Rare Set of Bamboo Rattan Parquetry Dining Chairs by McGuire Circa 1970's
About the Item
- Creator:McGuire (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 32 in (81.28 cm)Width: 26 in (66.04 cm)Depth: 26 in (66.04 cm)Seat Height: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 4
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:West Hartford, CT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3072336323862
McGuire
Like so many artists and designers, husband and wife John McGuire (1920–2013) and Elinor Stevenson (1914–2005) became masters in their trade by accident. For the founders of McGuire Furniture Company, well, furniture wasn’t actually in the plans.
The couple met just before the start of World War II (during which John was in the U.S. Navy and Elinor was a navigation instructor) and got married after it ended. They settled down in San Francisco where John held a couple of jobs — among them selling newspaper ads for the San Francisco Examiner while Elinor worked for Boeing Aircraft. Soon, an old Navy buddy of John’s asked him to help sell a bunch of rattan furniture and, needing the money, John agreed. His side business became so successful that John decided to quit his ad-sales job and work full-time in design.
In 1948, McGuire Furniture Company was born. Alongside the mid-century modern furniture designs then gaining popularity in the United States, John introduced an unconventional idea: traditional armchairs, stools and tables made of natural materials such as bamboo, which was strong yet could be rendered pliable when steamed, that were intended for the indoors rather than the front porch.
The brand’s first success was the now famous Director’s X-Chair by Leonard Linden. The military-campaign-style solid oak folding chair launched in 1956 and saw rattan binded with rawhide strips and a high-grade leather slug seat and back that eliminated the need for a plush cushion. Elinor, too, designed some of the brand’s popular pieces, such as 1968’s Cracked Ice chair. With its rattan oval back a dazzling celebration of geometric forms that give it its charming moniker, the Cracked Ice chair was an instant classic and is one of the brand’s most recognizable designs.
Today, McGuire and another American furniture manufacturer, Baker Furniture Company, comprise Baker Interiors Group. McGuire remains true to the founders’ ideals and commitment to crafting the kind of organic modern furnishings that are synonymous with the warm and relaxed feel of California design. The company has collaborated with interior designers Steven Volpe, Orlando Diaz-Azcuy and Nicole Hollis, and, as of 2019, its luxury furnishings share a 16,500-square-foot showroom with Baker’s in San Francisco. Some of the earliest McGuire Furniture Company designs are part of the permanent collection at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
Find a range of McGuire Furniture on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: West Hartford, CT
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Chinoiserie Metal Faux Bamboo Chair by Pengelly Mastercraft w/Sky Blue VelvetBy Mastercraft, Charles PengallyLocated in West Hartford, CTAsian design Mastercraft chinoiserie style lounge chair with bronze finish metal frame and vintage cushion. The curved brass arms and back are faux bamboo, with horizontally scrolled...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Lounge Chair OriginalBy Adrian PearsallLocated in West Hartford, CTIconic Pearsall chair, all original and still in magnificent shape, model 1534-C. The upholstery features a multi-stripe fabric that is still in great shape. There is a headrest at t...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsTextile, Walnut, Fabric
- Restoration Hardware Oval Back Linen Dining Chairs, Set of 6By Restoration HardwareLocated in West Hartford, CTElegant set of six Restoration Hardware linen upholstered oval back dining chairs. A great addition to any style home. We are based on the east coast and will work with you on ship...Category
Early 2000s Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Textile, Wood
- Adrian Pearsall Newly Upholstered in Ivory Boucle Fabric Swivel ChairBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in West Hartford, CTGorgeous newly upholstered in elegant ivory boucle fabric high back swivel chair. Designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates in PA circa 1960's. Why not own the best.Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsTextile, Bouclé, Wood, Walnut
- Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Slim Jim High-Back Lounge ChairBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in West Hartford, CTElegant, rare, coveted Pearsall Slim Jim chair. It's height, at 55", sets this chair apart from the crowd. Iconic Pearsall design throughout. I...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Textile, Walnut
- Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Extra Large High-back Chair Model 2139-CBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in West Hartford, CTOne of Adrian Pearsall's larger chairs, this one is 54" tall and sits like a throne on wheels. The chair is structurally sound but will need to be reupholstered and refilled. A great...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Textile, Walnut
- Vintage Coastal Rare McGuire Bent Bamboo Dining Chairs - Set of 8By McGuireLocated in west palm beach, FLA spectacular vintage set of 8 rare coastal dining chairs. Made by the iconic McGuire group of San Francisco. Beautiful bent bamboo with a woven rattan seat. Tagged on the bottom. Ac...Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Chairs
MaterialsBamboo, Rattan
- Set of Four McGuire Red Lacquered Rattan Dining ChairsBy McGuireLocated in Rio Vista, CAFabulous bespoke set of four lacquered McGuire rattan dining chairs finished in a chic, whimsical, lipstick red color. Special order custom...Category
20th Century American Organic Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Naugahyde, Bamboo, Rattan
- Set of Six McGuire Coral Wicker Rattan Dining ChairsBy McGuireLocated in Rio Vista, CASpectacular set of six coral toned wicker rattan dining chairs made by McGuire in the California organic modern taste. These rare chairs feature a rattan frame covered with woven wic...Category
20th Century American Organic Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Wicker, Rattan
- Bamboo Dining Chairs Vintage Asian Pogoda Silk by McGuire, Set of 2By McGuireLocated in Lake Worth, FLOffering one of our recent Palm Beach Estate fine furniture acquisitions of A. Set of 2 Vintage Asian Pogoda Style bamboo rattan dining chairs with silk seats by McGuire. Crafte...Category
Vintage 1970s Chinese Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Silk, Bamboo
- Set of Four McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Cathedral Dining ChairsBy McGuireLocated in Rio Vista, CAIconic set of four organic modern rattan dining chairs made by McGuire. "Cathedral" style dining chairs designed by John McGuire feature a Gothic lancet arch style back with an open ...Category
20th Century American Organic Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Fabric, Rattan
- Set of 6 Faux Bamboo Dining Chairs in the style of McGuireBy McGuireLocated in New York, NYStylish set of 6 dining chairs to include 2 arm, and 4 armless chairs, having wood faux bamboo frames and upholstered seats. All are sturdy and solid, upholstered seats are in usable...Category
Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood