George Mulhauser Rolling Desk for Plycraft, Classic Modernist
View Similar Items
George Mulhauser Rolling Desk for Plycraft, Classic Modernist
About the Item
- Creator:Plycraft (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 31 in (78.74 cm)Width: 18 in (45.72 cm)Depth: 21 in (53.34 cm)Seat Height: 17 in (43.18 cm)
- 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:Buffalo, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU106243007822
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.
- Antique Industrial Aluminum Rolling Desk Chair by General Fireproofing Co.By General Fireproofing CompanyLocated in Buffalo, NYAntique industrial aluminum rolling desk chair by General Fireproofing co. Amazing patina, surface and finish, curved aluminum slat back for optimum ...Category
Vintage 1940s American Industrial Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsAluminum
- Classic Mid Century Pretzel Arm Chair by Norman Cherner for PlycraftBy Norman Cherner, PlycraftLocated in Buffalo, NYClassic mid century Pretzel arm chair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft: Great original condition, Retains original seat and back padded cushion fabric,...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsNaugahyde, Plywood
- Classic Antique Industrial Tilt Swivel Desk / Task Chair, Curtiss-Wright CorpBy Sikes Chair Company, Curtiss AircraftLocated in Buffalo, NYClassic Antique American Industrial Tilt Swivel desk / task chair. attributed to the Sikes Chair Company, Salvaged from CURTISS-WRIGHT CORP. Airplane Division. retains original Curti...Category
Vintage 1930s American Industrial Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsIron
- Classic Pair Of Vintage Norman Cherner Plycraft Armchairs c. 1950'sBy Plycraft, Norman ChernerLocated in Buffalo, NYClassic Pair Of Vintage Norman Cherner for Plycraft Pretzel Armchairs c. 1950's... Great early example,, Seat and back reupholstered in a fun pok a dot and stripped black and white f...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsFabric, Plywood
- Set 8 Figured Walnut Modernist Armchairs, conference, GunlockeBy GunlockeLocated in Buffalo, NYGreat set of 8 solid figured walnut armchairs, stunning brass corner detail, amazing Mid-Century Modern design, superior quality and construction, extremely comfortable, seats appear...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsBrass
- 1960s Modernist Tilt / Swivel Lounge Chairs Designed by Murphy Miller, PlycraftBy Murphy Miller Inc., PlycraftLocated in Buffalo, NYA stunning pair 1960s lounge chairs by Murphy Miller. Button tufted upholstery, these gently used swivel lounge chairs boasts winged walnut armrests and original vinyl upholstery. Ni...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Set of 6 George Mulhauser Swivel Chairs for PlycraftBy Plycraft, George MulhauserLocated in New York, NYSet of 6 George Mulhauser swivel chairs for Plycraft. Walnut frames with fabric covered seats. Scrolled arms.Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Walnut
$32,000 / set - George Mulhauser for Plycraft Green Sultana Swivel ArmchairBy George Mulhauser, PlycraftLocated in South Bend, INA rare and stylish Mid-Century Modern "Sultana" swivel armchair or club chair By George Mulhauser for Plycraft USA, 1960s Measures: 23"W x 21"D x 23.5"H. Seat height 15.5"; arm he...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut, Bentwood, Lacquer
- George Mulhauser for Plycraft Blue Sultana Swivel ArmchairBy George Mulhauser, PlycraftLocated in South Bend, INA rare and stylish Mid-Century Modern "Sultana" swivel armchair or club chair By George Mulhauser for Plycraft USA, 1960s Measures: 23"W x 21"D x 23.5"H. Seat height 15.5"; arm he...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut, Bentwood, Lacquer
- George Mulhauser for Plycraft Yellow Sultana Swivel ArmchairBy George Mulhauser, PlycraftLocated in South Bend, INA rare and stylish Mid-Century Modern "Sultana" swivel armchair or club chair By George Mulhauser for Plycraft USA, 1960s Measures: 23"W x 21"D x 23.5"H. Seat height 15.5"; arm he...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut, Bentwood, Lacquer
- George Mulhauser for Plycraft Red Sultana Swivel ArmchairBy George Mulhauser, PlycraftLocated in South Bend, INA rare and stylish Mid-Century Modern "Sultana" swivel armchair or club chair By George Mulhauser for Plycraft USA, 1960s Measures: 23"W x 21"D x 23.5"H. Seat height 15.5"; arm height 24.5". Red lacquered walnut...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut, Bentwood, Lacquer
- Iconic "Mrs. Chair" by George Mulhauser for PlycraftBy George Mulhauser, PlycraftLocated in San Diego, CAIconic "Mrs. Chair" by George Mulhauser for Plycraft, circa 1960s. This is the second version of the 'smaller "Mrs." chair that was introduced to provide an alternative for women in ...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsNaugahyde, Walnut