Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs
1911-1986
Edmond J. Spence played an important role in promoting the tenets of Scandinavian modernism in the United States but his name remains conspicuously omitted from the history books. He was an American furniture designer who is known for having introduced the West to unfamiliar cultural tastes and translating their subtleties to appeal to mid-century-era consumers.
Spence honed his eye for good craftsmanship as a young man. His family owned a furniture manufacturing company based in Batavia, New York. While not much has been reported about his schooling, it was not long before he started designing his own nightstands, end tables, chairs and more — all of which exhibited the appealing traits associated with mid-century modern furniture. Spence experimented with form and ornament owing to inspiration he gathered from international influences.
During the 1950s, Spence drew on Asian and Swedish influences in developing ideas for his own style of modern furniture. He incorporated aspects of Mexican design to create the Continental-American collection. Manufactured in 1953 by Industria Mueblera, this collection of sculptural wooden furnishings with brass details epitomizes Spence’s ability to draw attention to the most integral parts of global design while adding his own modern spin. The designer’s Coronation Group — a series of dressers, cabinets and more in blonde woods that featured decorative birch veneers — was built by artisans in Sweden and imported for sale to postwar homeowners in the United States by Massachusetts furniture company Walpole.
Spence’s “Peineta” chair — a work of mahogany, plywood and woven palm that is demonstrative of Spanish Colonial influences and is part of the Continental-American line — has long been on display in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art while other works are held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. And if Spence hadn’t captured the hearts of Americans by way of Industria Mueblera showrooms and alluring ads in Interiors magazine, some of his furniture was used as set decoration for the widely loved sitcom I Love Lucy.
Find vintage Edmond J. Spence seating, storage and case pieces, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Edmond J. Spence
Pair of Mid Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chairs by Edmond Spence
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Black lacquered hardwood lounge chairs by Edmond J. Spence c1955. Beautiful Sculptural armrests with a tilted back for maximum comfort. Fantastic updated cushion in ...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs
Materials
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Edmond Spence Mid-Century Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Countryside, IL
Edmond Spence mid-century lounge chairs - pair.
Each chair measures: 27 wide x 33.5 deep x 28 high, with a seat height of 13 (without cushion) and arm height/chair clearance 23 in...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs
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Edmond Spence Urban Aire Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair with Black Upholstery
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Countryside, IL
Edmond Spence Urban Aire mid century walnut lounge chair with black upholstery
The chair measures: 27.5 wide x 33.5 deep x 35 high, with a seat height of 19 inches and arm height ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs
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Pair Edmond J. Spence Urban-Aire Lounge Chairs
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Great pair of "Urban-Aire" group lounge chairs designed by Edmund J. Spence in the 1950s. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs
Materials
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Edmond J. Spence was an American designer who made a name for himself interpreting Danish Modernism in his own way and blending it with the atomic and organic influences of the mid to late 1950's. Mr. Spence grew up in a family business that manufactured high quality traditional furniture, including ornate, custom carved pieces. He was trained as a designer, and created industrial products, household items including clocks and radios. He began to focus on furniture, and he sensed the trend toward modern design. During the 1950s, Spence drew on Asian and Swedish influences in developing ideas for his own style of modern furniture. He incorporated aspects of Mexican design to create the Continental-American collection tagged “Ageless Furniture-Edmond J. Spence Design.” Manufactured in 1953 by Industria Mueblera. His work has been described as “a little bit Deco, a little tiki, with a heavy atomic & Danish influence.” He won awards and in the early 50’s his work was displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York. And a fun fact, his furniture was used on the set of the “I Love Lucy” show for many years. -Mid 2 Mod. Mr. Spence passed away in 1986.
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Edmond J. Spence lounge chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Edmond J. Spence lounge chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Edmond J. Spence lounge chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original lounge chairs by Edmond J. Spence were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider lounge chairs by Byron Botker, Weiman/Warren Lloyd, and Bruce Hannah & Andrew Morrison. Prices for Edmond J. Spence lounge chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,295 and can go as high as $6,495, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,500.