Incollect Magazine - Issue 12

Incollect Magazine 91 California as a designer of streamlined furniture characterized by refined lines, inviting proportions, and appealing materials. However, his designs were often considered too radical for traditional furniture companies. “Most people who saw them turned them down,” Baughman recalled. Not Coggin. After an hour of presentations, Coggin stood up and declared, “This isn’t like anything I’ve ever seen before, but I like it. Let’s do it!” Baughman drew inspiration from Hollywood set designs, later stating, “I’m much more interested in the atmosphere of a space than in design as such... I used to watch Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers films twice: once to admire their incomparable dancing and a second time to appreciate the sets, which were so unashamedly modern.” He was captivated by the materials and shapes, recalling, “I loved the glamorous, oversized, streamlined furniture. I loved its mixture of bold yet controlled proportions, sophistication and simplicity, daring and restraint.” Coggin hired Baughman as his lead designer, and together they began to redefine the language of home furnishings for mid-century America. For 50 years, Baughman created simple, timeless designs using a variety of new and luxurious materials, while Coggin managed manufacturing and marketing. He upheld a dedication to craftsmanship, with every piece handmade from scratch and precision upholstery. “Milo Baughman was a real design genius,” says Jean Nelson, founder and owner of mid-century furniture gallery circa20c in Dallas, Texas, and an aficionado of the designer. “He was not only a leading American designer, but he was also largely responsible for the modern design movement in America. His decades-long collaboration with Thayer Coggin resulted in some of the most beautiful and desirable designs, which remain highly sought after even decades later.” Nelson purchases and restores iconic vintage Baughman designs. “We know style and quality in furniture are always in demand,” she explains. “The thing about Baughman’s work is that the original pieces are beautifully made, with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to handcrafted quality. He wasn’t just designing; he was dedicated to creating lasting, high-quality, functional furniture. In Thayer Coggin, he found the perfect partner to realize this complete vision.” Among Nelson’s favorite pieces are Baughman’s sofas. “He always designed the most glamorous, dramatic ‘party’ sofas — seating that was functional but commanded the room.” Currently, she has three Baughman sofas in her showroom, including a “Sit Tight” serpentine sectional sofa with a chrome base. She recently sold an enormous, eye-popping 1970s 9-cushion circular sectional sofa in toffee mohair. Leslie Zarra Young at Cliff Young Ltd. in the New York Design Center is a longtime distributor of Milo Baughman furniture for Thayer Coggin. Her father, designer Cliff Young, knew and admired Baughman, and Zarra Young met him several times while growing up. She notes that the demand for Baughman designs never wanes: “We have represented him in New York since around 1970, which should tell you something about his enduring popularity with interior designers and homeowners.” Zarra Young’s father often told her stories about visiting the Thayer Coggin factory in North Carolina. “He would tell me how popular the brand was — people had to wait in line to get into the Thayer Coggin factory during the High Point show. We had all of his furniture in our home; we had incredible Sporting a sleek profile combined with ergonomic design, the low slung ‘Scoop’ chairs in white button-tufted vinyl upholstery with black iron legs. Originally designed by Milo Baughman for James Inc. (an early imprint of Thayer Coggin) circa 1950s, this model continued to be produced when the company evolved into Thayer Coggin. Available from Newel on Incollect.com