Paul László, for Glenn of California

PAUL LÁSZLÓ (Debrecen, Hungary, 1900 – Santa Monica, California, 1993) for Glenn of California.
Pair of “Arcadia” armchairs and an ottoman, ca. 1950.
Oak and rattan.
Exhibits wear consistent with age and use.
Measurements: 81 x 70.5 x 73 cm (armchairs); 34.5 x 72 x 54 cm (ottoman).

The “Arcadia” model is one of the most characteristic examples of Paul László’s postwar California Modernism, in which clean lines are combined with a more relaxed and comfortable approach to modern furniture.

The low, open frame, the distinctly slanted legs, and the wide side openings give the piece a pronounced sense of visual lightness. The woven seat and backrest introduce texture and flexibility in contrast to the geometric character of the frame, while the ottoman replicates the same proportions and construction methods, underscoring the coherence of the set. Vintage pieces with this same configuration are documented as having been produced by Glenn of California during the 1950s.

An architect, interior designer, and designer of Hungarian origin, Paul László settled in California in 1936 and became a leading figure in mid-20th-century American design. He collaborated with firms such as Glenn of California, Brown Saltman, and Widdicomb, developing furniture characterized by formal clarity, comfort, and meticulous attention to materials and proportions. SFMOMA holds pieces of his furniture, and the Art, Design & Architecture Museum at the University of California, Santa Barbara, houses his archive and design works; LACMA also holds pieces from his body of work.