Edmond J. Spence Dressers
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
Edmond Spence Swedish Walnut & Brass High Chest Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Edmond Spence Swedish Walnut & Brass High Chest Dresser Urban Furniture
Dimensions : 47.25" Tall X 40" Wide X 18" Deep
This dresser was made in Sweden in the 1960's designed by Edm...
Category
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Walnut
Edmond Spence Swedish Walnut & Brass Inlaid Chest of Drawers Double Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Edmond Spence Swedish Walnut & Brass Inlaid Chest of Drawers Dresser
Dimensions : 72" Wide X 33.5" Tall X 18" Deep
This dresser chest of drawers was designed by Edmond Spence in th...
Category
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Walnut
Edmond Spence Blonde Birch Swedish Cabinet Dresser Chest Drawers MINT!
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Edmond Spence Blonde Birch Swedish Cabinet Dresser Chest Drawers MINT!
Hidden set of fitted drawers inside of inlayed front doors and brass hardware.
Category
20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Birch
Edmond J. Spence Wave Highboy Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tall dresser by Edmond Spence, c.1950s, Sweden. The maple dresser features five drawers with a unique sculpted wave front design. The top of the dresser has two tambour doors that op...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Maple
Edmond Spence Mid Century Maple Highboy Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Countryside, IL
Edmond Spence Mid Century Maple Highboy Dresser
This highboy measures: 44.25 wide x 18.25 deep x 45.75 inches high
All pieces of furniture can ...
Category
1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Metal
Edmond Spence Mid Century Birch Highboy Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Countryside, IL
Edmond Spence Mid Century Birch Highboy Dresser
This highboy measures: 38.5 wide x 20.25 deep x 47.5 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Birch
Edmond Spence Mid Century Birch Lowboy Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Countryside, IL
Edmond Spence Mid Century Birch Lowboy Dresser
This lowboy measures: 54.25 wide x 20.25 deep x 30.5 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Birch
Edmond J. Spence 6 Drawer Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Denton, TX
Edmund J. Spence 6 Drawer Dresser With sculpted pulls and legs. Edmund J. Spence brought of mix of styles to his designs making them very unique.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Wood
Edmond J. Spence High Boy Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Denton, TX
Edmund J. Spence High Boy Dresser With sculpted pulls and legs. Edmund J. Spence brought of mix of styles to his designs making them very unique.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Wood
Mid Century Scandinavian Modern Dresser by Edmond Spence Sweden C1953
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic simple and elegant 3 drawer dresser with a two door cabinet above. Have the original paperwork from its sale, original and only owners. In excellent vintage condition with ...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Aluminum
Mid Century Modern Sculptural Birch 6 Drawer Dresser by Edmond Spence Sweden
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous elegant and a large sculptural piece of furniture by Edmond Spence c1953 from Sweden. In amazing original condition with minimal wear and was just touched up ever so slightl...
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Birch, Maple
Edmond Spence Bedroom Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Eight-drawer walnut dresser by Edmond Spence, Sweden, circa 1960 makes an ideal nine drawer dresser, perfect for home bedroom. Sculpted checkerboard front makes an impressive additio...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Walnut
Edmond Spence Midcentury Swedish Walnut Highboy Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Countryside, IL
Edmond Spence midcentury Swedish Walnut Highboy Dresser
This highboy measures: 41.25 wide x 20 deep x 48.5 inches high
All pieces of furniture can...
Category
1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Walnut
Edmond Spence Designed Gentleman's Chest
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall chest of drawers with checkerboard pattern. Designed by Edmond Spence, with Mid-Century Modern lines.
Please confirm location NY or NJ.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Walnut
Edmond Spence Mid-Century Modern Dresser with Sculpted Drawer-Length Pulls
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Edmond Spence dresser with six dovetailed drawers and sculpted pulls.
Mid-Century Modern masterpiece with a distinctive profile by American designer Edmond J. Spence. Spence's att...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Birch
Edmond Spence Midcentury Maple Highboy Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Countryside, IL
Edmond Spence Midcentury maple highboy dresser.
This highboy measures: 44.25 wide x 18 deep x 45.75 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had ...
Category
1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Bronze
High Style Six Drawers Dresser by Edmond Spence Made in Sweden Ca. 1950's
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in New York, NY
Voguish dresser designed by Edmond Spence, made in Sweden, ca. 1950/1960's. The dresser features six deep drawers, the middle drawers having deeply carved fronts with a dramatic sw...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Wood
Edmond Spence Lacquered Walnut 6 Drawers Long Dresser Cabinet Credenza Mint!
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Edmond Spence sculptural pierced carved pulls Lacquered walnut 6 drawers long dresser cabinet credenza mint! Sculptural pierced carved pulls.
Category
20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Maple, Teak
Edmond Spence Mid Century Maple 6 Drawer Lowboy Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Countryside, IL
Edmond Spence Mid Century Maple 6 Drawer Lowboy Dresser
Dresser measures: 80 wide x 20.5 deep x 23.25 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintag...
Category
1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Maple
Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Set by Edmund Spence
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning vintage modern bedroom set includes a dresser and two nightstands. The sculpted drawer pulls and angular design show quality const...
Category
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Wood
Edmond Spence Swedish Danish Modern Long Birch 9 Drawers Credenza Dresser MINT
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Edmond Spence Swedish Danish Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern long birch 9 drawers credenza dresser MINT!.
Category
20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Birch
Mid Century Chest on Chest Made in Sweden Designed by Edmond Spence, Ca. 1950’s
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in New York, NY
Very unusual and rare two part chest on chest, made in Sweden, c 1950’s, designed by Edmond Spence. Executed in exotic Macassar veneer, with dramatic carved front panel.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Wood
Lacquered Blond Birch 6 Drawer Swedish Mid-Century Modern Dresser Credenza Mint
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Lacquered blond birch 6 drawer Swedish Mid-Century Modern dresser credenza mint.
Category
20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Birch
Edmond J. Spence, Scandinavian Modern Birch Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian Modern Maple dresser designed by Edmond Spence. Dresser has 6 ample drawers and case features Mid Century Styling. Restored , placement ready. Stamped made in Sweden on ...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Birch
Honey Amber Tone Finish Edmond Spence High Chest Gentlemen's Dresser Double Door
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Honey amber tone finish edmond spence high chest gentlemen's dresser comode double door.
Category
20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Birch
Edmond Spence 6-Drawer Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern 6-drawer dresser designed by Edmond Spence. Great Sculptural dresser designed by Edmund Spence and made in Sweden. 6 drawers provide ample storage. A handsome Mid...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Wood
Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Sculpted Walnut Gentleman's Chest, Newly Refinished
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional mid-century Swedish Modern sculpted walnut "checkerboard" highboy dresser or gentleman's chest
By Edmond Spence
Sweden, 1950s
Measures: 41"W x 19.75"D x 48"H....
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Walnut
Edmond Spence Highboy "Checkerboard" Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Edmond Spence designed midcentury dresser features stunning marquetry combined with carefully sculpted "Checkerboard" front. Four lower drawers offer spacious storage while top ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Walnut
Edmond Spence Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid-century maple wood dresser by Edmond Spence executed in a remarkable machine age/Art Deco streamline design with 6-pullout / pull-out drawers and two removable accessory trays. T...
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Maple
Edmond Spence Eight-Drawer Bedroom Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish Scandinavian Modern dresser by Edmond J. Spence features spacious side-by-side storage including drawer and shelf space. Quality vintage construction and unique mid-cent...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Wood
Edmond Spence Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Birch Tall Dresser Made in Sweden
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous tall walnut dresser by Edmond Spence. Created out of walnut with birch pulls. In excellent vintage condition, was well cared for. Four drawers over three large drawers. Exce...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Birch, Walnut
White Lacquer Eight Drawers Mid-Century Modern Double Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Made in Sweden Edmond Spence design white lacquer double dresser.
Category
20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Birch
Edmond Spence Mid Century Modern Long Dresser Walnut & Birch Made In Sweden
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful, long elegant dresser by Edmond J. Spence. Six-drawer dresser in walnut with birch pulls, handles. Exceptionally clean and well designed, dovetailed case and bevelled top e...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Birch, Walnut
Six-Drawer Chest with Sculptural Hardware by Edmund Spence
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Atlanta, GA
Six-drawer chest with sculptural hardware by Edmond Spence, Sweden, circa 1950s. Beautifully grained walnut and sculptural nickel-plated hardware. Stamped "Made In Sweden" on back si...
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Metal
Architectural walnut dresser by Edmond Spence
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Atlanta, GA
A long dresser in walnut designed by Edmond J. Spence and made in Sweden. It features a slightly curved front and three stacks of twelves drawers in total supported by brass-capped f...
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Brass
Edmond J. Spence Double Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence, Industria Mueblera Mexico
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Unique eight drawer dresser by Edmond J. Spence for Industria Muebleras "Continental-American Collection". Sculptural metal legs support a mahogany structure with hand made...
Category
20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Mahogany
Edmond J. Spence, Dresser, Rosewood, Sweden, 1950s
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in High Point, NC
A rosewood dresser designed and produced by American designer Edmond J. Spence and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s.
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Rosewood
Mid Century Modern Dresser by Edmond J. Spence for Industria Mueblera, c1950s
By Edmond J. Spence, Industria Mueblera Mexico
Located in Chino Hills, CA
For sale is a spectacular mid-century dresser designed by the renowned Edmond J. Spence and manufactured by the esteemed Industria Mueblera of Mexico. This unique piece showcases the...
Category
1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Mahogany
Swedish Mid Century Modern Walnut Dresser by Edmond J. Spence, c1950s
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Elevate your living space with a touch of timeless elegance courtesy of this exquisite Swedish Mid Century Modern Walnut Dresser by renowned designer Edmond J. Spence, dating back to...
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Walnut
Double Roll-Top Dresser by Edmond Spence
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Chicago, IL
Made in Sweden. Roll top dresser with multiple drawers for storage.
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Highboy by Edmond J. Spence for Industria Mueblera of Mexico
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Next on the list is another piece designed by Edmond J. Spence for Industria Mueblera S.A. of Mexico c1950s. This exemplary highboy features bronze hardware with recessed details and...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Dressers
Materials
Mahogany
Edmond J. Spence dressers for sale on 1stDibs.
Edmond J. Spence dressers 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 dressers, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original dressers by Edmond J. Spence were created in the mid-century modern style in sweden during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider dressers by Kai Kristiansen, Arne Vodder, and Westnofa Furniture. Prices for Edmond J. Spence dressers can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,450 and can go as high as $14,400, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,998.
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