Plycraft Lounge Chair by George Mulhauser
About the Item
- Creator:George Mulhauser (Designer),Plycraft (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 36.5 in (92.71 cm)Width: 36.5 in (92.71 cm)Depth: 36.5 in (92.71 cm)Seat Height: 16.5 in (41.91 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Mid 20th Century
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Chair seat has three blemishes. See photos. Ottoman has tiny white spots in small area. See photos.
- Seller Location:Oklahoma City, OK
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1673239348672
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Oklahoma City, OK
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Barwa Lounge Chair by Edgar BartolucciBy Edgar BartolucciLocated in Oklahoma City, OKBarwa' lounge chair by Edgar Bartolucci for Barwa Associates. Sold with thought to be original sling. (New slings available online in a variety of colors).Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsAluminum
- Steel and Leather Lounge Chair by Max GottschalkBy Max GottschalkLocated in Oklahoma City, OKThe Max Gottschalk steel and leather sling chair epitomizes minimalist elegance. Crafted from sleek steel and supple leather, it exudes sophistication and durability. The steel frame...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Pair of Lounge Chairs by Charles Pollock for KnollBy Charles Pollock, KnollLocated in Oklahoma City, OKCharles Pollock lounge chairs are iconic pieces of mid-century modern furniture design. Designed by American industrial designer Charles Pollock, these lounge chairs showcase a combi...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Papa Bear Chair by Hans WegnerBy Hans J. Wegner, A.P. StolenLocated in Oklahoma City, OKThe Papa Bear Chair, a classic design by Hans Wagner, showcases timeless elegance with its iconic mid-century modern silhouette. This particular piece has been meticulously reupholst...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsWool, Wood
- Papa Bear Chair and Ottoman by Hans WegnerBy Hans J. Wegner, A.P. StolenLocated in Oklahoma City, OKThe "Papa Bear" chair and ottoman, masterfully crafted by Hans Wagner, embody mid-century modern charm and ergonomic excellence. This iconic duo has undergone a professional transfor...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsWool, Wood
- Early Eames LCW with Evans LabelBy Herman Miller, Charles and Ray EamesLocated in Oklahoma City, OKAn early iconic design. The LCW designed by Charles and Ray Eames manufactured by Evans for Herman Miller. This piece is being sold in found condition with original Evans labeling...Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsWood
- Mid Century 1960s Plycraft Mr. Chair Lounge Chair George MulhauserBy George Mulhauser, PlycraftLocated in Baltimore, MDFinely crafted vintage mid century, Plycraft's "Mr. Chair" lounge chair beautifully designed by George Mulhauser, for Plycraft, 1960's, swivel lounge chair. Features a stunning profi...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsNaugahyde, Walnut
- Pair of Walnut Plywood 'Mrs' Lounge Chair by George Mulhauser for PlycraftBy George Mulhauser, PlycraftLocated 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
- 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
- George Mulhauser Leatherette Mr. Chair Lounge & Ottoman for Plycraft - Set of 2By George Mulhauser, PlycraftLocated 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
- George Mulhauser for Plycraft Mr. Chair Wingback Lounge Chair and Ottoman, 1960sBy Plycraft, George MulhauserLocated 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
- Mid 20th MCM Mr. Chair Lounge Chair & Ottoman by George Mulhauser for PlycraftBy Plycraft, George MulhauserLocated in Topeka, KSFabulous Mid Century Modern “The Mr. Chair” lounge chair & ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft comprised of walnut bentwood frames or shells, tan vinyl or faux leather, black pa...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsMetal