John and Elinor McGuire Seating
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 wide range of vintage John and Elinor McGuire furniture on 1stDibs.
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Creator: John and Elinor McGuire
Vintage McGuire "Belden" Dining Chairs, Set of 4
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Littleton, CO
A gorgeous set of 4 Belden model dining chairs by Elinor McGuire. San Francisco, USA, 1987.
California coastal organic modern style, featuring thick rattan pole frames with a barrel...
Category
1980s American Organic Modern Vintage John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Rattan
Elinor And John Mcguire San Francisco 1970 set of 6 Rattan chairs
By John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Roma, RM
Elinor And John Mcguire San Francisco 1970 set of 6 Rattan chairs with leather bindings, complete with cushions
Chair dimensions 45 W x 85 H × 47 D
Also available the table to compl...
Category
1970s Vintage John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Brass
Pair Of Director’s Chairs By Elinor And John Mc Guire For Lyda Levi
By John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Roma, RM
Pair Of Director’s Chairs By Elinor And John Mc Guire For Lyda Levi
Structure in very good condition with light marks, leather seat with signs of wear.
Made of bamboo and leather, Sa...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Brass
Elinor McGuire Rattan Caned Barrel Back Arm Chairs, a Pair
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A pair of rattan caned barrel back dining armchairs designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire. Casual luxury from McGuire San Francisco. Vintage organic modern chairs designed in the classic tradition using beautiful materials simply and sensitively. These comfortable and versatile arm chairs feature an expertly handcrafted rattan frame and McGuire’s innovative double caning technique on the back and arm panels. The barrel-back design is formed by a graceful arc of rattan cane that flows seamlessly from each armrest, meeting at the top rail. Seats have a loose cushion with vintage fabric that rests on a caned deck, and each chair retains the McGuire San Francisco brass plaque. Seat height is 20" with cushion. Chair legs are reinforced with cross stretchers accented by McGuire's signature rawhide laces. Enjoy the uncompromising quality and relaxed, timeless style that is McGuire.
This M85C model is featured in McGuire's 1985 catalog. Compare to Baker McGuire...
Category
Late 20th Century American Organic Modern John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Leather, Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Cathedral Back Dining Chairs, a Set of 6
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Beautiful Set of Six Rattan Dining Chairs designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire. The design is famous for its rattan cathedral back and McGuire's signature rawhide lacing. These beautifully handcrafted dining chairs with original cerused washed finish are in very good vintage condition. The set of organic modern chairs includes four side chairs and two armchairs. Chairs feature generous rattan stick deck seats, vintage cushions with a Greek key pattern, and elegant legs with corner detail. Chairs retain McGuire maker's plaque and a pearlescent inlaid M signature. Arms are 26" high. Side chairs are 22" w x 23 d x 37 h. Enjoy uncompromising quality and relaxed, timeless style from McGuire San Francisco (now Baker McGuire...
Category
Late 20th Century American Organic Modern John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Leather, Rattan, Fabric
Elinor McGuire Iconic Cracked Ice Dining Chairs, a Set of 6
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Gorgeous set of six iconic rattan Cracked Ice Chairs designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire. The design is famous for its rattan oval back that frames smaller rattan pieces bound by rawhide, creating the impression of cracked ice or shattered glass. These beautifully handcrafted dining armchairs with original finish are in very good vintage condition. The organic modern chairs feature generous cane seats, gracefully curved armrests, and elegant legs with corner detail. Chairs retain McGuire maker's plaque and a pearlescent inlaid M signature. Seats are 19" high with cushion. Cushions were recently redone in a beautiful blue and white pattern. Enjoy uncompromising quality and relaxed, timeless style from McGuire San Francisco (now Baker McGuire...
Category
Late 20th Century American Organic Modern John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Leather, Cane, Rattan
Pair of McGuire Rattan Target Back Dining Chairs
By John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Houston, TX
Enhance your dining experience with McGuire Rattan Target Dining Chairs, seamlessly blending comfort and style. Crafted with precision and elegance, these chairs feature a sturdy rat...
Category
20th Century American Organic Modern John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
McGuire St. Germain Rattan Lounge Chairs
By John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Houston, TX
Indulge in luxurious relaxation with a pair of McGuire St. Germain Rattan Lounge Chairs, exuding timeless elegance and unparalleled comfort. Crafted with meticulous attention to deta...
Category
20th Century American Organic Modern John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
Set of Six McGuire Of San Francisco "Cracked Ice" Dining Chairs
By John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Bradenton, FL
Set of six late 20th century McGuire of San Francisco "Cracked Ice" dining chairs. Chairs were designed by John and Elinor McGuire in the Chinese Chippendale style. Elegant chairs fe...
Category
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Textile, Cane, Rattan, Wood
1970s McGuire San Francisco Rattan Cane Back Dining Arm Chairs, a Pair
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Casual luxury from McGuire San Francisco. A pair of vintage 1970s organic modern chairs designed in the classic tradition using beautiful materials simply and sensitively. This exper...
Category
Late 20th Century American Organic Modern John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan, Cane
1970s McGuire San Francisco Rattan Cane Back Dining Arm Chairs, a Set of Four
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Casual luxury from McGuire San Francisco. This vintage organic modern set is designed in the classic tradition using beautiful materials simply and sensitively. The set of four armchairs features a cane seat back and graceful frames constructed from bent rattan. Seats have a loose cushion with vintage fabric that rests on a stick deck, and each chair retains the McGuire San Francisco brass plaque. Chair legs are reinforced with cross stretchers accented by McGuire's signature rawhide laces. If interested in a set of six McGuire Rattan Cane Back Dining Arm Chairs...
Category
Late 20th Century American Organic Modern John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Leather, Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Elinor McGuire for McGuire San Francisco Rattan Dining Chairs, a Set of 4
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A beautiful set of four M-74 dining chairs designed by Elinor McGuire for McGuire San Francisco. Chairs have the original finish and feature McGui...
Category
1970s American Organic Modern Vintage John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
Pair of McGuire Rattan Lounge Chairs
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
This beautiful pair of lounge chairs by McGuire take their sophisticated sculptural sensibility to another level. The front legs are made of twisted bands that wrap around the seat b...
Category
1970s American Organic Modern Vintage John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Rattan
Elinor McGuire Iconic Cracked Ice Dining Chairs, a Set of 4, with McGuire Label
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A set of four iconic rattan cracked ice chairs designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire. The design is famous for its rattan oval back that frames smaller rattan pieces boun...
Category
Late 20th Century American Organic Modern John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Leather, Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Vintage 80s McGuire Antalya Directors Style Dining or Occasional Chairs Rawhide
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Classic 1980s directors style McGuire dining or occasional armchairs with lattice style rawhide seats and backs. These rattan framed chairs with backrest and seat woven in ra...
Category
1980s Philippine British Colonial Vintage John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Hide, Rattan
Elinor McGuire for McGuire San Francisco Rattan Dining Chairs, a Pair
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A beautiful pair of M-74 dining chairs designed by Elinor McGuire for McGuire San Francisco. Chairs have the original finish and feature McGuire’s signature woven rawhide bindings wi...
Category
1970s American Organic Modern Vintage John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
McGuire Rattan Target Arm Chairs or Dining Chairs, a Pair
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A pair of rattan arm chairs or dining chairs designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire in the California organic modern style. These impeccably crafted chairs display an open rattan back, which frames McGuire's iconic Rattan Target design. Chairs feature gracefully curved arms, McGuire's signature rawhide laces on the exposed joints, and thick rattan frames in a medium brown wood tone. Seats have a loose cushion with vintage fabric that rests on a stick deck, and each chair retains the McGuire San Francisco brass plaque. If you are interested in a set of four or six McGuire Rattan Target Chairs...
Category
Late 20th Century American Organic Modern John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
A Pair of McGuire San Francisco Rattan Target Arm Chairs or Dining Chairs
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A pair of rattan arm chairs or dining chairs designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire in the California organic modern style. These impeccably crafted chairs display an open rattan back, which frames McGuire's iconic Rattan Target design. Chairs feature gracefully curved arms, McGuire's signature rawhide laces on the exposed joints, and thick rattan frames in a medium brown wood tone. Seats have a loose cushion with vintage fabric that rests on a stick deck, and each chair retains the McGuire San Francisco brass plaque. If you are interested in a set of four or six McGuire Rattan Target Chairs...
Category
Late 20th Century American Organic Modern John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
Set of Four McGuire Rattan Leona Loop Back Dining Arm Chairs
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A set of four rattan arm chairs, designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire in the California organic modern style. These impeccably crafted dining chairs display a gestural l...
Category
Late 20th Century American Organic Modern John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
Pair Of McGuire Bamboo Target Back Chairs
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in San Carlos, CA
Gorgeous set of 2 California organic modern McGuire lounge chairs. or arm chairs. Made with thick bamboo and rattan and weaved around the joints with rawhide leather. These chairs ar...
Category
1970s American Organic Modern Vintage John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
Elinor McGuire Rattan Target Arm Chairs or Dining Chairs, a Pair
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A pair of rattan arm chairs or dining chairs designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire in the California organic modern style. These impeccably crafted chairs display an open rattan back, which frames McGuire's iconic Rattan Target design. Chairs feature gracefully curved arms, McGuire's signature rawhide laces on the exposed joints, and thick rattan frames in a medium brown wood tone. Seats have a loose cushion with vintage fabric that rests on a stick deck, and each chair retains the McGuire San Francisco brass plaque. If you are interested in a set of four or six McGuire Rattan Target Chairs...
Category
Late 20th Century American Organic Modern John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
Pair Vintage McGuire Director Style Organic Modern Caned Rattan Dining Chairs
By John McGuire, Ficks Reed, McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Decatur, GA
Pair of vintage McGuire rattan dining chairs made in the California coastal organic modern style. The set features stout rattan frames in a dire...
Category
1970s American Organic Modern Vintage John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Leather, Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
McGuire C-1 Rattan Three Seat Sofa
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
This important early design by Elinor McGuire dates from the 1950s. It's from their "Style 1" series, and was offered as this model B-1 loveseat, as a single lounge chair, and also a three seat sofa...
Category
1950s American Organic Modern Vintage John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Rattan
Elinor McGuire Rattan Cane Oval Back Dining Arm Chairs, a Set of Four
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A set of four graceful and airy dining chairs designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire. Chairs have an oval rattan double-caned back and the original tobacco brown finish. T...
Category
20th Century American Organic Modern John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Leather, Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Ficks Reed Bamboo Sheaf Dining Table and Five Swivel Chairs
By John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Hanover, MA
California modern sun room dining set with table and five armchairs.
Off-white lacquered bamboo sheaf pedestal base dining table raised on arched supports with a 42 inch round...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
McGuire A-1 Rattan Lounge Chair
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
This important early design by Elinor McGuire dates from the 1950s. It's from their "Style 1" series, and was offered as this model A-1 lounge chair, and also a two or three seat sof...
Category
1960s American Organic Modern Vintage John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Rattan
McGuire Set of Four Armchairs
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
Another elegant design by Elinor and John McGuire, these armchairs are not only beautiful, but incredibly well built with McGuire's patented method using rawhide binding at the joint...
Category
1960s American Organic Modern Vintage John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Leather, Cane, Rattan
Elinor McGuire M-71 Occasional Chair
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
Elinor McGuire designed this model M-71 occasional chair for McGuire of San Fransisco, the company she started with her husband John. McGuire furniture is made to last for generation...
Category
1960s American Hollywood Regency Vintage John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Leather, Rattan
Elinor McGuire M-86 Rattan & Cane Chair
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
Elinor McGuire designed this model M-86c occasional chair for McGuire of San Fransisco, the company she started with her husband John. The only thing more impressive than the many su...
Category
1970s American Organic Modern Vintage John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Rattan
Elinor McGuire M-59 "Host" or "Target" Chair
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
Elinor McGuire designed this model M-59 occasional chair for McGuire of San Fransisco, the company she started with her husband John. Originally named the "Host" chair, it has become...
Category
1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage John and Elinor McGuire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Rattan
John And Elinor Mcguire seating for sale on 1stDibs.
John and Elinor McGuire seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of rattan and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of John and Elinor McGuire seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating by John and Elinor McGuire were created in the Hollywood Regency style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Wicker Works, Arthur Espenet Carpenter, and John Saladino. Prices for John and Elinor McGuire seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,800 and can go as high as $6,900, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,200.
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