In 1950, there were almost no shops in the U.S. that sold modern furniture and design.

Ralph and Mary Rapson wanted to change that. While Ralph selected the designs and worked his day job as a practicing architect and architecture professor at MIT, Mary worked tirelessly on the many details – financial, promotional and operational – of opening a new store for modern design.

It all came together. Rapson-Inc. opened in 1950, just a block off Copley Square in the heart of Boston. Although later stores, such as Design/Research (also in Boston) would be larger and better known, they followed the trail blazed by Rapson-Inc.

Based on drawings first done by Ralph Rapson in 1939 and completed under his supervision before his death, the Rapson Rapid Rocker remains as comfortable as it is striking after 70 years.

The strong maple-ply frame provides a smooth rock and the sculpted, cantilevered arms make the chair look like it is about to take flight. Your back and neck will appreciate the double-backed, foam-cushioned, form-fitting seat. Whether in the nursery, by the hearth, or in the living room, it’s often called the most comfortable seat in the house.

Constructed of natural or cocoa-stained laminated maple.
Six colors long-wearing, wool-like olefin fabric that was chosen by Ralph Rapson.
Fabric woven using windpower.

designer: ralph rapson
producer: rapson inc
period: 1932, 2002