Thayer Coggin Marks 60 Years with Limited Milo Baughman Chair, Ottoman

October 18, 2013  by in High Point, Market, Product, Upholstery   

Baughman created the AID-award winning design  Cruisin' chair and ottoman in 1965. It is widely regarded as an iconic, mid-century modern masterpiece. Thayer Coggin originally showcased the chair and ottoman at the 1965 High Point Market.

As a part of its 60th anniversary, Thayer Coggin will produce only 60 of the chairs and ottomans. Each set will celebrate one of the 60 years that Thayer Coggin has been making handcrafted, modern furniture.

The Limited Edition Cruisin' Chair and Ottoman will be available in two, one-time only, metal finishes: classic bronze or celestial satin nickel. Upholstery choices include 22 premium-grade, full-aniline leathers. The 60 chairs and ottomans will be available for pre-sale only. Upon sale, the chair and ottoman will be custom-built to the purchaser's specifications. Each set will have an engraved, numbered bronze plate mounted on the underside of both the chair and ottoman. Each set will come with official documents of authentication, and the purchaser's name along with the piece number will be recorded at Thayer Coggin's corporate offices.

Dot Coggin, Thayer Coggin's wife and long-time employee at Thayer Coggin, will  sign each chair and ottoman's documentation in appreciation of the owner's purchase of this historic chair and ottoman.

For 60 years, Thayer Coggin (1922-2003) and Milo Baughman (1923-2003) had a collaborative relationship producing iconic furniture that came to define the mid-century, modern American aesthetic. Both men are members of the American Furniture Hall of Fame. Baughman's work was included in "High Styles: Twentieth Century American Design" at the Whitney Museum of American Art. 

"This chair set an iconic standard for mid-century modern furniture in America," said Phil Miller, vice president of marketing for Thayer Coggin. "Thayer Coggin believed in setting trends—not following them. This special limited edition is designed to showcase the vitality of the special relationship between Thayer Coggin and Milo Baughman. We are excited about bringing back this masterpiece for the people who appreciate the work, the design and the craftsmanship of Milo and Thayer." 

"Thayer took great pride in building the very best furniture. He showed up every day at the workshops, dedicated to excellence in all phases of the building process from product design and custom-made frames, to having the best craftspeople in the business upholster and finish the furniture. Thayer knew our employees were our greatest asset, and he valued every single person who bought his furniture. Over the past 60 years, Thayer Coggin and Milo Baughman cut a bright trail in the furniture industry. I am proud of my daughter, Royale Wiggin, as she leads Thayer Coggin into the future with a renewed spirit of excellence and passion for the highest quality craftsmanship in the industry," said Dot Coggin, director of public relations.

The Limited Edition Cruisin' Chair and Ottoman can be seen in the Thayer Coggin showroom at 230 South Road during this week's High Point Market.