Mid-Century Modern Furniture Evolution: 8 Designers Who Changed The Industry Part 1

Mid-Century Modern Furniture Evolution:
8 Designers Who Changed the Industry Part 1
A Complimentary eBook Provided By:
Copyright 2011 Paradigm Gallery. Learn more at www.ParadigmGallery.com
Mid-Century Modern Furniture Evolution: 8 Designers Who Changed the Industry
Table of Contents 1. Le Corbusier! 2. Charles & Ray Eames! 3. Mies van der Rohe! 4. Eero Saarinen! 5. Arne Jacobsen! 6. Poul Kjaerholm! 7. Hans J. Wegner! 8. Marcel Lajos Breuer! 3 4 6 8 10 11 12 13
Learn more by visiting www.pgmod.com or by calling 1-877-PGMOD-07 (746-6307) Copyright 2011. Paradigm Gallery. All rights reserved.
1. Le Corbusier
To truly understand mid-century modern furniture, lets begin with the Swiss designer, Le Corbusier. He was one of the pioneers of what weve come to know as Modern furniture and architecture, as well as International style. He was an architect, designer, urbanist, writer and a painter. Le Corbusier was born on October 6, 1887, under the birth name of CharlesEdouard Jeanneret. He was the son of Edouard Jeanneret, a dial painter in the renowned watch industry town of LaChaux de-Fonds, Switzerland. His mother, Madame Jeanneret-Perrct, was a musician and piano teacher. This background, a combined love of the arts and attention to detail, likely contributed to Le Corbusiers affinity for creating unique and artful designs that have revolutionized Modern furniture. Le Corbusier became a French citizen in his thirties, and had a successful career in architecture which spanned over five decades. His building designs were constructed throughout central Europe, India, Russia, and North and South America. Le Courbusier began experimenting with furniture design in 1928. This was shortly after inviting fellow architect, Charlotte Perriand, to join him in his studio. There, they collaborated on many designs, including chromeplated, tubular steel chairs used for two of his building projects.
Le Corbusier Lithograph
Expressing his ideals for a simpler, more functional lifestyle, Le Courbusier was once quoted as saying, Chairs are architecture, sofas are bourgeois. (A French term for upper-class citizens) If you ran into Le Courbusier on the street, or saw him in photos, he would most likely be donning his standard attire of a bow-tie, starched collar, and bowler hat. Le Corbusier invented himself to be, what he considered, the perfect standard for the times. In his rhetorical literary style, his discipline, enthusiasm, ironic wit, and moral outrage are evident. His innovative designs and new schools of thought spawned the creation of a new era in furniture design, architecture, and a simpler, more functional way of living.
Le Corbusier's Open Hand, Chandigarh, India. Photo courtesy of: Flicker user Ravjot Singh
One of Le Courbusiers renowned designs, the LC4 Chaise, is a testament to relaxation. Learn more about Corbusier and other furniture designers, or browse amazing mid-century modern furniture at Paradigm Gallery.
2. Charles & Ray Eames

Charles & Ray Eames were a husband and wife team that helped to shape a conceptual shift in design during the 1940s and 1950s. The sentiment became that design is for living. It was a visual indication of a new age and a fresh start, and the couples furniture designs reflected this movement. The Eames created furniture that embraced the concept of modern design as an agent of social change, with looks that were: Lean Modern Sleek Sophisticated Simple Beautiful Functional However, the furniture of Charles & Ray Eames was not only about possessing a certain look. Their furniture designs were only one component of their ideals for a better world. They envisioned a world that would bring us greater simplicity and pleasure, and a world in which our possessions fulfilled the practical needs of ordinary people. They were not advocates of excess, and felt that we should incorporate simplicity in all aspects of living. The Charles and Ray Eames Irony: This couple was dedicated to low cost, functional furniture, mass produced for schools, waiting rooms, airports and private homes. Here was a couple that wanted a Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Chair. Photo courtesy of Flicker user Brad Gillette. good design to touch as many lives as possible. Yet, ironically, in recent decades, their simple wood and fiberglass chairs have become so sought after and raised to such a high status, that theyre now only affordable to those with very large wallets. In addition to their contributions to furniture and industrial design, Charles & Ray Eames were also known for creating Films Exhibitions Toys Architecture

The Eames allowed a sense of play and fun to permeate throughout their work, and approached each problem as an adventure. However, they also combined this with a grounded discipline that allowed them to achieve mastery in their craft. Charles was quoted as saying the following about the famous molded plywood chair: "Yes, it was a flash of inspiration...a kind of 30-year flash." If youve ever visited the Museum of Modern Art in New York or the Art Institute of Chicago, youve likely seen the result of this dedication. The Ray and Charles Eames in their West LA apartment, courtesy of Flicker user cnewtoncom Eames lounge chair and ottoman exists in both of these places, and has even been the subject of documentary films and books. It is the quintessential example of mid-century modern furniture design.
Through their organic design and social awareness, Charles and Ray Eames demonstrated how good design can work towards improvement of our quality of life and human understanding.
The Eames amazing synergy is evident in their chairs, tables, and accent furniture. The Eames Style LCW Lounge Chair is a wonderful example of this.
Eames Deco Style Chaise photo courtesy of Flicker user Ferruchio Laviani
3. Mies van der Rohe
Mies van der Rohe meets McDonalds by Johannes Wohnseifer
In your journey through the world of modern furniture, you may have heard about the Barcelona X Chair. This famous design was created by Mies van der Rohe. Born in Germany on March 27, 1886, Ludwieg Mies van der Rohe was an avant garde supporter and creator of modern art and architecture. He is known today as one of the leading and most influential exponents of the refined glass-and-steel architecture of the mid-20th-century. Mies was famous for his use of the phrase less is more. He attempted to create neutral spaces through an architecture based on quality materials and structural integrity. With no formal architectural training, Mies van der Rohe moved to Berlin in 1905 and became an apprentice to the famous interior designer, Bruno Paul. Two years later, he built his first house as an independent architect. From 1908 - 1911 Mies, like fellow designer Le Corbusier, worked in the architectural offices of Peter Behrens. At only 25 years old, he left Behren's office and started his own architectural practice. A few years later, as the First World War was ending, Mies began to really come into his own style. He had an enthusiasm for Avant Garde ideas, and his architectural designs began to illustrate his fondness for glass skyscrapers.

Mies was truly catapulted into the limelight of the modern furniture world with his development of the MR Chair or the M20 Chair. This was a tubular steel, cantilever chair. It has been described as "a sophisticated and elegant aesthetic response to the earlier, slightly more prosaic uses of the cantilever in contemporary furniture." (Oxford Dictionary of Modern Design, pg. 282) This chair reflected Mies refined comfort philosophy. It had a simple curved frame with a cane seat, with a little give in the back. It was designed to psychologically mimic the imagined comfort of an old fashioned armchair, while remaining lightweight and space saving. He later created the famous Barcelona X Chair in 1929 for his German pavilion at the Barcelona International Exhibition. It was created as Mies interpretation of the Egyptian royal folding chair and the Roman folding footstool. This chair came to be considered an icon for the era and the modern movement.
Mies van der Rohe Chocolate Cake Day Bed created by Leandro Erlich
Mies was quoted as saying: The chair is a very difficult object. Everyone who has ever tried to make one knows that. There are endless possibilities and many problems. The chair has to be light, it has to be strong, it has to be comfortable. It is almost easier to build a skyscraper than a chair.
Its hard to conceive of just how much thought, philosophy, and craft goes into something as seemingly simple as a chair. Learn more about Mies, and browse his gallery of creations, like the Pavilion Chair & Barcelona Day Bed at Paradigm Gallery.
Mies van der Rohe Farnsworth House, Illinois courtesy of Flicker user tinyfroglet
4. Eero Saarinen
Have you ever wanted a chair you felt you could just curl up in? Florence Knoll Bassett, of Knoll Associates, made this precise request to Eero Saarinen in 1948, leading him to design the Womb Chair and Ottoman. This, among other designs by Saarinen, became somewhat of a landmark in the history of 20th Century design. Eero Saarinen was born in Finland in 1910, and traveled to the United States following World War II. He began his career as a student at Yale University, took some time to travel and study in Europe, then returned to the U.S. and taught for a brief period at Cranbrook Academy. One of Cranbrook Academys graduates was fellow renowned designer, Charles Eames. Saarinen and Eames collaborated on various projects, including a range of furniture called, Organic Design in Home Furnishings. This furniture won first prize at an exhibition held at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Following this, Saarinen became associated with Knoll Associates, where he continued to design a number of innovative chairs and furniture that became iconic in the mid-century modern furniture movement. In addition to the Womb Chair, Saarinen also designed the classic Pedestal Table, Tulip
Saarinen Womb Chair in Gropius House, Lincoln, Massachusetts *Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Contributor Dogears
TWA Building at JFK Airport, photo courtesy of Flicker user pheezy

Table, and Tulip Chair. His objective with this collection was to alleviate the slum of legs in household interiors. Saarinens talents were not limited to the design of furniture. He was also an impressive architect of sculptural forms. His masterpieces include works such as: The TWA Terminal at JFK Airport in New York The TWA Terminal at the Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C. The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. Saarinen had a skyrocketing career and was one of the most celebrated architects of his time. However, he suffered a tragic death at 51 years old, which created a decline in his stature in the 1960s. However, the appreciation for Saarinens curved forms and interest in new technology has resurfaced in recent years. Todays public responds very positively to unusual shapes and creative materials, that reflect a certain optimism in society.
Enjoy curling up in a chair like no other, and learn how the right furniture, such as the womb chair and ottoman, can completely transform your interior.
Saarinen designed Emma Hartman Noyes House on Vassar Campus *Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Contributor Poughkeepsieman.
5. Arne Jacobsen
Arne Jacobsen was a Danish architect and designer, born in 1902. His appreciation for the clean, simplistic elegance of the modern design movement was evident from the start. As a child, He was raised in a Victorian style, lavishly decorated home, and the wallpaper in his bedroom was patterned with various colors. As a child, Jacobsen made the decision to paint over all of the wallpaper so that the entire room was pure white. Jacobsen exemplified the Danish Modern style. He was one of Denmarks most influential 20th century architects and designers. His buildings and furniture designs both illustrated a combination of his Nordic love of naturalism and modernist ideals.
Jacobsen Gas Station at night Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons contributor Christian Lylloff
Jacobsen initially began his career as an architect, designing private homes. He admired the work of fellow modernist designers, Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier, and appreciated their rationalist simplicity. He also appreciated the classicism of his Scandinavian mentors, and combined these influences into his own creations. In 1958, Jacobsen was commissioned to design a new college for Oxford University. He paid careful attention to minute details of the design, and believed that every single element had to be harmonious...from the shade of paint, down to the doorknobs. One could call his obsession over detail a very holistic approach to architecture and design. Jacobsens creations included such modernist classics as the: Swan Chair Egg Chair Ant Chair Stainless steel, abstract shaped cutlery (This was used in Stanley Kubricks 2001 film, A Space Odyssey) Arne Jacobsen had a thriving career, remaining a dominant Jacobsen Swan Chairs in Wales, photo courtesy of Flicker user artq55 figure in Danish architecture, while making his mark as a furniture and product designer outside of Denmark. Just months before his death in 1971, Jacobsen reflected on his career, and was quoted as saying: The fundamental factor is proportion. Proportion is precisely what makes the old Greek temples beautiful...And when we look at some of the most admired buildings of the Renaissance or the Baroque, we notice that they are all well-proportioned. That is the essential thing."
6. Poul Kjaerholm
Poul Kjaerholm, born in Denmark in 1929, was a trained carpenter and cabinet maker. He studied at the Danish School of Arts & Crafts, with a particular interest in various construction materials. He seemed to have an affinity for the use of steel, which he considered to be a natural material. Kjaerholm was one of the final figures to emerge from the Danish furniture industry in the 20th Century, but could be considered to be one of the most profound. His inspiration for modern furniture design was a vision that combined industrial production with the delicacy and precision of craft techniques. During his employment at Fritz Hansen, Kjaerholm designed several chair prototypes. He then began to collaborate with manufacturer, Ejvind Kold Christensen in 1955, and worked together with him until Kjaerholms death in 1980. Pouls designs, called The Kjaerholm Collection, are very logical down to the smallest detail. They typically revolve around open modular structures, with the historical reference and ornament stripped away, revealing the beauty of the natural materials and quality construction. Kjaerholm was honored with numerous awards, including: Two Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale The Lunning Prize Numerous ID Awards His work is featured in the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and is a permanent collection in numerous other museums around the world.
Poul Kjaerholm sketch of chairs. Photo courtesy of Flicker user plindberg.
Hammock Chair. Photo courtesy of Kiaerjolm Facebook page and user Sailko.
One of Kjaerholms renowned designs is the PK22 Chair. Learn more about Kjaerholm and other furniture designers, or browse amazing mid-century modern furniture at Paradigm Gallery
7. Hans J. Wegner
By this point, youve probably caught on that Denmark provided us with many of the famed designers that came to be the face of mid-century modern furniture. Hans J. Wegner was yet another Danish designer, who combined an original sense of style with brilliant craftsmanship, creating prolific works that became very popular around the world. Wegner had a knack for using the simplest material and creating something unique, yet practical. He is considered by most to be a minimalist, and displayed a love of the simplistic aspect of design in many of his famed works. One of his designs featured an armchair with sloping armrests. This approach was his way of stripping away the outer glamour of older chairs, and unveiling their true construction. Another aspect of Wegners designs was the modernist image in which any single piece of furniture can stand by itself, and does not need to be part of a set. After working for one of Denmarks premier designers and architects, Arne Jacobsen, Wegner went on to start his own furniture company. Later, PP Mobler and Carl Hanson & Son produced Wegners chair designs. In fact, they continue to produce most of his furniture to this day. Throughout his career, Wegner was awarded nearly every major honor and award that can be given to a designer. These include the Grand Prix of the Milan Trienole, the Prince Eugen Medal from Sweden, the Danish Eckersberg Medal, and the Honorary Royal Designer by the Royal Society of Arts in London.
Hans Wegner Chair in Pompidou Paris. Photo courtesy of Flicker user ninahale.
Wegner had a unique way of combining elegance and amusement in his work. Each piece almost appeared to have its own unique sense of humor built in, while still maintaining the simplistic functionality that was so important to the midcentury modern furniture philosophy. In fact, you can see this sense of amusement in the names of some of his famous designs, including furniture such as the Peacock Chair, Wishbone / Y Chair, Papa Bear Chair, The Chair, Chinese Chair, and the Ox Chair.
Wegner did not name his chairs, but assigned them numbers. Take a look at The Chair Number 501, the round one, at Paradigm Gallery. John F Kennedy requested this chair for his debate with Richard Nixon in 1960 on CBS, which was viewed by 70 million people.
Wegner Chairs During the Kennedy/Nixon Debate in 1960. Courtesy of maryferrell.org/wiki/index.php/KennedyNixon_Debates
8. Marcel Lajos Breuer

Marcel Lajos Breuers International Style was developed through the use of new technologies and innovative materials. Born in Hungary in 1902, Breuer designed a range of tubular metal furniture that was affordable to the masses. He was considered by some to be one of the greatest architects and furniture designers of the 20th century. Breuer helped to develop modular or unit construction. This type of construction is the combination of standardized units to form a technically simple, but functional, complete unit. One of Breuers most famous pieces, the Wassily Chair created in 1925, was inspired by the shape and form of handlebars on a bicycle. The chair frame was created from polished, bent, nickeled tubular steel. Later this steel frame became chrome plated. The seat was available in canvas, fabric, or leather. Breuer used tubular steel in his furniture for its many qualities, including affordability, hygienic material, and comfort without the need for springs. In addition to furniture, Breuer created several innovative house designs, such as the Metal House and the Bamboos House. In 1928, Breuer began his own architectural practice in Berlin, where he designed interiors, furniture and department stores. However, his buildings remained unbuilt, leading to frustration and the eventual closing of his office. He took some time away, traveling through Europe, and the following year returned to the release of one of his architectural commissions, the Harnischmacher House. Later, he was commissioned to design the Wohnbedarf Furniture Store in Zurich. Following this, Breuer went on to design and release a range of furniture made from flat bands of steel and aluminum. He also designed several pieces of plywood furniture, which were a plywood version of his earlier metal designs.
**Article from NYC-architecture.com. All photos from Marcel Breuer. Papers from Archives of American Art.**
Did you know that Paradigm Gallerys items have been featured in several publications, and showcased with clients including the world's leading organizations, hotels, and clubs?

Mid-Century Modern Furniture Evolution: 8 Designers Who Changed The Industry Part 1

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Mid-Century Modern Furniture Evolution:

8 Designers Who Changed the Industry Part 1

A Complimentary eBook Provided By:

Copyright 2011 Paradigm Gallery. Learn more at www.ParadigmGallery.com

Mid-Century Modern Furniture Evolution: 8 Designers Who Changed the Industry

Mid-Century Modern Furniture Evolution: 8 Designers Who Changed the Industry

Mid-Century Modern Furniture Evolution: 8 Designers Who Changed the Industry

2. Charles & Ray Eames

Mid-Century Modern Furniture Evolution: 8 Designers Who Changed the Industry

Mid-Century Modern Furniture Evolution: 8 Designers Who Changed the Industry

3. Mies van der Rohe

Mies van der Rohe meets McDonalds by Johannes Wohnseifer

Mid-Century Modern Furniture Evolution: 8 Designers Who Changed the Industry

Mid-Century Modern Furniture Evolution: 8 Designers Who Changed the Industry

TWA Building at JFK Airport, photo courtesy of Flicker user pheezy

Mid-Century Modern Furniture Evolution: 8 Designers Who Changed the Industry

Mid-Century Modern Furniture Evolution: 8 Designers Who Changed the Industry

Mid-Century Modern Furniture Evolution: 8 Designers Who Changed the Industry

Mid-Century Modern Furniture Evolution: 8 Designers Who Changed the Industry

Mid-Century Modern Furniture Evolution: 8 Designers Who Changed the Industry

8. Marcel Lajos Breuer

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