Finding a standard definition for the term “mid-century” is nearly impossible as it is a broad term that is commonly used to describe the architecture, design, fashion and culture of the middle of the 20th century. Date ranges vary widely with beginning dates for the era ranging from 1933 to the mid-1950s and end dates landing anywhere from 1965 and the mid-1970s. Despite varying opinion about when the movement started or ended, it is undeniable that mid-century design enjoyed its height in popularity during the 50s and 60s. In the most general terms, the mid-century movement is considered to have started at the close of World War II and lasted into the early 70s with its largest contribution to American culture being during the 50s and 60s.
No matter how this time period in American history is defined, there are a number of common principles of the movement that can be agreed upon. The primary principle being optimism. With the Great Depression still prominent in society’s memory and with the Second World War just coming to a close, a great number of Americans were optimistic about the future and the burgeoning status of the United States on the worldwide stage. The Public Works Administration and war contracts had put the US on a path for financial success, the Allied forces had protected democracy against dictatorships and the United States had claimed the name superpower with the development of the atomic bomb. As veterans came home, these factors and numerous GI benefits allowed for the formation of a middle class and gave much of the country a reason for being optimistic about the future.
Another element that helped define the mid-century era was the development of new materials to be used in construction and design. Wartime innovations found their way into day-to-day life for many Americans. Husband and wife, Charles and Ray (Bernice Alexandra) Eames had worked with the military during the war, developing items to be used on the battlefield. The Eames’ found great success in using bent plywood and eventually designed the stretcher used to evacuate injured soldiers from the field. The techniques developed for such tools transferred to post-war design of the iconic Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman and many other Eames designs. Beyond plywood, the late 40’s and 50’s saw the use of fiberglass and laminates as essential components to home design. Improvements in concrete, expanded uses for plywood, in construction, and mass manufacturing and building techniques were all used by architects in new buildings design. These improvements were implemented into homes by architect greats like Joseph Eichler and Richard Neutra as well as in tract ranch-style homes.
The mid-century era also enabled designers and architects to become super stars. Largely influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright’s pre-war work, later architects and designers such as Albert Frey, David Wexler, Eero Saarinen and George Nelson joined the likes of the Eames’, Eichler and Neutra. Together these creative minds, joined by countless others, were able to create what we know today as mid-century modern. The construction of commissioned homes and manufacture of branded furniture allowed these individuals to become stars alongside their contemporaries in the world of art and fashion design.
Designers took advantage of the optimism combined with the Art Deco and Hollywood Regency design that were common place in America at the time and the Bauhaus design (coming from a German art school by the same name). Hallmarks of this design centered around minimalist, sleek, functional design. Architects focused on the use of natural light and combining the natural exterior elements into the interior design. Mixing stone and wood into interior design is a hallmark in many mid-century homes. Homes were also designed around the concept of family and entertaining. Bedrooms, closets and bathrooms pale in size when compared to modern day focus on master suites and walk-in closets. The rationale of the time was that these rooms are were purely functional. Space was dedicated to large living spaces where families could gather together and entertain friends, family and associates. As natural light penetrated the large picture windows of homes, furniture designers followed suit in designing pieces with sleek gentle curves and angles and often appeared to be lightweight and at times appeared to be floating. Hairpin and spindle legs on furniture and floating shelves and hanging wall units are excellent examples of this concept.
Optimism, improvements in materials and the designers behind it all defined mid-century design. Today, mid-century is enjoying a comeback. Reproductions of authentic pieces and “mid-century inspired” items can be found in architecture, furniture, housewares and clothing design. Companies are digging into the archives to retrieve vintage marketing or creating retro advertising. After 30 years of being almost forgotten, old-fashioneds, martinis and other bourbon and gin cocktails are as popular as ever.
AMC’s Mad Men is often credited for jump starting today’s resurgent interest in the 60’s. Although the popularity of this series has definitely influenced this comeback, there are several other contributing factors. The baby-boomer generation was the first to be captured on film. Film went from the cinema to the living room with the invention of the television and 8mm film made the first generation of home videos possible. Print media has also contributed contributed to the nostalgic review of the mid-century time frame. Saved LIFE magazines, print ads and Sears Roebuck catalogs offer a quick glimpse into life in the middle of the 20th century. The result is that two generations later, we can still look back on this era in a way that is not possible for pre-war generations. Also the improved materials and manufacturing processes of the mid-century allowed for mass production of quality products, many of which can be easily found today.
Whether you have nostalgic memories of watching Johnny Carson with Grandpa and Grandma, appreciating the craftsmanship of furniture and housewares, enjoying the art of the lines and angles in architecture or just loving Don Draper’s office bar cart, the end result is the same, you are a mid-century enthusiast.
Don Draper’s Office