“In order to write about life, first you must live it.” -Ernest Hemingway. Well…lean back, put your feet up, and live your BEST life lounging in this phenomenal rattan lounge chair and ottoman by Helmers Manufacturing Company!! This is a gorgeous lounge chair and ottoman comprised of rattan frames and wraps, pillow back cushion, spring seat and ottoman cushion wearing a fabulous nubby orange fabric. Although we don’t believe the fabric to be original, we expect it was reupholstered sometime in the 1950’s, and it’s in good condition! The cushions are a bit stiffer and make some crispy sounds (we believe this to be from the backing on the fabric) so some will want to recover at some point, but it can be used as is for quite some time. This set bares a lot of styles including campaign, Arts & Crafts, Art Deco, and rustic. We also think this set looks like something right out of Earnest Hemingway’s living room with an “Out of Africa” inspired style! It also has a Ralph Lauren feel. It’s just FABULOUS!! It has straight wide arms consisting of three double rattan bars that curve around to the bottom front of the seat cushion. The ottoman slopes back with a nice angle so your feet hang down comfortably. This is just the set you need to kick your feet up and relax in your Coastal or Island style sitting room, in the study facing the fireplace, or maybe out on the Lanai or sunroom.
Henry J, Helmers Sr. was a native of Germany but came to America as an infant with his parents. Approximately 1870 they moved to Leavenworth, Kansas. He worked hard and early in life at whatever jobs he could but was unhappy and life was tough. Eventually he became a barber and practiced for some time but was unfulfilled. He disposed of his barber business and began to focus on producing a barber supply line, which he did until 1881, when he added the manufacture of furniture. In 1888 Mr. Helmers organized Helmers Manufacturing Company and manufactured a general line of furniture. In 1901 he established a branch in Kansas City and in 1905 built a jobbing house there. The Helmers Manufacturing Company Building was built in 1909 to accommodate an expanding furniture manufacturing business. The company operated out of this building until 1940. The property was nominated as a good example of an early 20th century manufacturing facility constructed at the juncture of traditional and modern building technologies.
Surely you have fallen in love with this fabulous rattan lounge chair and ottoman. Of course, you have! Well, do yourself a favor and make it YOURS!!!