Original Paul McCobb Bookcase/Etagere and Bench Set from the Planner Group
About the Item
- Creator:Paul McCobb (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 64.5 in (163.83 cm)Width: 48.5 in (123.19 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU9441238950942
Paul McCobb
The single aesthetic attribute of vintage Paul McCobb furniture is that the designer completely forsook ornament — his pieces have no flourishes. And yet, because they are honest — McCobb’s chairs, desks and dining tables are made of solid wood, usually maple or birch, often paired with frames and legs of wrought iron; the cabinets are traditionally scaled; the seating pieces have historic antecedents such as the Windsor chair — his mid-century modern work has warmth and presence.
You could call the Massachusetts-born McCobb a man of parts. As a furniture designer, his work combined the attributes of many of his now better-known peers.
Like the work of Bauhaus designers such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, McCobb's furniture had purity of form and line. Like the designs of Florence Knoll and George Nelson and his associates, McCobb’s work was efficient and purposeful. And even like George Nakashima, he was adept at interpreting traditional forms, in particular those of chairs, for the 20th century.
More than any other designer besides Russel Wright, with his ubiquitous ceramic tableware, McCobb was arguably responsible for the introduction of modern design into middle-class American households — if for no other reason than that he designed the 1952 set for the original Today show.
McCobb, a repeat recipient of the Good Design Award from the Museum of Modern Art, also designed cohesive lines of furnishings, such as his best-known Planner Group, that gave homes an instant “look.” He designed for several companies, most notably Directional, which was home to McCobb’s Origami chair.
In 1949, in partnership with New York furniture salesman B.G. Mesberg, McCobb set up the Directional Furniture Company, a brand known to vintage mid-century modern furniture collectors everywhere. Directional opened its doors after McCobb created the high-end Directional Modern line of sofas distributed by the New York-based Modernage Company. Directional also produced designs by other legends such as Paul Evans and Vladimir Kagan.
As you can see from the offerings on 1stDibs, McCobb designs are the pin-striped suit, or the little black dress, of a decor: an essential.
Find vintage Paul McCobb credenzas, bookcases, nightstands and other furniture on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Shelter Island Heights, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Vintage Paul McCobb set of Four Fiberglass Origami Gray ChairsBy Paul McCobbLocated in New York, NYRare and wonderful 1950s set of four stackable fiberglass gray chairs know as Origami Chairs. Designed by Paul McCobb for St John Seating Corporation, USA.. McCobb designed these mol...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Original 1960s Set of Six Harry Bertoia Side Chairs with Full Seat CoversBy Harry BertoiaLocated in New York, NYThis gorgeous set was acquired from an original owner who bought the set of six chairs in 1968 from Knoll and I have a copy of the receipts. The chairs are covered in the original re...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsMetal, Steel
- 1950s Globe Lamp designed by Paul Mayen for HabitatBy Paul MayenLocated in New York, NYVintage 1950s globe table lamp designed by Paul Mayen for Habitat International. Very simple wonderful mid century design. The globe is 15” diameter and m...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsChrome
- Mid Century Danish Design Furniture Advertising Posters by Paul SalomonsenLocated in New York, NYPair of fabulous black and white Danish design advertising posters photographed by Paul Salomonsen. One poster is of Arne Jacobsen's famous Swan Chair...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Posters
MaterialsPaper
- Set of Four Thonet Bentwood and Cane Children’s ChairsBy Michael ThonetLocated in New York, NYThis set of four children's bentwood and cane chairs marked Thonet are early century and made in Austria . Very charming design and great for your vintage home decor or child’s playr...Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Children's Furniture
MaterialsCane, Bentwood
- Mid Century Dining Set by Hollen Inc.By Hollen, Inc.Located in New York, NYFabulous Mid Century Dining Set. The Mushroom Collection by Hollen, Inc circa 60s/70s has four white molded swivel chairs with a groovy green seat pad and matching table . All origin...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets
MaterialsMetal
- Paul McCobb Iron / Wood Bookcase Planner GroupBy Paul McCobbLocated in Cincinnati, OHA two piece satin black iron framed bookcase with medium dark solid maple wood shelves . The unit sits on the matching bottom platform giving the piece a open simple , lighter look t...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsIron
- Bookcase/Storage Cabinet by Paul McCobb Planner GroupBy Paul McCobbLocated in Cincinnati, OHA cabinet sitting on a bench base with conical legs, having one adjustable shelve sliding doors and storage finished in satin black having brass finger pulls . Solid maple wood con...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsWood
- Bookcase/Storage Cabinet by Paul McCobb Planner GroupBy Paul McCobbLocated in Cincinnati, OHA cabinet sitting on a bench base with conical legs, having one fixed shelve with sliding doors and storage finished in satin black having brass finger pulls. Solid maple wood constr...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsWood
- Paul McCobb Planner Group Birch Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, 1950sBy Planner Group, Paul McCobbLocated in South Bend, INA sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern bookcase By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch, with steel hairpin legs. Measures: 36"W x...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsSteel
- Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bookcases on Hairpin Legs, RefinishedBy Planner Group, Paul McCobbLocated in South Bend, INA sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern glass front bookcases on hairpin legs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch in black lacqu...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsSteel
- Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, RefinishedBy Planner Group, Paul McCobbLocated in South Bend, INAn exceptional Mid-Century Modern glass front bookcase on hairpin legs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch in black lacquered finish, with sliding glass doors and steel hairpin legs. Measures: 36"W x 12.25"D x 34.25"H. Newly refinished. Excellent condition. Two matching bookcases...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsSteel