Hollywood-Style Gold Medal Director’s Chairs, Set of 3 — Striped Canvas

Iconic folding director’s chairs by Gold Medal Camp/Folding Furniture Co., Racine, Wisconsin (partial maker plaque under the rails). Solid wood frames in black with X-form bases and arms; removable striped canvas seat and back slings. Gold Medal popularized the American director’s chair for Hollywood sets—an enduring, space-saving design that folds flat for easy storage. A smart trio for studio, porch, or extra seating.

Maker Spotlight — Gold Medal, the “portable furniture” pioneer
Born in the 1890s out of a Midwestern camp-furniture shop, Gold Medal scaled up with military cots, yacht chairs, and the folding seat that became the on-set throne of directors. The Racine factory complex grew into a city block of woodshops and sewing rooms; by mid-century, their No. 35 director’s chair was the standard from movie lots to family patios. The brand’s name is tied to a famous World’s Fair story (the “gold medal” origin is more legend than record), but the real award was ubiquity: simple parts, smart geometry, canvas you could swap in minutes, and frames tough enough to survive summer stock theater. Production later continued in Tennessee, keeping the classic pattern alive for over a century.

Condition
Good and sturdy with scuffing, finish wear, and signs of use. One chair has a tear in the top canvas (see photos); an additional 45" x 36" piece of matching fabric is included for repair or re-covering. Light fray/fade to textiles; mechanisms operate normally.

Dimensions/Size
Overall: 32.5 x 24 x 17 inches (H x W x D).
Seat: 16 x 19 x 15 inches (H x W x D).