Story
Baker Furniture was founded in 1890 and became a symbol of American craftsmanship, establishing itself as a luxury furniture manufacturer through sophisticated interpretations of European historical styles. The emphasis on the maker’s “hand” associated with founder Siebe Baker, combined with the connoisseurial “eye” developed under his son Hollis Baker, helped transform the company from a furniture producer into an institution deeply engaged with design history.
One of its most significant collaborations began in 1951 with Danish architect Finn Juhl. Juhl’s sculptural approach to furniture met Baker’s luxury production capabilities and American distribution network, creating an important turning point in the reception of Danish Modern in the United States. The Baker Sofa and Baker-produced versions of the Chieftain Chair became examples of cultural translation in which fine craftsmanship was combined with industrial consistency.
The partnership ended by 1957, but its influence remains significant in the history of Scandinavian design in America. Baker subsequently continued to work with internationally known designers and has maintained a presence in the luxury furniture market.
About
Year: 1890–present
President: Siebe Baker, Hollis S. Baker, and others
Designer: Finn Juhl, Donald Deskey, Kem Weber, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, and others
Place: Grand Rapids, Michigan
History
1890: Siebe Baker and Henry Cook establish a furniture-components business in Allegan, Michigan.
1893: The company produces desks and bookcases, beginning its development as a furniture manufacturer.
Early 1900s: After changes in name and ownership, Siebe Baker becomes sole owner.
1910s: Operations expand within the Grand Rapids furniture-manufacturing region.
1925: Hollis S. Baker becomes president and emphasizes reinterpretations of Old World furniture.
1925: The Twentieth Century Shop collection introduces Art Deco and modern design.
Late 1920s: Collaborations include modernists Donald Deskey and Kem Weber.
1932: The Manor House Collection is introduced and succeeds with high-quality reproductions of European traditional furniture.
Late 1930s: Historical-style research expands and the company develops an extensive internal design archive.
1941: The Baker Museum for Furniture Research is established, preserving more than 1,500 antiques.
1940s: Baker strengthens its position in the American luxury furniture market.
1948: Edgar Kaufmann Jr. of MoMA introduces Finn Juhl, creating a connection with Baker.
1949: Hollis Baker asks Juhl to design a collection.
1951: Finn Juhl designs are introduced as part of the Baker Modern Collection, becoming an important American presentation of Danish Modern.
1952: The collection is exhibited at Bloomingdale’s and receives attention in the New York press.
1953–1954: Juhl designs including the Baker Sofa reach affluent American interiors.
1955–1957: Baker produces the Chieftain Chair for a limited period.
1957: Collaboration with Juhl gradually ends and the collection is discontinued.
Early 1960s: Baker returns toward traditional styles while opening a new direction through collaboration with T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings.
1970s: The company continues supplying classic furniture to the American luxury interior market.
1980s: International expansion includes hotels and large-scale projects.
1990s: Collaborations begin with designers including Barbara Barry and Bill Sofield.
1998: The Chieftain Chair is reproduced again, with material changes leading to mixed assessments.
2000s: Collaborations with Thomas Pheasant and Jacques Garcia contribute to further brand development.
2010s: Baker strengthens its global presence, including expansion in Asia.
Present: The company continues as a luxury manufacturer spanning historical styles and modern design.
Furniture
The Baker Sofa
Chieftain Chair (Baker version)
Baker Modern Collection (1951)
Manor House Collection (1932)
Twentieth Century Shop Collection (1925)