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What is the history of Martinsville furniture?
1 Answer
The history of Martinsville furniture starts with the founding of the company in Martinsville, Virginia, in 1906 by Ancil Witten and Charles Keesee, a pair of former tobacco farmers. They launched their business with $30,000 in capital and began to manufacture bedroom furniture under the name American Furniture Company. In the 1920s, American Furniture Company expanded its offerings from bedroom furnishings with a range of dining room sets. By the 1950s, the company’s name had been changed to American of Martinsville, and it had gained a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship as well as a variety of furniture styles. Inspired by designers like George Nakashima and Paul László, the brand innovated with wood. Merton Gershun was one of the company's most prolific designers, and he was responsible for some of its most successful modern furniture lines using the richer, darker woods that would become emblematic of mid-century furniture. Gershun's most popular line was Dania, with its sleek walnut credenzas fitted with stylish brass accents and large drawers. Today, American of Martinsville specializes in furniture for the healthcare and hospitality industries. Find a variety of American of Martinsville furniture on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
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Shop for American of Martinsville Furniture on 1stDibs
American of Martinsville Credenza From the Dania Collection
By American of Martinsville
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful credenza designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville for the Dania collection, ( it has the label in the drawer. This nice credenza is made of solid walnut with...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Brass
American of Martinsville Accord Walnut Nightstand or End Table with X’s
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome nightstand or end table from American of Martinsville and Merton Gershun’s Accord line of furniture with their signature X’s and asymmetric handles. It is in wonderful resto...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Materials
Aluminum
Restored American of Martinsville 6 Drawer Chest- Pair Available
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exquisite example from a rare series by American of Martinsville, circa 1960. Stout, expertly made mahogany case construction restored in cream lacquer. Fabulous, chunky solid bra...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Merton Gershun American of Martinsville X Inlaid Walnut Coffee Table
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A rectangular Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville X Inlaid Mid-Century coffee or cocktail table in the original finish.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut Armoire
By American of Martinsville
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut Armoire. Featuring a straight line design, two large doors that open up to hidden storage space, separated st...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Wood, Walnut
American of Martinsville Storage Unit
By American of Martinsville
Located in New York, NY
A two-piece bookcase set in a rich walnut finish, featuring a lower three-drawer platform with brass bands, complemented by an upper three-section bookcase. Manufactured by the Ameri...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
