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.
Mid Century Modern Plycraft Mulhauser Mr Chair and Ottoman
By George Mulhauser
Located in Tulsa, OK
Iconic Plycraft George Mulhauser Mr chair and ottoman. Above average condition and structurally sound. Walnut veneer has some small chips and sligh...
Faux Leather, Walnut
$4,500
H 39 in W 36.5 in D 31.5 in
1960s vintage Mr. Chair and ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in Phoenix, AZ
1960s 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...
Leather, Walnut
$3,900Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 38 in W 36.5 in D 32 in
Mr. Chair by George Mulhauser, Mid-Century Walnut Plywood, USA
By George Mulhauser
Located in Malibu, CA
Iconic "Mr." Chair by George Mulhauser for Plycraft. Constructed of bent walnut plywood and upholstered in its original button tufted black Naugahyde, this chair sits atop an adjusta...
Chrome
$2,150
H 40 in W 38.5 in D 37 in
MCM Mulhauser for Plycraft "Mr. Chair" Lounge Newly Reupholstered in Leather
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern George Mulhauser for Plycraft "Mr. Chair" Lounge Chair Newly Reupholstered in Burberry Print Blue Leather We reupholstered this iconic MCM George Mulhauser "Mr. C...
Leather, Wood
$3,183Sale Price / item|23% Off
H 39.5 in W 38.5 in D 38 in
George Mulhauser Mr. Chair & Ottoman by Plycraft
By Arne Jacobsen, Plycraft, George Mulhauser, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This listing is for ONE chair with ottoman. The second chair has been sold. Beautifully restored Mid-Century Modern white lounge chair with ottomans designed in the manner of George...
Metal
$3,412Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 39.5 in W 38.5 in D 38 in
Walnut Tufted George Mulhauser Style Mr. Chair & Ottoman
By Arne Jacobsen, Charles and Ray Eames, George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This listing is for ONE chair with ottoman. The second chair has been sold. Beautifully restored Mid-Century Modern white lounge chair with ottomans designed in the manner of George...
Metal
$2,920Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 40 in W 35 in D 28 in
Iconic Space Age Version Mr. Chair and Ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Iconic 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...
Upholstery, Walnut
$2,936
H 40.16 in W 34.26 in D 26.78 in
MidCentury Modern Leather and Bentwood Lounge Chair by Martin Stoll for Giroflex
By Giroflex Stoll, Martin Stoll
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This elegant executive armchair was designed by Martin Stoll for the Swiss manufacturer Stoll Giroflex during the 1960s. The molded, rounded frame is made of bent wood and finished i...
Metal
Mr. Chair' Lounge Chair by George Mulhauser for Plycraft, 1960s
By George Mulhauser
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A swivelling lounge chair and ottoman for Plycraft having molded walnut shells and bases form fitted with seamless upholstery that is devoid of tufting.
Steel
$6,500 / set
H 36.5 in W 36.5 in D 35 in
Mid Century Modern 1960s Plycraft George Mulhauser “Mr. Chair” and Ottoman
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in Phoenix, AZ
1960s vintage Mr. Chair and ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft. This iconic mid century modern chair features sculptural bent walnut armrests and brand new black vinyl tufted u...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Mrs. Lounge Chair in Walnut & Vinyl by George Mulhauser for Plycraft, c. 1960s
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a true Mid Century Modern masterpiece: the Low Back Lounge Chair designed by George Mulhauser. This iconic model, known as the "Mrs. Chair", is in 100% original, vintage condition making it ideal for collectors and designers alike searching for an authentic Plycraft bentwood chair. Constructed from a bentwood walnut shell with mesmerizing woodgrains, this chair is both durable and stylish and an iconic piece of American Mid-Century Modern design. George Mulhauser was an American industrial designer who gained fame in the 1950s and 1960s for his furniture designs. He was one of the most important designers of the Mid-Century Modern era, and his designs were frequently featured in the pages of the most prestigious design publications of the time. He was a major player in the furniture design industry and his designs were considered as modern for all...
Walnut
Rare "Mrs." Lounge Chair in Walnut, George Mulhauser for Plycraft, USA, c. 1960s
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a true Mid Century Modern masterpiece: the Low Back Swivel Lounge Chair designed by lauded George Mulhauser. This iconic model, known as the "Mrs. Chair", has recently undergone a comprehensive restoration process making it ideal for collectors and designers alike searching for an authentic Plycraft bentwood chair...
Walnut
Plycraft Style Bentwood Chair, Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration, USA, c. 1960
By Kipp Stewart
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a truly extraordinary bentwood lounge chair designed by the influential Kipp Stewart for Drexel's lauded Declaration Line. Crafted in the late 1960s this Plycraft-styled ...
Walnut
Rare Set of 2 "Mrs." Chairs in Walnut, George Mulhauser, Plycraft, USA, c. 1960s
By George Mulhauser
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a true Mid Century Modern masterpiece: a rare set of two matching Low Back Swivel Lounge Chairs designed by lauded George Mulhauser. This pair of the iconic model, known as the "Mrs. Chair", has recently undergone a comprehensive restoration process making it ideal for collectors and designers alike searching for an authentic Plycraft bentwood chair...
Walnut
Walnut Bentwood Lounge Chair & Ottoman in Manner of Milo Baughman, USA, c. 1950s
By Milo Baughman
Located in Deland, FL
This exceptional chair and ottoman set is a superb example of early mid-century modern design and craftsmanship. The sculpted back with exquisite wal...
Plywood
Early Jens Risom Model 108 Arm Chair for Risom Designs in Walnut, USA, c. 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Deland, FL
A rare and elegant 1950's walnut armchair, Model 108, designed by Jens Risom for Risom Designs Inc. This collectable chair is found in it's original Naugahyd...
Walnut
