Plycraft Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Walnut
View Similar Items
Plycraft Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Walnut
About the Item
- Creator:Plycraft (Manufacturer),George Mulhauser (Designer)
- Similar to:Selig (Manufacturer)Charles and Ray Eames (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 38.5 in (97.79 cm)Width: 33.25 in (84.46 cm)Depth: 30 in (76.2 cm)Seat Height: 16.75 in (42.55 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent overall vintage condition with only very minor imperfections on the wood shell and age appropriate tarnish on chrome bases. Vinyl has been cleaned and conditioned. Professionally detailed top to bottom.
- Seller Location:Chattanooga, TN
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2255323987702
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.
Plycraft
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.
- Restored Mid-Century Modern Plycraft White George Mulhauser Mr. Chair & OttomanBy George Mulhauser, PlycraftLocated in Chattanooga, TNThis listing is for one chair with matching ottoman. The price you see is for one chair with ottoman. There are two chairs and ottoman sets available. Opt to buy one set or both chai...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Restored Pair of Bent Ply Faux White Tufted Leather George Mulhauser Mr. ChairsBy George Mulhauser, PlycraftLocated in Chattanooga, TNThere's something indescribably awesome about these Mulhauser chairs in tufted white upholstery. Cool, casual and comfortable in their skin. Anywhere they go, is exactly where they're supposed to be. If these chairs became sentient, they would ask for a highball and a cigarette. Sorry if I'm over-anthropomorphising these inanimate objects. Let me digress. So, what you're looking at are two, early, very similar Mulhauser "Mr Chairs". They were procured from the same estate, but are most certainly from different production runs a year or two apart. Both chairs and ottomans swivel on 5-star metal...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsMetal
$6,746 Sale Price / set25% Off - Yellow Leather Lawrence Peabody for Selig Danish Modern Danish Lounge ChairsBy Folke Ohlsson, Ib Kofod-Larsen, Lawrence Peabody, SeligLocated in Chattanooga, TNPair of Mid-Century Modern Number 596 lounge chairs designed by Lawrence Peabody for Selig. Professionally reupholstered in full grain flaxen-yellow leather. These timeless lounge ch...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Beech
- 1960's Finn Andersen for Selig Sculpted Walnut Barrel Back Club ChairsBy Finn Andersen, Ib Kofod-Larsen, SeligLocated in Chattanooga, TNThis stunning, plush fabric looks like strata along a rock cliff. The alternating geological colors in the veining are the perfect harmony of abstract modernism and natural beauty. ...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Beech
- Tulip Group Lounge Chairs in Rosewood by K M Wilkins for G-Plan of EnglandBy G Plan FurnitureLocated in Chattanooga, TNMatching sofa also available and sold separately (see last pic). This incredible set was purchased new in Glasgow, Scotland in 1970. We acquired from the original owners who kept them in pristine condition. Designed by K.M. Wilkins for G-Plan of England, this line is appropriately named the "Tulip Group". Wilkins also designed the the well known Housemaster Chair, often misattributed to Ib Kofod Larsen. The "Tulip" design is demonstrated by the rosewood panels which are molded into curves that mimic a blossoming flower. Offered almost exclusively in teak, this rosewood set is truly a rare find. The rich, amber-red panels are perfectly complimented by the chrome hardware and velvet fabric. The luxuriously soft velvet is in amazing condition. The color is difficult to describe, but in our opinion, it's a cross between olive-green and taupe-brown. Of course the refraction of light on velvet can magnify or minimize the tones and highlights depending on the angle and environment. Both chairs hover on their original Magnum Orbit chrome...Category
Vintage 1970s English Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsVelvet, Rosewood
$7,196 Sale Price / set20% Off - 1970s Arkana Safari Sling Teak Lounge Chair by Maurice Burke in Black LeatherBy Sergio Rodrigues, Arkana Furniture, Maurice BurkeLocated in Chattanooga, TNClassic and iconic Chelsea Safari Chair designed by Maurice Burke for Arkana Furniture in Scotland. The original black leather contrasts perfectly with the reddish teak patina frame...Category
Vintage 1970s English Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Teak
- Plycraft Lounge Chair & Ottoman in LeatherBy Plycraft, SeligLocated in Los Angeles, CAVintage 1960s Plycraft lounge chair & ottoman. Featuring molded rosewood wood frame, bentwood arms and supple black leather. It swivels and reclines. Very very comfortable. What an...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Rosewood
$2,700 / set - Pair of Walnut Plywood 'Mrs' Lounge Chair by George Mulhauser for PlycraftBy Plycraft, George MulhauserLocated in London, GBA pair of American walnut plywood lounge chairs from the 1960's by American designer George Mulhauser. This larger version is seen with the more rarely wooden legs. The smaller famou...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsSilk, Plywood
- George Mulhauser for Plycraft Mr. Chair Wingback Lounge Chair and Ottoman, 1960sBy George Mulhauser, PlycraftLocated in Deland, FLAttention collectors! Equal parts comfort and style this iconic wingback Mr. Chair, designed by the acclaimed George Mulhauser, is the epitome of functional art. In 100% original, vintage condition this ground-breaking model is practically as good as it gets for purists searching for an authentic wingback set. The shell, constructed of audaciously-shaped bent walnut plywood, has become instantly recognizable and timeless. The original Naugahyde perfectly offsets the rich walnut woodgrains and is sure to make a BOLD statement in any space it inhabits. Able to recline to a position of the sitter's preference via the hand-screwed adjuster as well as swiveling 360 degrees this extraordinary lounger is as versatile as it is visually captivating. Perfect in both the home or office settings this Mr. Chair set can blend seamlessly against a myriad of design backdrops from MCM to Modern to Minimalism. Buy it as is or have us re-upholster the chair in a fabric of your choosing. Message us prior to checkout to discuss upholstery options and make this exceptional Mr. Chair yours today. ---Dimensions--- Chair Width: 32 in / 81.28 cm Chair Depth: 32 in / 81.28 cm Chair Height: 41.5 in / 105.41 cm Seat Height: 15 in / 38.1 cm Arm Height: 24 in / 60.96 cm Ottoman Width: 25.5 in Ottoman Depth: 21 in Ottoman Height: 18.5 in Condition Details: Save for a few minor veneer repairs this exceptional lunge chair...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Vintage Plycraft Lounge Chair and OttomanBy PlycraftLocated in Pasadena, TXVintage Plycraft lounge chair and ottoman Mid-Century Modern swivel lounge chair and matching ottoman by Plycraft. Tufted caramel...Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsWalnut
$3,120 Sale Price20% Off - George Mulhauser Leatherette Mr. Chair Lounge & Ottoman for Plycraft - Set of 2By Plycraft, George MulhauserLocated in Chicago, ILMid Century Modern George Mulhauser Mr. Chair Lounge & Ottoman for Plycraft in Black Leatherette This is a an amazing timeless chair and ottoman by designer George Mulhauser for Ply...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFaux Leather, Teak, Walnut
- Mrs. Lounge Chair in Walnut & Vinyl by George Mulhauser for Plycraft, c. 1960sBy George Mulhauser, PlycraftLocated in Deland, FLIntroducing 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
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsWalnut
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
A Guide to Herman Miller’s Most Iconic Furniture
The prolific manufacturer has partnered with many of the world’s top designers since opening its doors in 1923. Here are some of the company’s greatest hits, which helped transform the American home and office.