After World War II, the American backyard underwent a radical evolution. The patio emerged as the new living room, demanding an entirely new class of furniture that was stylish, durable and highly innovative.

In this visually rich presentation, co-authors Jeffrey Head and Dan Chavkin dive into the history behind their book, Midcentury Modern Design for Outdoor Living (Gibbs Smith, 2027). They will explore who these designers were and how their pioneering designs embraced post-war manufacturing techniques and materials—from Walter Lamb’s bronze tubing and cotton cord to Van Keppel-Green’s minimalist steel, and Brown Jordan’s iconic vinyl strap.

Blending rare archival imagery with striking contemporary photography, this lecture traces how these functional, sculptural designs redefined leisure and bridged the gap between indoor sophistication and outdoor living. Whether you are a vintage collector, a design history buff or looking to curate your own Modernist patio, this talk offers an essential guide to the golden era of outdoor design.

A book signing will follow the presentation.

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