5 Reasons Why American Modernist Paul McCobb’s Designs Are Relevant Once Again
Simple and lithe in spirit, the midcentury legend’s most popular designs are back—and they pack the same revelatory punch today.
Simple and lithe in spirit, the midcentury legend’s most popular designs are back—and they pack the same revelatory punch today.
It’s been a busy few years for admirers of midcentury-modern designer Paul McCobb. Formerly accessible only through high-end vintage markets, McCobb’s slim-lined, materials-forward designs have seen a resurgence of interest, with notable reissues from his Directional and Widdicomb lines coming to market from the likes of Ralph Pucci and De Padova.
Paul McCobb circa 1949.
Courtesy of CB2 and formportfolios.com.
CB2’s plan to bring some of McCobb’s most popular pieces from the 1950s and ’60s—spanning lighting, tables, case goods, and seating—back into production this year gives fans of the designer’s simple geometry another reason to rejoice. The details that matter, such as gliding drawers and piano hinges, have been kept the same, while subtle updates to material choices nod to the present and will undoubtedly carry the pieces well into the future.
Should you need reminding, Paul McCobb was that "bad boy" of modernism—known for his fiery nature along with his pared-back sensibility and linear forms—who was supposedly so hungover the morning of a now famous 1961 Playboy photoshoot that he missed it, leaving him out of a "giants of current design" moment that included peers Harry Bertoia, Charles Eames, George Nelson, and Eero Saarinen, among others—all posing with their most iconic works.
Ivory leather sliding doors, an iron frame, and FSC-certified, ebonized black oak make
CB2’s Paul McCobb console and hutch (available separately) as future forward as they were when first issued.
Courtesy of CB2
But that clearly didn’t write him out of history. As McCobb’s designs continue to reemerge from relative obscurity, we offer five takes on their staying power.
The Sweet Spot Between High and Low
Although McCobb designed for the homes of CEOs and celebrities, he is perhaps best known for his more populist, accessible pieces. Wide-reaching success followed the 1950 release of his Planner Group line, which, characterized by a mix of Shaker-style restraint and shapeliness, made McCobb a household name as "America’s designer."
The collection’s Modernist chair—updated in high-gloss, ebonized beechwood—features gentle curves from back to arm and evokes the look of a hand-carved piece. Shown with McCobb’s Connoisseur dining table.
Courtesy of CB2
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