A dining table and chairs by McGuire, USA, circa 1970
A dining table and chairs by McGuire, USA, circa 1970
Welcome to the timeless legacy of John and Elinor, the beloved founders of the iconic McGuire Furniture, a San Francisco-based institution that has been synonymous with craftsmanship and creativity since its inception in 1948. As a dynamic couple, their lifelong partnership laid the foundation for the distinctive McGuire style, a harmonious fusion of natural materials such as rattan and hide with the sleek lines inspired by Asian aesthetics. Discover the essence of their visionary work embodied in this exquisite dining table and matching chairs—a testament to their enduring impact on design.
Crafted in the latter part of the 20th century, this McGuire dining set showcases the hallmark bamboo frame that is quintessentially McGuire. The table, adorned with a rectangular beveled glass top in pristine condition, stands as a testament to the timeless elegance of McGuire's craftsmanship. The bamboo base boasts a delightful warm hue, effortlessly infusing any modern interior with the inviting, relaxed ambiance reminiscent of California design. Immerse yourself in the classic beauty of McGuire Furniture, where each piece tells a story of innovation, craftsmanship, and the enduring allure of mid-century California style.
Some history about the manufacturers:
Like so many artists and designers, husband and wife John McGuire (1920–2013) and Elinor Stevenson (1914–2005) became masters in their trade by accident.
The couple met just before the start of World War II (during which John was in the U.S. Navy and Elinor was a navigation instructor) and got married after it ended. They settled down in San Francisco where John held a couple of jobs — among them selling newspaper ads for the San Francisco Examiner while Elinor worked for Boeing Aircraft. Soon, an old Navy buddy of John’s asked him to help sell a bunch of rattan furniture and, needing the money, John agreed. His side business became so successful that John decided to quit his ad-sales job and work full-time in design.
In 1948, McGuire Furniture Company was born. Alongside themed-century modern furniture designs then gaining popularity in the United States, John introduced an unconventional idea: traditional armchairs, stools and tables made of natural materials such as bamboo, which was strong yet could be rendered pliable when steamed, that were intended for the indoors rather than the front porch.
The brand’s first success was the now famous Director’s X-Chair byLeonard Linden. The military-campaign-style solid oak folding chair launched in 1956 and saw rattan binded with rawhide strips and a high-grade leather slug seat and back that eliminated the need for a plush cushion. Elinor, too, designed some of the brand’s popular pieces, such as 1968’s Cracked Ice chair. With its rattan oval back a dazzling celebration of geometric forms that give it its charming moniker, the Cracked Ice chair was an instant classic and is one of the brand’s most recognisable designs.
Today, McGuire and another American furniture manufacturer, Baker Furniture Company, comprise Baker Interiors Group. McGuire remains true to the founders’ ideals and commitment to crafting the kind of organic modern furnishings that are synonymous with the warm and relaxed feel of California design. The company has collaborated with interior designersSteven Volpe, Orlando Diaz-Azcuy and Nicole Hollis and, as of 2019, its luxury furnishings share a 16,500-square-foot showroom with Baker’s in San Francisco. Some of the earliest McGuire Furniture Company designs are part of the permanent collection at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsosian Design Museum in New York City.
Condition: very good, only minor wear and tear. Please refer to photographs
Dimensions Chairs: 119cm high, 54cm wide, 54cm deep, seat height: 48cm
Dimensions Table: 72cm high, 154cm wide, 91cm deep
For additional information please contact us:
Email: info@alessiolorenzi.com
Phone: +44 7701 088 288
REFERENCE: H2363