Designer:  Warren McArthur (American 1930s)

It has been suggested that this model chair was originally designed  as part of the range for the Biltmore Hotel in Arizona although extensive photos and postcards from the hotel show numerous armchair versions of this chair (as well as other McArthur designs) but not the lounge chair. To be fair, most of the photos are from the exterior of the building and the lounge chair would have been most likely used in the interior. It therefore 'may' have been part of the Biltmore range however it would be remiss of us to call it the only "Biltmore" chair. 

Much speculation swirls regarding the origin of any of McArthur's designs when they appear in Australia. While a signed contract from the 1940s hasn't presented itself (unsuprisingly), a draft agreement between NAMCO and MC has surfaced. Interestingly, NAMCO advertisements and labels never refer to McArthur.

In any case, there are clear points in design that seem to demonstrate the difference between McArthur Corporation manufactured pieces and NAMCO pieces. 

NAMCO pieces originally used heavy, un-wieldy wedge-shaped sprung cushions as well as often fastening their back-rest cushions to the frame. McArthur pieces originally had dense foam cushions with a more regular (cleaner) rectangle profile. The lounge chairs and armchairs were often buttoned with a 2-1-2 pattern.  NAMCO seemed to move to flatter, less dense foam for later versions although it can't be confirmed that these weren't replacements by local upholsterers. It has been suggested that NAMCO also used a variation on bolt caps - a flatter version than the original domed cap although the detail on historical photos is hard to confirm.

In other versions, NAMCO varied the armrest from the full-round pad to a flat pad. A design they used on their own designs well after the McArthur corporation ceased business.

The original chairs were designed and sold for well over a decade before NAMCO made representations to licence the design. Examples have appeared in auction houses all over the world and while it is highly likely that most examples found in Australia were produced by NAMCO, it's also likely that in the 16-17 years prior to NAMCO's foray, some original McArthur Corporation pieces may have been imported in to the country. 

Dimensions: W580mm (arm to arm) W650mm (armrest to armrest) x D780 (frame) x H600 (frame) and H720mm with cushion. (seat 400mm)

Condition: Original frame with some expected scuffs and marks. Appropriate age on the leather upholstery, we've re-conditioned the leather. One button missing on backrest cushion, can be replaced if preferred. Original leather upholstery on dense foam cushions.