1960s Cliff House Swivel Chair: A Mid-Century Icon by Heywood Wakefield

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26”W x 27 1/2”H x 22”D Seat Dimensions: 20 1/4”W x 16 3/4”H x 20”D Arm Height: 25"

This is … Read more 26”W x 27 1/2”H x 22”D Seat Dimensions: 20 1/4”W x 16 3/4”H x 20”D Arm Height: 25"

This is an original American Heywood Wakefield Cliff House dining chair from the 1960s, a striking testament to mid-century modern design. Crafted from solid cherry wood, the swivel chair features a rich, warm brown finish achieved with a unique "doeskin" treatment, emphasizing the natural color and grain of the wood. This deep, warm brown finish, and the name, "Cliff House", were inspired by the glamour of the famous San Francisco Hotel.

The design is characterized by its sleek, sculptural form. The gracefully curved seat and back offer both visual appeal and ergonomic comfort. The armrests flow seamlessly from the back, creating a unified and inviting silhouette. A unique pedestal base features four splayed legs finished in black, providing stability and a contrasting element to the warmth of the wood. The top edge of the legs show wear, with portions of the black paint rubbed away to reveal the steel beneath, adding a touch of authentic character and patina to the piece. This design choice enhances the chair's modern aesthetic and adds a touch of visual lightness.

The Cliff House collection marked a significant shift for Heywood-Wakefield, reflecting a move towards modernist design principles. In the face of the Great Depression, Heywood-Wakefield reinvented itself, creating the first modernist furniture to be widely embraced in American households. This chair represents a pivotal moment in American furniture history, blending craftsmanship with forward-thinking design.

Massachusetts, USA.

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