Wylie R. Dallas Texas Roped Iron Furniture Chaise 1940s

An unusual and visually striking chaise lounge from the Texas Roped Iron Furniture line of W. R. Dallas, San Antonio, Texas. Founded in 1929, W. R. Dallas developed a distinctive regional furniture tradition that combined wrought iron construction with hand-wrapped cord, producing outdoor furnishings well suited to the climate and lifestyle of the American Southwest.

This example features one of the firm's most sculptural forms, distinguished by its dramatic keyhole-shaped backrest and graceful linear iron framework. The contrast between the black-painted iron frame and the woven light-colored cord creates a design that is both functional and highly decorative. While many examples of Dallas furniture were intended for patios, terraces, and gardens, the strong silhouette of this chaise allows it to function equally well as an interior accent piece.

The chaise was acquired in unrestored condition with significant wear from decades of outdoor use. The original rear axle and wheels were no longer present and have been professionally recreated based upon surviving evidence. Construction details, materials, and wear patterns suggest a production date in the 1940s, although an earlier date remains possible. While W. R. Dallas was established in 1929, the precise introduction date of this particular model has not been documented.

The arm supports are formed from continuous iron tubing. It is possible that these sections originally carried additional cord wrapping or wood inserts to create a more comfortable armrest surface in the Texas climate, though no surviving evidence permits a definitive conclusion.

Today, W. R. Dallas furniture remains one of the more distinctive regional expressions of American outdoor design, developed independently of the better-known outdoor furniture traditions associated with California and the East Coast. The keyhole-back chaise is among the most visually memorable forms produced by the company and is increasingly difficult to find in restored, usable condition.

Condition: Professionally restored. Rear axle and wheel assembly recreated. Newly corded and structurally sound. Minor evidence of age and use consistent with restoration and the chair's history