Pair of 1940s Hollywood Greek Key Occasional Chairs by Grosfeld House
Pair of 1940s Hollywood Greek Key Occasional Chairs by Grosfeld House
This pair of sophisticated 1940s Hollywood occasional chairs by Grosfeld House features a rounded seat in new silver metallic sharkskin upholstery and stud detailing, an ebonized walnut frame with square footed fluted sabre legs and cut-out back design with Greek Key and etched details. Restored to mint condition. If purchased individually, $1,850.
American, circa 1945
Dimensions:
Height: 34” (86 cm) x Width: 17” (43 cm) x Depth: 20” (51 cm)
Seat Height: 18.5” (47 cm)
Creator: Grosfeld House (Maker)
Place of origin: United States
Date of manufacture: circa 1945
Period: 1940-1949
Condition: Excellent
Reference Number: 14110779345041
GROSFELD HOUSE
Grosfeld House was a prominent New York City-based modern furniture manufacturer and retailer, operating from the 1930s through the 1970s. With showrooms in Chicago and Los Angeles, Grosfeld House became well-known for its innovative designs and high-quality craftsmanship, forging partnerships with celebrated designers that solidified its place in the world of mid-century modern and Hollywood Regency-style furniture.
One of the company's most distinctive offerings was its use of Lucite, an acrylic plastic introduced in the 1930s. Grosfeld House embraced this new material and incorporated it into a wide variety of furnishings, from coffee tables and chairs to mirrors. Their "Glassic" line, which featured sleek, transparent Lucite designs, became one of the brand’s defining collections. In addition to their avant-garde use of materials, Grosfeld House was known for its luxurious and flamboyant ornamentation. Pieces often featured lacquered parchment, gilt metal, and ebonized wood, making them a favorite among interior decorators working in what we now recognize as the Hollywood Regency style.
While Grosfeld House is remembered for its modernist furniture, it also produced pieces inspired by traditional designs, including styles such as Hepplewhite and Louis XV. This combination of modern innovation and classical elegance set the company apart, allowing it to appeal to a wide range of tastes and sensibilities.
Under the creative direction of Lorin Jackson, Grosfeld House saw significant success. Jackson was a pioneering designer who helped popularize the company’s use of Lucite and other materials that challenged conventional furniture design. His collections became widely sought after by consumers, particularly those looking for statement pieces that blended bold, modern aesthetics with a touch of glamour.
In addition to Jackson, Grosfeld House enjoyed collaborations with other notable designers. Vladimir Kagan, a German-American designer renowned for his sleek, sculptural furniture, contributed nearly 150 pieces to Grosfeld House's catalog. Kagan’s designs, which are often seen as ahead of their time, became highly influential and are still coveted by collectors today. Another key collaborator was Eugene Schoen, an architect and designer associated with the Art Deco movement. Schoen's work for Grosfeld House brought a refined and elegant aesthetic to their furniture line. In the 1960s, designer Marc Berge contributed understated yet stylish mid-century modern pieces to the company's portfolio, further solidifying its reputation for high-quality, fashionable furniture.
Grosfeld House's commitment to impeccable craftsmanship and innovative design made it a go-to destination for both modern and classical furniture. The brand's unique ability to fuse cutting-edge materials like Lucite with traditional forms and opulent detailing created iconic pieces that added character and sophistication to any space. While the company eventually closed its doors, the furniture it produced remains highly collectible, celebrated for its bold design choices and timeless appeal.