1970s vintage HK Diplomat sofa (Howard Keith), original striped velour upholstery as seen in Rocketman, excellent condition (UK)

SOLD.

We are thrilled to offer this extraordinarily handsome original vintage Howard Keith Diplomat sofa with original Sereno Stripe upholstery, in a rare excellent condition, with 5 original matching cushions, for sale.

The Diplomat’s sister sofa, the Howard Keith Barbican, was featured in Elton John’s private jet in the film Rocketman and this Diplomat sofa has the same striped velour upholstery that appeared in the applauded Elton John biopic. It doesn’t get more rock n’ roll that this!

The Diplomat sofa also featured in Lewis (Michael Caine) and Elizabeth’s (Glenda Jackson) living room in The Romantic Englishwoman. Both stars are seen sitting in this sofa (upholstered in the ‘Eighth Star’ fabric) in several key scenes.

The Sereno Stripes version of the Diplomat was used in a famous ABBA photoshoot.

We have sold many HK Diplomat sofas over the last few years and they get snapped up very quickly.

The HK Grand Diplomat sofa is an extremely sought after piece and vintage originals are becoming increasingly rare. This is a grand sofa, with sleek lines which exhibits a subtle drama.

Excellent vintage condition. Originals are rarely in such good shape and the fabric is in excellent condition. The seat sofa cushions could do with some extra padding if desired, and this would be a very simple job as the seat cushions are easily unzipped (see photo) to insert some additional or alternative padding for added comfort.

No rips or tears or fading of the sofa
(some small tears in the under carriage which cannot be seen unless the entire sofa is turned over)

4 X metal feet.

HK London label on the underside.

Approx Measurements: 263-268cm (W) x 102-118cm (D) x 62-67cm (H). Seat height 40cm

Price: £7,000 or nearest offer.

Collection from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire or delivery could be organised for an additional fee.

Please email us at [email protected] for more details or if you have any questions.

More on the HK Diplomat

Designed by John Home in 1970 for HK Furniture Ltd (Howard Keith), London, the originals have a wooden frame, foam upholstery with textile, often plush covers and usually with chromed cylindrical metal legs. They come in different fabric coverings such as the zebra style pattern, the zig-zag or in stripes, and sometimes in a plain fabric.

The HK Diplomat was quickly considered a classic sofa design and was sold by retailers such as Harrods. The sofa was included in a Classics exhibition at Heal & Son Ltd London store as early as 1981. They were famously owned by Princess Anne as well as Lord Edward Davenport.

The Diplomat’s low, modernist sleek lines and deep-set seating make them a well sought after piece.

HK created bespoke furniture for the Queen’s Royal Train and the QE2 cruise liner. HK of London designed furniture for the British Parliament and the Royal Bank of England.

Please email us at [email protected] for more details or if you have any questions.

This item may not meet contemporary fire safety standards which were introduced after this item was made.
You may also want to consider recovering or reupholstery.