William Haines: Hooray for Hollywood?

Spread the love

William (Billy) Haines started out as an actor in the early days of Hollywood and starred in quite a few films, both silent and sound. His career in film lasted from 1922 through 1936 and he quit acting in 1935. Known for a relationship he had with another man, Jimmy Shields, the stories vary as to why he left the film industry. One can read stories of being confronted and fired by Louis B. Mayer or simply let go because of slipping popularity. Since this is an article about design, I will leave the history to the plethora of sites out there which carry one version or another. Please be advised, however, it appears that most simply repeat information from among the interested parties and may be suspect. (See below for links.)

After exiting the Hollywood film industry, due to his large number of acquaintances, and having established an antique store, Haines began a career in interior design. He had many Hollywood stars as clients. Even though Haines died in 1973, William Haines Designs still continues on and offers his furniture for purchase.

William Haines Interior and Furniture Designs

William Haines furniture up for auction in 2014 at Los Angeles Modern Auctions.

Influential in Los Angeles design circles, William Haines designs were low to the floor and had more of a casual effect than furniture at taller and larger sizes. Haines, along with his designers, Ted Graber and Michael Morrison, created elegant furniture devoid of intimidation.

Joan Crawford in her Haines designed living room.

Brentwood or Hostess Chair by William Haines Designs.

Showing the appeal of William Haines, this picture shows the Brentwood Chairs on the right in an apartment of the interior designer, Alberto Pinto, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Valentine Sofa, Introduced 1950.

Conference Chairs, usually in Polished Leather, 1949.

Conference Chairs.

Bronze Vanity Chairs.

Charing Cross Chair, Introduced 1951.

Tufted Sofa.

Bel-Air Sofa, 1951.

Mapleton Club Chair, 1950.

Elbow Chairs were for individuals to lean on the backs with their elbows rather than sit forward. 1949.

Seniah Chair.

Pull Up Chair.

Iron Frame Sofa made for the owners of the May Company, 1955.

Avalon Chair and Bench, Introduced in 1950.

Malibu Chair and Ottoman, 1950. (Also comes in sofa versions.)

Iron X Chair,1956.

Iron Coffee Table, 1953.

Conversation Table, 1951.

Leather Wrapped Cocktail Tables, 1948.

Drum Dining Chair, 1952.

Carmel Side Table, 1950.

These are not all the objects of William Haines Design, but gives one a comprehensive idea of the body of work. Although Haines and his designers created works for American clientele, much of what they came up with reminds one of the Italian designers who favored those spiky, metal legs or frames of iron, especially the work of Augusto Bozzi.