Paul McCobb

Paul McCobb's inspired designs capitalised on the huge post-war need for stylish and affordable furniture to fit the informal and quickly changing lifestyles of the period. In his words "Design appeal is based on integrity of form, simplicity of line, and true organic function."

McCobb trained as a fine artist but never completed his studies. After serving in WW2 he moved to New York and despite a lack of formal design training established his own industrial design company. By the mid-1950s, McCobb had become one of the most influential designers of the era. He was the recipient of MoMA's Good Design Award five times between 1950 and 1955 as well as of the Philadelphia Museum of Arts' Contribution to Better Design Award in 1959.

Although a contemporary of other well-known furniture designers such as Charles Eames and George Nelson, an early death prevented similar professional recognition during his lifetime. McCobbs work has recently been rediscovered and is highly coveted by collectors of modern design, this has been heightened by international investments from celebrities such as Paul McCartney.