Here they are: the 5 most emblematic mid-century classics
If mid-century design objects impress you today, imagine the impact they had when they were first unveiled. Although there are countless twentieth-century design classics, most of them date from the period following the Second World War. The reconstruction of cities and the economy forced industrial designers to innovate and find creative solutions. In doing so, they asked themselves a burning question: what should modern life look like? This question gave rise to creations, each with its own story. Some designs were progressive through the use of mechanical techniques, others through the use of organic forms. We've listed the most progressive and sought-after mid-century design classics on Whoppah for you.
Antelope Chair
Designed by Ernest RaceFreelyErnest Race LTD, 1951
The Antelope Chair is an example of a design that came into being because of a shortage of materials due to the Second World War. Ernest, in collaboration with engineer J.W. Noël Jordan, created a steel frame. This material was rarely used for furniture at the time, and the technique used to form the frame had never been used before in this context. With its brightly coloured wooden seat, the chair introduced a new style of "modern" furniture.
DCW chair
Designed by Charles and Ray Eames, published by Herman Miller, 1945
This 1940s classic brought great fame to the design duo Charles and Ray Eames. The success of their design for a moulded plywood leg brace showed that materials could be adapted to the contours of the human body. They decided to apply this idea to furniture, and the Dining Chair Wood (DCW chair) was born. A revolutionary design that shows how modern shapes and production techniques can also be used to create an organic feel.
Sawbuck chair
Designed by Hans WegnerCommercialisedby Carl Hansen, 1951
"A chair has no back. It must be beautiful from all sides and angles", said Hans Wegner. This certainly applies to the Sawbuck chair, which is both beautiful and comfortable. While many designers use clean lines, Hans Wegner creates chairs with soft, organic shapes. The combination of these shapes and the use of different types of wood show why Wegner is one of the most influential designers of the 20th century.
Marshmallow sofa
Designed by George NelsonCommercialisedby Herman Miller, 1956
The Marshmallow sofa was ahead of its time in the 1950s. It was born of inventor Irving Harper's suggestion to George Nelson that he use his machine to produce inexpensive cushions. Each cushion had a maximum diameter of 30.5 centimetres, so they placed eighteen round cushions on a steel frame to get an idea of the final result. In the end, the machine didn't work, but the design was so convincing that Herman Miller put the sofa into production. However, the concept was abandoned in the 1960s because the production process was too costly. All the parts had to be made by hand, so the sofa was only marketed in limited numbers. So this 1960s model has become a real collector's item. If you find one on Whoppah, you know you have to act fast!
PH Artichoke lamp
Designed by Poul Henningsen Marketed by Louis Poulsen, 1958
Although Louis Poulsen designed over a hundred lamps, the Artichoke lamp is the best known. Designer Poul Henningsen's aim was to design a lamp that would soften the glare of light. He succeeded. The seventy-two blades combine to form a shade that resembles an artichoke, hence the name. The lamp was specially designed for the Langelinie Pavillonen restaurant in Copenhagen, where it still hangs. Design lovers will put this classic at the top of their wish list. Fun fact: there's even a limited edition from 2010 in circulation, made from gold leaf.
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