Mid Century Modern Chairs Remain In Style

The Mid Century Modern Designers: George Nelson, Edward Wormley, Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia, Charles Eames and Jens Risom, featured on Playboy Magazine, July 1961 and republished by DWR

I came across this amazing photo and wanted to share it with all of our followers who are interested in the mid century design and culture. In it's early conception, Playboy Magazine was created not only to showcase female figures, but to entertain it's readers with lifestyle articles, using humor, sophistication and a dash of spice. For those of you that don't believe it, I submit the photo above.

Read by men of all ages and lifestyles, it seems fitting that these prominent and prolific mid century modern masters of furniture design also graced the pages of the famous (or infamous, depending on your perspective) magazine. George Nelson is shown here atop his elegant yet industrial inspired bar cart. Edward Wormley sits in his A-frame wood chair with cane backing. Eero Saarinen rests in his Womb Chair, designed in 1948 for Knoll. Harry Bertoia lounges in is his forward thinking Bertoia Diamond Lounge Chair, bringing industrial design into the home setting. Also referencing practical industrial furniture, Charles Eames poses on his iconic molded / bent plywood chairs. Lastly, Jens Risom stands behind his chair designed in 1949 for the Caribe Hilton Hotel in Puerto Rico. The Danish designer was also the first person to design a chair for Knoll.

Just as Playboy has adapted to it's readers, designers continue to advance due to huge technological innovation. Are there designers today that could be featured in Playboy without appearing completely bizarre? I think not. Some things must change in order to remain relevant while others are so well thought out, that they remain classic and pertinent, regardless of how time evolves. Forging new techniques and innovative perspectives is always necessary but the power of well thought design, will always remain in style.