California Modern Master: Milo Baughman

Milo Baughman had some very supportive parents.
When they were drawing up the plans for their house in Long Beach, California, they needed a fresh and cutting-edge designer, so they chose Milo. He was thirteen.

Baughman designed the interior and exterior of the family home, his first opportunity to utilize his elegant and straightforward approach to design. After serving in World War II and attending Art Center College of Design and Chouinard Institute (now known as California Institute of the Arts), he designed furniture for companies such as Glenn of California, including this desk, a functional yet distinctly modern piece.

As he quickly became an in-demand furniture designer, companies around the nation invited him to their showrooms. In 1953, Baughman began a 50-year partnership with the High Point, North Carolina furniture manufacturer Thayer Coggin that would last until his death. Much of his furniture was comfortable, stylish, and subdued, like his red armchair, while other pieces, namely his 1965 desk, convey his distinctive place amongst California Modern furniture makers.

– Contributing Writer, Paul DesMarais

Lot Information:

Lot 48
Milo Baughman  
Pair of ottomans  
Thayer Coggin  
designed circa 1955    
One retains Thayer Coggin label  
Each 14.5″h x 20.75″ x 20.75″
Estimate $600 – 900
June 26, 2011 Modern Art & Design Auction

Lot 49
Milo Baughman  
Highback lounge chair & ottoman  
Thayer Coggin
 designed circa 1959    
39″h x 28.5″w x 31″d
Estimate $1,500 – 2,000
June 26, 2011 Modern Art & Design Auction 

Lot 343
Milo Baughman  
Desk
Glenn of California
designed circa 1950
28.5″h x 54″w x 24″d  
Estimate $2,000 – 3,000 
June 26, 2011 Modern Art & Design Auction 

Lot 344
Milo Baughman  
Pair of armchairs
Directional
designed circa 1970
Each 32″h x 23″w x 29″d
Estimate $1,600 – 1,800 
June 26, 2011 Modern Art & Design Auction

Lot 345 
Milo Baughman  
Armchair
Thayer Coggin
designed circa 1959
28″h x 27″w x 29″d
Estimate $800 – 1,200 
June 26, 2011 Modern Art & Design Auction  

Lot 347
Milo Baughman  
Desk
Glen of California
designed circa 1953
Model no. 1625
29.75″h x 56.75″l x 28″d
Estimate $1,800 – 2,500 
June 26, 2011 Modern Art & Design Auction 

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Literature:
Schreckengast, Heather L. “Milo Baughman: Modern Legend.” Florida Design 13.1 (2003): n. pag. Web. 8 June 2011.