Besides the Eames RAR Rocker, of course, there were remarkably few rocking chair designs to come out of the mid-century golden age of American modernism. One rare example, the Rapid Rocker, was created for Knoll in 1945 by Ralph Rapson, a young architect/designer who, like the Eameses, gained notice from the Case Study House project.
True to its WWII-era origins, Rapson's bent wood and upholstery rocker required a minimum of resources, and was originally available with less expensive webbing. Vintage examples can cost up to $10,000.
In 2003, though, Rapson's Minneapolis firm re-issued a limited number of Rapson Rockers, which are upholstered in wool, for $1,650. Email Rapson Architects for details.
Classic Rapson Rapid Rocker, look under News [rapsonarchitects.com, via DT reader Erik]
obviously a very cool looking rocker -- very similar to the more stationary Grasshopper chair by Saarinen. I can't say those handlebars look all that kid friendly.
We've started looking at the nurseryworks rocker -- it's big and comfy and is definitley a splurge.
posted by: geoff at February 11, 2005 10:20 AM