Edmond J. Spence Furniture
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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Item Ships From: Texas
Creator: Edmond J. Spence
Edmond Spence Wavy Front Nightstands in Birch
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of Swedish Mid-Century (1940s) wave front birchwood nightstands with two drawers in a birchwood case resting on four tapered angled legs.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Furniture
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 Furniture
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
Edmond Spence "Yucatan" Chairs
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful set of 2 Mexican modernist 'Yucatan' dining chairs designed by Edmond J. Spence made of mahogany and woven seagrass, Mexico, the 1950s. The seagrass is in great condition and the chairs have been refinished.
"Edmond J Spence made a career out of translating international modern styles for the U.S. market–he designed a successful blonde wood line made in Sweden and imported by Walpole Furniture of Massachusetts. Spence’s Mexican venture dubbed the “Continental-American Collection,” was launched by Industria Meublera in 1953. A contemporary ad boasts “superb raw materials [and] fine Mexican handcraftsmanship,” and shows an Aztec stone...
Category
20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Furniture
Materials
Seagrass, Mahogany
Cabinet Designed by Edmund Spence
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Dallas, TX
A maple cabinet with brass inset handles. Designed by Edmund Spence.
Category
1950s Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture
Materials
Birdseye Maple
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Six-Drawer Chest with Sculptural Hardware by Edmund Spence
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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...
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Vintage MCM Keller Furniture Oak Valkerie ii Dining Chairs by Edmond J Spence
By Edmond J. Spence, Keller
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage Mid-Century Modern Keller furniture Valkerie II Line dining or side chairs by Edmond J. Spence, a pair. Comprised of oak frames, blue fabric upholstered seats, and chrome sabots on the front feet. This piece has been attributed based upon archived research including online sources, vintage documentation and catalogs, designer literature, and other materials. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. The seats have been newly upholstered in a plain blue/black duck fabric. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, mid-20th century.
What a TERRIFIC TWOSOME!!! This is a gorgeous pair of vintage Valkerie II Line dining or side chairs designed by Edmond J. Spence for Keller Furniture. They are comprised of lovely oak frames with slightly angled backs featuring sculpted “boomerang” shaped backs with spindles, straight round tapered front legs with stretchers and chrome sabots on the feet. Their seats have been freshly upholstered in a plain blue/black duck fabric. (We are calling it blue / black as some see it as black and some see it as a deep navy blue.) Did you notice that the handsome chair back and flared back legs are all one piece? Just an awesome design… and super comfortable!! They are mid-century modern with a Danish or Scandinavian modern flair, and they are going to be magnificent seating in your dining or kitchen area, side chairs in your bedroom, or extra seating in your family room. Sometimes you just need a simple little pair of chairs. You know? Just good looking, sturdy, and serviceable chairs. This is just that pair!
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.
Keller Manufacturing Company was founded in 1885 but Keller Furniture history dates back to 1866 when the “Keller Store” in Corydon Indiana was established. From that time, the operation entered into various businesses, including wagon productions from 1901-1912, running an electrical light plant, manufacturing spokes for farm wagons...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Furniture
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H 33 in W 18.5 in D 21 in
Edmund Spence Credenza Breakfront
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in New York, NY
Chic and elegant credenza designed by Edmund Spence. This example is in very good original condition, clean and ready to use. Top is movable and removable, however there is a shadow ...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Furniture
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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...
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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...
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Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Maple and Cane Dining Chairs, Newly Reupholstered
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Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of six mid-century Scandinavian Modern dining chairs.
By Edmond J. Spence
Sweden, 1950s
Solid sculpted maple frames, with caned seat backs and upholstered...
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H 32.25 in W 20.75 in D 17 in
'Yucatan' Dining Chairs by Edmond Spence for Industria Mueblera, 1960s Signed
By Edmond J. Spence, Industria Mueblera Mexico
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of six classic mid-century modern Mahogany and cane 'Yucatan' dining chairs was designed by Swedish designer Edmond J. Spence in the 1950s and produced by Industria Mueblera...
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H 32 in W 21.25 in D 18.5 in
Previously Available Items
Mexican Modernist Edmond Spence Walnut Dining Table for Industria Mueblera
By Industria Mueblera Mexico, Edmond J. Spence
Located in San Antonio, TX
Mid-Century Modern Edmond Spence for Industria Mueblera walnut extension dining table, model 57, Mexico, circa 1950s. Fully restored. Features include enameled steel leg brackets, bras leg caps, and two leaves that fit neatly atop the drawers on either end of the dining table and extend from 60" to 90" L. 40" w x 29.50"h. This table is shown with Edmond Spence dining chairs, which are also available separately.
"Edmond J Spence made a career out of translating international modern styles for the U.S. market–he designed a successful blonde wood line made in Sweden and imported by Walpole Furniture of Massachusetts. Spence’s Mexican venture dubbed the “Continental-American Collection,” was launched by Industria Meublera in 1953. A contemporary ad boasts “superb raw materials [and] fine Mexican handcraftsmanship,” and shows an Aztec stone...
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Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Furniture
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Set of 6 Edmond Spence 'Yucatan' Dining Chairs, 1950s
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in San Antonio, TX
Beautiful set of 6 Mexican modernist 'Yucatan' dining chairs designed by Edmond J. Spence made of mahogany and woven seagrass, Mexico, the 1950s. The seagrass is in great condition and there is some wear on a couple of the chairs located on the front edges of the wood on the seats, but overall in great vintage condition.
24” x 19” x 32” x 17.75 seat height
"Edmond J Spence made a career out of translating international modern styles for the U.S. market–he designed a successful blonde wood line made in Sweden and imported by Walpole Furniture of Massachusetts. Spence’s Mexican venture dubbed the “Continental-American Collection,” was launched by Industria Meublera in 1953. A contemporary ad boasts “superb raw materials [and] fine Mexican handcraftsmanship,” and shows an Aztec stone...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Furniture
Materials
Seagrass, Mahogany
Pair of Edmund Spence Wavy Front Nightstands
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Dallas, TX
Refinished beautiful pair of Edmund Spence nightstands in birch. Two drawers each.
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Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Furniture
Materials
Wood
Modern 1950s Edmund Spence Industria Mueblera Sculptural Nightstand
By Dunbar Furniture, Edmond J. Spence
Located in Houston, TX
Edmond Spence created this Mexican modernist design, created this 1950s industria mueblera nightstand. In original condition with a walnut oiled finish, brass bow tie detailed handle...
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1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture
Materials
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King-Size Headboard by Edmund Spence = MOVING SALE!!!!!!
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Denton, TX
King - size headboard by Edmund Spence.
Category
20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Pair of Edmond Spence Wavy Front Chests
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful pair of chests by Edmond Spence. Gorgeous wavy front with four drawers each and plenty of storage. We are able to lacquer these in any color desir...
Category
20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Furniture
Materials
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Edmond J. Spence Crendenza
By Industria Mueblera Mexico, Edmond J. Spence
Located in Houston, TX
Edmond J. Spence
credenza
Industria Mueblera S.A.
Mexico, c. 1953
Mexican mahogany, brass
78 w x 20 d x 33 h inches
Branded marks to drawer: [Industria Mueblera S.A. Mad...
Category
1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture
Materials
Brass
Incredible Sculptural Dresser by Edmond Spence
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Houston, TX
Incredible dresser made in Sweden by American designer Edmond Spence. Dresser is finished in a dark ebony. Eight drawers provide excellent storage. Dresser has bold sculptural lines.
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture
Materials
Ebony
Edmond Spence Nightstands Made in Sweden
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Dallas, TX
A pristine pair of Edmond Spence nightstands. These have hardly ever been used. Made of walnut.
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Swedish Modern Solid Birch Chest By Edmond Spence
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Dallas, TX
A Swedish chest with an undulating series of drawers designed by Edmond Spence in the 1950s. Manufactured in Sweden. The undulating drawer fronts was an very difficult to bring to m...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture
Materials
Birch
Chest of Drawers by Edmund Spence
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully detailed mahogany dresser with silvered metalwork and solid legs. Designed by Edmund Spence.
Category
1950s Mexican Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture
Edmond J. Spence furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Edmond J. Spence furniture 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 furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture 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 furniture by Poul Cadovius, Dyrlund, and Nils Jonsson. Prices for Edmond J. Spence furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $350 and can go as high as $27,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,500.
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