Please find a short article by Mark Smith, Managing Director, below.

Charles and Ray Eames

Charles and Ray Eames, an American husband-and-wife team, are synonymous with mid-century modern design. Their work combined practicality with an elegant simplicity, epitomised by the iconic Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman. Introduced in 1956, this chair is celebrated for its comfort and sophisticated aesthetic, combining moulded plywood with luxurious leather. The Eames duo also pioneered the use of new materials, such as fibreglass and plastic, in furniture design, making stylish yet affordable pieces accessible to the masses.

Marcel Breuer

Marcel Breuer, a Hungarian-born architect and designer, was a prominent figure in the Bauhaus movement. His work, particularly the Wassily Chair, transformed furniture design by incorporating tubular steel. Created in 1925, the Wassily Chair's use of lightweight, durable steel was groundbreaking. Breuer’s designs were not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, embodying the Bauhaus principle of combining form and function.

Hans Wegner

Danish designer Hans Wegner was a key proponent of the Scandinavian modern movement. Known for his precise craftsmanship and attention to detail, Wegner’s designs often featured natural materials and organic forms. His iconic Wishbone Chair (CH24), designed in 1949, illustrates his philosophy of creating functional yet beautiful furniture. 

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a German-American architect, was one of the pioneers of modern architecture and design. His Barcelona Chair, designed in 1929 for the German Pavilion at the International Exposition in Barcelona, remains a symbol of modernist elegance. The chair’s clean lines, premium materials, and impeccable craftsmanship embody Mies’s philosophy of “less is more,” blending functionality with a minimalist appeal.

Arne Jacobsen

Arne Jacobsen, a Danish architect and designer, made significant contributions to modern furniture design with his innovative use of materials and forms. His Egg Chair and Swan Chair are celebrated for their sculptural, organic shapes and comfort. Jacobsen’s work blends functionality with artistic expression, making his designs enduring symbols of modernist taste. His approach often involved a holistic integration of architecture and interior design, ensuring that his furniture pieces complemented and enhanced the spaces they occupied.

Le Corbusier

Le Corbusier, a Swiss-French architect, designer, and urban planner, was a giant of modern architecture and furniture design. His LC2 and LC4 chairs, designed in the late 1920s with Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand, are iconic for their minimalist, industrial aesthetic. Utilising chrome-plated steel and luxurious leather, these pieces exemplify Le Corbusier’s belief in creating functional, comfortable furniture for modern living spaces.

The Importance of Licensing

The designs of these key names in 20th Century furniture have become iconic, often imitated but rarely matched in quality and integrity. Correct licensing is crucial to preserve the authenticity and legacy of such designs. Licensed pieces ensure that the original vision and specifications of the designers are upheld, maintaining the high standards of craftsmanship and material quality. Moreover, licensing protects the intellectual property rights of the designers and their estates, ensuring they receive due recognition and financial compensation.

In recent years, there has been a surge in demand for authentic mid-century modern furniture. Licensed pieces not only guarantee authenticity but also provide buyers with a sense of owning a piece of design history. They are often seen as investments, retaining or even appreciating in value over time. Unlicensed replicas, while cheaper, can lack the durability and precise detailing of the originals, ultimately diminishing the design’s integrity.

Conclusion

The 20th century brought forth a new era in furniture design, led by visionary designers like Eames, Breuer, Wegner, van der Rohe, Le Corbusier and Jacobsen. Their contributions have left an enduring mark on the design world, blending form and function in ways that continue to inspire. Ensuring these designs are correctly licensed is essential for preserving their legacy and maintaining the high standards they established. For enthusiasts and collectors, owning a licensed piece of 20th-century furniture is not just about style; it’s about honouring the craftsmanship and innovation that defined an era and prices for original pieces will only continue to rise.