While the history of Plycraft is marred by scandal and lawsuits, the American furniture manufacturer produced charming lounge chairs and other seating during the mid-century modern era that are sought after by collectors today.
Paul Goldman founded Plycraft in Lawrence, Massachusetts, in 1953 — he had secured military contracts for the manufacturing of bentwood products during World War II and was able to move into the commercial market thereafter. While Plycraft counted fiberglass boats among its early offerings, its primary focus switched to furniture when what we now call mid-century modernism hit its stride and more designers began to explore the possibilities of bentwood furniture thanks to the revolutionary work of Alvar Aalto and Michael Thonet. Goldman was Plycraft’s principal designer, but George Mulhauser and Norman Cherner were also enlisted to create furniture for the brand.
In 1952, a designer named John F. Pile, who was working in the studio of Herman Miller design director George Nelson, conceived what he called the Pretzel chair in walnut and birch. Pile’s seat, which was inspired by European modernist design, proved too costly to manufacture and it had structural problems. So the illustrious Michigan furniture maker subcontracted Plycraft to produce the Pretzel chair — an agreement that was short-lived owing to a dispute between Plycraft and Herman Miller.
Goldman subsequently tapped Norman Cherner — an innovative architect, designer and professor at Columbia University who was recommended by Nelson — to create an iteration of the Pretzel chair that would be stronger and cost-efficient to manufacture.
Cherner submitted a comfortable, curvaceous update to the Pretzel chair in molded plywood but was told by Plycraft that the project was being scrapped and his drawings shelved. Months later, Cherner was shocked to stumble upon his redesigned chair in a furniture showroom in New York under the Plycraft name. Cherner sued Plycraft and won — the Cherner chair later appeared in a Norman Rockwell painting on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post.
In the late 1950s, designer George Mulhauser created the Mr. Chair for Plycraft, an adjustable, tilting, swivel armchair with a matching ottoman. Mulhauser was also a designer in George Nelson’s studio and is credited with having conceived the iconic Coconut lounge chair for Herman Miller. With its tufted leather seat and shell crafted from a single sheet of plywood, the Mr. Chair lounge — part of a line of seating for which Mulhauser was commissioned — bears a resemblance to the now-legendary Eames lounge chair, which was designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller. Mulhauser’s chair was very successful for Plycraft. A model was even spotted on an episode of Star Trek.
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Norman Cherner Pretzel Dining Side Arm Chair Made by Plycraft 1960's
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Wayne, NJ
Norman Cherner pretzel dining chair, made by Plycraft in the 1960's. If you are in the New Jersey , New York City Metro Area , please contact us with your delivery zipcode, as we may...
Wood
1950s Side Chair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft in Walnut Plywood
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Walnut Bent Plywood Side Chair, designed by Norman Cherner in 1958. This example dates to the 1950s and was produced by Plycraft in the USA. The walnut veneer has developed...
Steel
$2,520Sale Price|40% Off
MCM Sculptural Bent Walnut Dining Chairs by Norman Cherner for Plycraft Set of 4
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Set of 4 sculptural dining side chairs made from steam form bent walnut plywood, designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, American. The chair features graceful, sweeping arms, a tape...
Walnut
Pair of uncommon 1965 Plycraft bent wood walnut side chairs
By Plycraft
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Pair of uncommon Plycraft bent wood walnut true mid century modern vintage side chairs. These were likely designed by George Mulhauser, but they share some design elements in common with Norman Cherner...
Walnut, Bentwood
Pair of White Bent Rattan Side or Club Chairs on Casters
By Distinctive Furniture By Stanley
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant and traditional pair of Stanley Furniture Hampton Preserve white bent rattan dining, side or club chairs. Each chair is super comfortable and sturdy with mortise and tenon c...
Upholstery, Rattan
$6,500 / set
H 31.5 in W 17 in D 21 in
Mid Century Modern Set of 6 Original Norman Cherner Dining Chairs for Plycraft
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous original set of six Norman Cherner Dining chairs for Plycraft c1955. Totally restored, wood was scrubbed clean and restrained and lacquered. All...
Faux Leather, Walnut
$2,400 / set
H 31.5 in W 26 in D 21 in
Plycraft Norman Cherner "Pretzel" Bentwood Armchairs USA 1960s, a Pair, Signed
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Miami, FL
Plycraft Norman Cherner "Pretzel" Bentwood Armchairs USA 1960s, a Pair, Signed Offered for sale is s an original pair of 1960s Norman Cherner for Plycraft bentwood Pretzel chairs. ...
Bentwood
$925
H 30.5 in W 17 in D 22 in
Norman Cherner for Plycraft Bentwood Swivel Chair with Cream Upholstery
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Chicago, IL
Attention Collectors! This architecturally captivating swivel chair designed by the acclaimed Norman Cherner is ideal for those searching for authentic Plycraft pieces from the early...
Upholstery, Bentwood
$740Sale Price|20% Off
H 32 in W 18.75 in D 23.5 in
Pair of original Norman Cherner for Plycraft side-chairs, Mid-Century Modern
By Norman Cherner
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Nice pair of Norman Cherner side chairs, manufactured by Plycraft. One chair has original Plycraft sticker and the date of inspection label. Second chair is missing Plycraft sticker...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern "Pretzel" Armchair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern "Pretzel" armchair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing...
Wood, Birch, Bentwood
Norman Cherner Pretzel Chairs for Plycraft - Set of Four
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Miami, FL
Set of four early edition Cherner Pretzel chairs originally designed to by Norman Cherner for Plycraft. The lightweight molded plywood is eboniz...
Faux Leather, Plywood
Norman Cherner Dining Chairs, Set of Eight
By Norman Cherner
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of eight sculptural dining chairs, designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, American, circa 1950s. They have all been refinished and reupholstered in black vinyl. They measure: 3...
Upholstery, Wood
Expertly Restored - Norman Cherner "Pretzel" Arm Chair for Plycraft
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking Mid-Century Modern armchair, designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, is a true testament to the elegance of molded plywood. Featuring a sculptural silhouette, the chai...
Wood, Walnut, Bentwood
Pair of Cherner Armchair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft
By Norman Cherner
Located in Centreville, VA
Found in design collections across the world, the Cherner chair was originally made of walnut faced moulded plywood, using similar techniques to those that Charles and Ray Eames were...
Bentwood
$2,800 / set
H 31 in W 25 in D 18 in
Norman Cherner for Plycraft Sculptural Pair of Armchairs Mid Century Modern
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural pair of armchairs, designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, American, circa 1960s. These chairs are currently being refinished and will look amazing when completed.
Walnut, Bentwood
$5,750 / set
H 31 in W 16.5 in D 20 in
Norman Cherner Plycraft Set of 6 Sculptural Dining Chairs Mid Century Modern
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of 6 sculptural dining chairs, designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, American, circa 1950s. They are currently being refinished and will look amazing when they are finished. P...
Walnut, Bentwood
Bentwood Side Chair By Norman Cherner For Plycraft
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern, ply bentwood, side chair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft in a dark walnut finish. This iconic mid-century modern chair that is striking from every angle can be use...
Bentwood, Plywood
Sold
H 31 in W 17 in D 21 in
Early Norman Cherner dining / desk / side chair in patent leather Plycraft Inc.
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Norman Cherner dining / desk / side chair in original green patent leather .manufactured by Plycraft Inc.. Amazing original condition. Retains original labels as well as in...
Patent Leather, Bentwood, Plywood
Norman Cherner Mid-Century Modern Matching Side Chairs
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Buffalo, NY
Iconic set of 3 vintage midcentury Norman Cherner chairs. They have normal age appropriate wear as they should given their age, almost 65 years old! Classic Modernist design. Extreme...
Plywood
Bentwood Dining Side Chairs by George Mulhauser for Plycraft
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Handsome set of four, Mid-Century Modern, bentwood, dining, side chairs by George Mulhauser for Plycraft features comfort and elegant lines.
Bentwood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 17.5 in D 21 in
Norman Cherner Plycraft 1965 Walnut Upholstery Set, Four '4' chairs MCM Classic
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Iconic Pretzel side chairs (set of four) designed by Norman Cherner and made by Plycraft, 2 are still retaining original labels. Laminated walnut construction with older recovered bl...
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 32 in W 17 in D 20.5 in
Bernardo Label Pretzel Chair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, circa 1950s
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Early example of Norman Cherner’s “pretzel” chair designed for Plycraft. In beautiful original condition and original walnut finish. Delicately made with plys of strong wood demonstrating beautiful curves and angles. These chairs were discontinued after being deemed too fragile and expensive for the company to make. One of the more controversial pieces of mid century modern history when after discontinuing the chairs they decided to relaunch them under a new fabricated designer name by direction of the CEO of Plycraft Paul Goodman...
Walnut, Plywood
Norman Cherner "Pretzel" Chair for Plycraft
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Amazing vintage "Pretzel" chair designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft in the United States, circa 1960s. This incredible design utilizes a molded plywood frame that provides a slee...
Walnut
Set of 3 Bent Wood Dining Chairs by Norman Cherner for Plycraft
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Wayne, NJ
Set of 3 bent plywood dining chairs by Norman Cherner for Plycraft.
Wood
Sold
H 31.25 in W 17 in D 19 in
Set of 4 Mid Century Modern Bentwood Modernist Chairs by Cherner for Plycraft
By Plycraft
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
This set of four 1950's Modern-style side chairs are designed by Bernardo for Plycraft Inc. The chairs are made from molded bent plywood with the original walnut stain with black accents on the edges and a polished finish. The chars have a triangle seat...
Bentwood
Sold
H 31 in W 17 in D 19 in
Classic Pair Modernist Plywood Side Chairs by Norman Cherner for Plycraft
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Pair Modernist plywood side (dining) chairs by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, ,Stunning sculptural walnut made from steam form bent walnut plyw...
Plywood
Restored Bent Walnut Plycraft Telephone Gossip Chair
By Norman Cherner, Fritz Hansen, Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Fully disassembled and restored to excellent condition. All joints glued and clamped to ensure rigidity. Tabletop and chair have been gently refinished to remove scratches and imperfections. New edge-band veneer on support beam end-caps. Finished with hand buffed poly-oil clear coats. Cleaned and detailed top to bottom. Only very minor flaws remain. What's not love about a MCM gossip bench...
Walnut
Pair of Norman Cherner Dining Chairs for Plycraft, Circa 1960s
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Peabody, MA
Pair of original period dining side chairs designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft in two tone upholstery, circa 1960s.
Upholstery, Bentwood