Greta Magnusson Grossman, USA, 1948-49

More from Greta Magnusson Grossman

• 

  Greta Magnusson Grossman, USA, 1952

  Desk
  Made by Glenn of California.
  Walnut and iron
  
  This desk, designed for Glenn of California in 1952, is the epitome of Grossman’s pairing wrought iron details with beautifully figured walnut into a balanced composition. This specific piece is unique in that it does not have the black laminate top normally present in the model, meaning it was a special order and not a production piece. This desk ultimately symbolizes Grossman’s full dive into California modernism while at the same time keeping her particular asymmetric approach. The petite scale suggests this desk was meant for a home, as Grossman was committed to modernizing the home office and worked from home herself.

  ...
• 

  Greta Magnusson Grossman, USA, 1952

  Dresser
  Made by Glenn of California
  Walnut
  
  The same year that Greta Magnusson Grossman won the Museum of Modern Art’s “Good Design” designation in 1952 for the chair she designed for Glenn of California, she developed a comprehensive collection called the “62 Series” for the company, so named because Glenn’s founder and owner Bob Baron felt it was ten years ahead of its time. The prolific designer additionally created this line of dressers for the company, in which the feet structure gives lightness and dynamism to the piece. At the same time, the drawer knobs provide a modern twist.

  ...
• 

  Greta Magnusson Grossman, USA, c. 1947

  Palomino Lounge Chair
  Made by Barker Bros.
  Wood and upholstery
  
  In 1948, Greta Magnusson Grossman stated that she aimed to create furniture that could blend all periods. Her solution was not to mix different styles but to develop a unique look. Such is the case with this very rare armchair that Grossman designed for Barker Brothers in 1947, the year they opened Modern Shop. The armchair combines the typical Scandinavian arm “swoop” with the ease of the California coast, but it is conceived as a new and innovative design. The piece was part of the Multi-Unit Pacific Line, created by Grossman for Barker in Ash wood with a “Palomino” stain finish, which gives the wood a golden sheen.

  ...
• 

  Greta Magnusson Grossman, USA, c. 1949

  Chaise Longe
  Made by Sherman Bertram
  Upholstery and wood
  
  This chaise longue had a short production run and was one of the last fully upholstered pieces that Grossman designed, similar to another chaise with wrought iron feet she created around the same time. There are a few photographs of this version, produced by Sherman Bertram. Its scale is unusual in comparison to other chaise longues because it is wide and short, almost like a love seat. This piece can be seen in a sketch Grossman created for the residence of Frank Sinatra. The present example is upholstered with “Max” fabric designed and handwoven by rruka.

  ...
• 

  Greta Magnusson Grossman, USA, c. 1950

  Bookcase
  Made by Glenn of California
  Walnut and laminate

  ...
• 

  Greta Magnusson Grossman, USA, 1954

  Coffee table
  Made by Glenn of California
  Walnut, steel, and laminate

  ...
• 

  Greta Magnusson Grossman, USA, c. 1952

  Grasshopper
  Made by Bergboms
  Metal

  ...
• 

  Greta Magnusson Grossman, USA, c. 1950

  Table Light
  Made by Ralph O. Smith
  Enameled aluminum and chrome-plated steel

  ...