Mr. Chair Recliner with built in ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft
About the Item
- Creator:George Mulhauser (Designer),Plycraft (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 42.5 in (107.95 cm)Width: 33 in (83.82 cm)Depth: 23 in (58.42 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:unknown
- Condition:Refinished. Reupholstered.
- Seller Location:San Diego, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6417239511742
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: San Diego, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- 1st Gen. Mr Chair and Ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft in fresh leather.By George MulhauserLocated in San Diego, CAGeorge Mulhauser designed this incredibly comfortable and attractive Mr Chair and ottoman in early 1960. We have restored the bentwood walnut shell and reupholstered in brand new bla...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Walnut
- Togo Chair and Ottoman in Purple by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne RosetBy Ligne Roset, Michel DucaroyLocated in San Diego, CAThe iconic Togo sofa, originally designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1973, has become a mid-century design classic. This fireside armchair and ottoman is incredibly versati...Category
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery
- Peacock Chair by Hans J. Wegner for PP Møbler, in Ash PP550By Hans J. Wegner, PP MøblerLocated in San Diego, CAPeacock Chair designed by Hans J. Wegner for PP Møbler is an easy chair with a natural papercord seat. The Peacock Chair is historically anchored in the classic British Windsor Chair...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsPapercord, Ash, Teak
- Mid-Century Modern Ringstol Lounge Chair by Illum WikkelsøBy Illum WikkelsøLocated in San Diego, CAThis Ringstol Lounge chair by Illum Wikkelsø is a perfect expression of Danish Modernism and and an architectural and visual delight. It features a mind-blowing steam bent circle mad...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsCord, Beech
- Shell lounge chair, model FH 1936 designed by Hans J. WegnerLocated in San Diego, CAShell lounge chair, model FH 1936 designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1948 and shortly manufactured by Fritz Hansen in the early fifties. After the second world war various designers exper...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsTeak
- I.P.E. 'Corolla' Lounge Chair (2 available)By IPELocated in San Diego, CAI.P.E., lounge chair, model 'Corolla', velvet, chrome-plated steel, Italy, 1970s A striking design that will add a vibrant softness to your room. Lower yourself into a cloud of com...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- 1960s vintage Mr. Chair and ottoman by George Mulhauser for PlycraftBy George Mulhauser, PlycraftLocated in Phoenix, AZ1960s vintage Mr. Chair and ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft. This iconic mid century modern chair features sculptural bent walnut armrests and new textured leather tufted up...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Walnut
- 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
- 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
- Iconic Space Age Version Mr. Chair and Ottoman by George Mulhauser for PlycraftBy George Mulhauser, PlycraftLocated in Pemberton, NJIconic space-age version of the Mr. Chair and matching ottoman by Plycraft. This molded ply lounge chair/ottoman is designed by George Mulhauser and made by Plycraft features stylish...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- 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
- Mr. Chair by George Mulhauser for PlycraftBy George MulhauserLocated in Sagaponack, NYA swivelling lounge chair and ottoman for Plycraft having molded walnut shells and bases form fitted with seamless upholstery that is devoid of tufting.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsSteel