderful vintage pictures. I bought it from an architect on e-bay and he'd had it since the 1960's. Let me know how you want to go about getting in touch. I'll be able to scan it on monday at work!
Form International
I found this on the web at 
AN INTERNATIONAL EVENT,
A new company, Form International, ia now manufacturing and marketing in this country the international range of furniture and fabrics previously marketed by interiors international. When the UK licence ran out, Interior's managing director, Monty Berman formed his own company as a subsidiary of the american firm, Knoll International.
Manufacturing Techniques
I have just bought a set of Saarinen Tulip side chairs off ebay and they seem to be identical to Knoll branded chairs in most respects but the disc in the seat where the chair seat is fastened to the base is unlike the other Knoll chairs I have. I don't know where the chairs were made but they must of had some degree of flexibility in construction techniques. Knoll too, has had different techniques in its manufacturing processes over the years. No difference in quality though.
If you need any help, please contact us at – info@designaddict.com