I try to keep the place grown-up and understated. I really do, but the temptation to buy something totally Googie and over-the-top is ever-present for us Mid-Century Modern collectors.
Meet my Naugas.
They've yet to be named, but have certainly made themselves at home.
The Nauga was designed for Uniroyal in 1966 by one Kurt Weihs as a giveaway to promote their line of Naugahyde imitation leather. People took to the adorable little monsters and they soon appeared in everything from print advertisements to television talk shows. The Uniroyal marketing department even spun together quite a detailed a back-story for these little creatures, which you will find here.
Don't fret. Naugas shed their hides naturally, so none were harmed in the production of your vintage sofa.
While Naugahyde has fallen out of favor due to the import of cheaper foreign alternatives, the Nauga remains a popular collectors item.
The genuine article even comes with a certificate of birth and numbered tag, so you know the exact day that your toothy friend came into this world.
Cool? Creepy? Have I gone too far?
What say you, dear readers?
They're certainly growing on me.
Very cool! They do look right at home on the lounge. I don't even think they're kitsch, just cute, but maybe that says something about my taste.
ReplyDeleteThey are kinda cute, though can't figure out if they're supposed to be smiling or growling. Naugas are unpredictable beasts.
DeleteI think they are smowling. Very cool, I had no idea these existed!
DeleteAs long as they don't eat you in your sleep, I think they are great!
ReplyDeleteSurely they can't be too happy about us taking their hides. One day the Naugas will rise up and have their revenge.
DeleteI think Naugas make the perfect pets. No food to buy, no poop to scoop, and they're very quiet..
ReplyDeleteIf only all of my house guests were as easy... lol
DeleteI've been itching to order my first Nauga ever since restoring my grandparents' MCM living room suit last year...unfortunately, it didn't come with it's own as it predates the introduction of the sweet creatures by about 5 or 6 years. My mother's favourite 'joke' about the almost 9ft long sofa is, "Just think how many Naugas had to die for that sofa alone!". She says it almost every time she comes over! I'll be sure to reassure her that they shed their 'hydes' naturally on a regular basis. I'm sure she'll be relieved. ;-)
ReplyDeleteYou can still pick up a brand new Nauga through Naugahyde, but mine seem to have ceased molting. Darn, I was hoping to reupholster my dining room chairs.
DeleteGreat little critters you have there! Do you know who the maker is of the room divider in the background of your first pic? I just scored the same unit. I tried to e-mail you but the address won't go through.
ReplyDeleteHey AML. One of my readers, Nate, managed to ID it a while back. We believe that it was made by a company named J.B. Van Sciver.
DeleteThanks Nick, Now I remeber that post of yours. This one is in great condition as well and I can't wait toget it out on the floor!
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