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George Mulhauser

Reflecting on George Mulhauser’s decades-long career conjures up images of him sitting in his well-known Mr. Chair — a luxurious reclining mid-century modern lounge chair for Plycraft made from a single sheet of plywood — and thinking to himself what mark he would leave on the world of furniture design.

Mulhauser studied industrial design at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and graduated in 1953. His early designs were quite venturesome and landed him his first design job in the Manhattan studio of architect, journalist and designer George Nelson, who was the director of design for legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer Herman Miller.

In 1955, Mulhauser designed his now-immediately recognizable Coconut chair. Angular and visually striking, this alluring lounge chair, with its sloping molded plastic shell, was something of a prelude. Soon, Mulhauser would make the acquaintance of American furniture designer Paul McCobb. Mulhauser collaborated with McCobb on concepts for molded fiberglass chairs, and McCobb’s Origami chair for Directional would become a big hit on the mid-20th century market.

Mulhauser kept busy. In his home studio, he sketched out each furniture design on paper and then translated them to handmade scale models. Mulhauser engaged his neighbors and family in trying out his sophisticated seating and gathered feedback for improvements. He designed his Mr. Chair for Plycraft — an adjustable armchair with a seat of tufted leather that yielded a series — and collaborated with many other companies throughout his career, including Directional, Singer, Overman and the Design Institute of America. He also taught furniture design at Pratt Institute, while the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts brought him on as an instructor of 3-D design.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage George Mulhauser chairs, lounge chairs and other furniture.

Average Sold Price
$2,338
Styles
Materials
Related Creators
George Mulhauser, Sultana Chaise Longue, Moulded Plywood, Velvet, USA, 1960s
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in High Point, NC
A black-painted moulded plywood and brown velvet chaise longue designed by George Mulhauser and produced by Plycraft, USA, 1960s. seat height 17”.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Mulhauser

Materials

Velvet, Plywood

1st Generation Mr Chair and Ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft
By George Mulhauser
Located in San Diego, CA
George Mulhauser designed this incredibly comfortable and attractive Mr Chair and ottoman in early 1960. We have restored the bentwood walnut shell and reupholstered in brand new bla...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Mulhauser

Materials

Leather, Walnut

George Mulhauser Leather Ottoman Chrome Star Base for Plycraft
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in Munich, DE
Ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft´, USA, 1960s. Steel and faux black leather. Measures: H 40 x W 54 x D 61 cm.  
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Mulhauser

Materials

Steel

George Mulhauser Chair & Ottoman for Directional
By George Mulhauser, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s with original suede upholstery. There are some stains and wear present, but we like the look of used suede. Please refer to the photos for additional information Ottoman - ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Mulhauser

Materials

Metal

1960s vintage Mr. Chair and ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in Phoenix, AZ
1960s vintage Mr. Chair and ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft. This iconic mid century modern chair features sculptural bent walnut armrests and new textured leather tufted up...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Mulhauser

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Mid Century Modern 1960s Plycraft George Mulhauser “Mr. Chair” and Ottoman
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in Phoenix, AZ
1960s vintage Mr. Chair and ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft. This iconic mid century modern chair features sculptural bent walnut armrests and brand new black vinyl tufted u...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Mulhauser

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

Mid Century Modern Plycraft Mulhauser Mr Chair and Ottoman
By George Mulhauser
Located in Tulsa, OK
Iconic Plycraft George Mulhauser Mr chair and ottoman. Above average condition and structurally sound. Walnut veneer has some small chips and sligh...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Mulhauser

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

Mrs. Lounge Chair in Walnut & Vinyl by George Mulhauser for Plycraft, c. 1960s
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a true Mid Century Modern masterpiece: the Low Back Lounge Chair designed by George Mulhauser. This iconic model, known as the "Mrs. Chair", is in 100% original, vintage condition making it ideal for collectors and designers alike searching for an authentic Plycraft bentwood chair. Constructed from a bentwood walnut shell with mesmerizing woodgrains, this chair is both durable and stylish and an iconic piece of American Mid-Century Modern design. George Mulhauser was an American industrial designer who gained fame in the 1950s and 1960s for his furniture designs. He was one of the most important designers of the Mid-Century Modern era, and his designs were frequently featured in the pages of the most prestigious design publications of the time. He was a major player in the furniture design industry and his designs were considered as modern for all...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Mulhauser

Materials

Walnut

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Creators Similar to George Mulhauser

George Mulhauser furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

George Mulhauser furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of George Mulhauser furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by George Mulhauser were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Charles Pfister, Erwine & Estelle Laverne, and Kroehler Mfg. Co.. Prices for George Mulhauser furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,200 and can go as high as $32,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,896.
Questions About George Mulhauser
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
    George Mulhauser was a furniture designer. He is best known for designing a chair called Mr. Chair, a luxurious reclining mid-century modern lounge chair for Plycraft made from a single sheet of plywood. Other famous designs by Mulhauser include the Coconut chair and the Origami chair. Shop a range of George Mulhauser furniture on 1stDibs.

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