Topic guide
Materials, manufacturing methods and construction details behind mid-century design.
Materials are not surface decoration. This section explains the properties, processes and constraints that gave mid-century objects their form.
Recently added
Stories for this section are in preparation. In the meantime, these are the latest additions.
The mark certifies Danish origin and a materials standard. It names no designer, guarantees no timber, and cannot appear on furniture made before 1960.
Herman Miller changed its labels a dozen times between 1946 and 1984. Each change narrows the date of a piece, and one narrows it to a single year.
A quiet monthly letter
A concise monthly note for people who want to look more closely at twentieth-century design. No daily churn.
The first letter is in preparation.