ABOUT
Holy cow! We are loving these Goodform chairs by General Fireproofing at the shop. Anodized brushed aluminum, machine age, industrial, mid-century. What more could you want? Oh right. They are anodized a gold color. Gold! Or kind-of gliver. A little silvery with a gold tone. Not sure exactly how to describe it. Two of them are slightly darker gold with less silver with a little extra detail so you can use those as the host and hostess chairs. They are currently upholstered in a wool-like woven beige fabric, but we don’t think its original. It is in good condition and clean and ready to use but…..Wow! Would they ever look fantastic in new leather, vinyl, or maybe mohair! They have a slightly rolled back which is such a cool detail and the arms are partially upholstered for comfort. The little bit of difference the two chairs have besides their color is a V-shaped overlay detail of aluminum on the front curve of the arm. Their stretchers and cross bars enhance their industrial look and make them sturdy enough to stand up to a family of teenagers or…elephants whichever you have! Ha!
The General Fireproofing Company or GF began in 1902 in Youngstown, Ohio. They were originally manufacturers of building materials. But when the building industry took a downturn in 1907 the put their efforts into producing steel office furniture. Their first 4-drawer steel file cabinet came to fruition in 1910 and the first fireproof safe in 1912. And, GF has the distinction of producing the largest selling commercial office desk in the world with their production of the 1600 series metal desk which was made from 1925 well into the 1970s. Although ALCOA designed the first all-aluminum office chair in 1924 General Fireproofing was not far behind when they produced their first chair in1929. 1932 gave birth to the Goodform seating line with a single model. However1935 saw ten additional models introduced. They continued to produce new models and designs through 1939. But with the onset of WWII, GF ceased all regular production to manufacture aircraft parts. After the war the plant was again regeared to begin making their office furniture. In 1948 something miraculous happened. They collaborated with the renowned Raymond Loewy to create the Mode-Maker line of executive desks. Alas, as things go sales declined in the 1970s and many of their lines were discontinued. The company was bankrupt by 1989.
Iconic. Handsome. Sturdy. And a set of six! Use these around your dining table or in your office. Hurry and make them yours.
