The Masters Behind MCM

George Nelson, Edward Wormley, Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia, Charles Eames and Jens Risom. Image via Playboy Magazine, 1961. 

Mid-century modern design. Love it or hate it, it's hard to ignore the resurgence of the movement over the last few years, especially with shows like Mad Men, and websites like Pinterest, which offers hours worth of MCM eye candy. So when I signed up to take my first class at 3rd Ward, Intro to the History of Modern Furniture, I was pretty excited to learn about Mid-Century Modern to put it all in context. Continue below to read a few exciting tidbits I learned in class.

Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, by Ray and Charles Eames 1956

Marshmallow Sofa by George Nelson, 1956

Diamond Lounge Chair for Knoll International by Harry Bertoia, 1952

Some fun facts about MCM:

*Mid-century modern design emerged around the 1940s and continued into the mid 1960s
* The designers behind the movement were looking to create functional pieces that could be reproduced for the masses. They were designing pieces for everyday living, not fancy investments that only the rich could afford. I found this interesting considering how pricy the pieces can be nowadays.
* Herman Miller and Knoll were the top two design manufacturers
* In addition to using wood, designers began incorporating new materials such as plywood, wire mesh, plexiglass and plastic

How about you? Are you a fan of mid-century design, or do you prefer other styles? I like to mix and match my decor, but I have to admit, I am partial to this era.

Read a very cool interview with one of Mad Men's prop master's, Scott Buckwald, here. Fascinating!