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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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Period: 1950s
Creator: Edmond J. Spence
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 Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Edmond J. Spence, Chest of Drawers, Rosewood, Sweden, 1950s
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in High Point, NC
A rosewood chest of drawers or commode 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 Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

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 Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood, Lacquer

Mid Century Modern End Table by Edmond J. Spence for Industria Mueblera, c1950s
By Edmond J. Spence, Industria Mueblera Mexico
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Embrace the timeless elegance of mid-century design with this exquisite vintage end table, doubling as a nightstand, crafted by the notable Edmond J. Spence for Industria Mueblera in...
Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Swedish Midcentury Bookshelf by Edmond Spence
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Swedish-made blonde Mid-Century Modern bookshelf pair with three floating shelves each designed by Edmond Spence for Walpole. Attractive joinery and a v...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Wood

Edmond J. Spence Full Size Headboard
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maple full size headboard by Edmond Spence, c.1950s, Sweden. This frame made from solid maple and features a tiered design with squared corners. Dimensions 54.5" width x 2.5" depth ...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Maple

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 Furniture

Materials

Maple

1950s Edmond J Spence Cedar Side Table from Mexico
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Edmond J Spence Cedar Nightstand from Mexico tall tapered legs Two pull out drawers, lovely pull handles. Cedar Wood. Maker stamped. 21.75 w x...
Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Edmond Spence Walnut Brass Two Part High Gentleman's Chest Dresser Cabinet MINT
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid century modern 2 part chest on chest dresser by Edmund Spence MINT!
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Brass

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 Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Restored Pair of Edmund Spence Golden Birch Wavy Front Nightstands, Sweden 1950s
By Edmond J. Spence, Walpole Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
By esteemed designer Edmond Spence, these nightstands or end tables were made in Sweden for retail in the United States by Walpole Furniture. Made in the 1950s, they are reminiscent ...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Birch

Pair of Mid Century Modern Night Stands in Birch by Edmond Spence Sweden C1953
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic pair of night tables in Birch wood with sculpted drawer pulls by Edmond Spence. Beautiful cabinets with two drawers on turned birch legs. French polished original finish wi...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Birch

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 Furniture

Materials

Birch, Maple

Edmond J. Spence Credenza with Rush Chord Doors for Industria Muebleria
By Edmond J. Spence, Industria Mueblera Mexico
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Rush, Wood, Mahogany

Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Sculpted Maple and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four mid-century Scandinavian Modern dining chairs By Edmond J. Spence Sweden, 1950s Solid sculpted maple frames, with caned seat backs and upholstered sea...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Maple

Stunning Swedish Edmond J. Spence Crucifix Walnut Credenza Mid-Century Modern
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning Edmond J. Spence walnut credenza manufactured in Sweden and features an easily recognisable high-quality construction. The four hinged cabinets open via handles of cut-out c...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Maple, Walnut

Edmond Spence Chest of Drawers
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in San Francisco, CA
A four drawer chest in birch, known as the "Wave" chest.
Category

1950s Swedish Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Birch

Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Maple and Cane Dining Chairs, Newly Reupholstered
By Edmond J. Spence
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...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Maple

Wonderful Edmond J Spence Walnut Oval Dining Table Mid-Century Modern
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Edmond J Spence walnut bevelled edge racetrack dining table made in Sweden. This table is very well crafted and of high quality. We love the thick bevelled edge al...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Black Lacquered Sideboard Credenza, Refinished
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional mid-century Swedish Modern black lacquered birch sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Edmond Spence Sweden, 1950s Measures: 72"W x 20"D x 31.63"H. Newly ...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Birch, Lacquer

Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Walnut Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional mid-century Swedish Modern walnut sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Edmond J. Spence Sweden, 1950s Measures: 74.75" W x 20" D x 31.5" H. Newly refinis...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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 Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

Four Edmond Spence "Yucatan" Mahogany Side Chairs Woven Sea Grass Seats
By Edmond J. Spence, Industria Mueblera Mexico
Located in Camden, ME
Four vintage Yucatan side chairs by Edmund Spence for his Mexican manufacturer Industria Mueblera, circa 1958. The solid mahogany framed spindle back chairs with their original woven...
Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Seagrass, Hardwood, Mahogany

Pair of Edmond Spence Mexican 'Yucatan" Chairs
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Solid mahogany frame with original hand-rolled grass rushing. American designed, Mexican made chairs incorporated a lavish, exotic south-American Fantasia for the American market.
Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Rush, Mahogany

Pair of Edmond Spence Mid-Century Modern Night Tables, Made in Sweden
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of night tables by Edmond Spence. Stamped on bottom, made in Sweden factory #14. Cases are made of walnut with birch pulls in excellent vintage condition. Have been wel...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Birch, 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 Furniture

Materials

Maple

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 Furniture

Materials

Birch, Walnut

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 Furniture

Materials

Birch, Walnut

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.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Wood

Edmond Spence Mahogany Sideboard Woven Sea Grass Faced Doors Industrial Mueblera
By Edmond J. Spence, Industria Mueblera Mexico
Located in Camden, ME
This mahogany cabinet is an elegant example of Edmund Spence's integration of traditional Mexican craft with Mid-Century Modern styling. Designed for the Mexican manufacturer "Indus...
Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Seagrass, Hardwood, Mahogany

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 Furniture

Materials

Metal

Edmond Spence Six Piece Mahogany Dinning Set for Industria Mueblera, S.A. 1950s
By Edmond J. Spence, Industria Mueblera Mexico
Located in Camden, ME
The Edmund Spence dining set for the Mexican manufacturer "Industria Mueblera, S.A.” circa 1958 consists of the following six pieces: An extraordinary extendable mahogany dining table. The cast metalwork is gold leafed. The table has Edmund Spence's Industria Mueblera stamp and additional identification stenciled on the underside. The table measures 43.75 x 66 inches closed and has two 12 inch leaves extending its length to 90 inches. An elegant mahogany cabinet which is an example of Edmund Spence's integration of traditional Mexican craft...
Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Rush, Hardwood, Mahogany, Cocobolo

Edmond Spence Mahogany Dining Table Designed for Industria Mueblera, circa 1958
By Edmond J. Spence, Industria Mueblera Mexico
Located in Camden, ME
An extraordinary extendable mahogany dining table by Edmund Spence manufactured by Industria Mueblera in Mexico in the 1950s. The cast metalwork is gold leafed. The table has Edmund...
Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

Pair of Edmond Spence Mahogany Mayan Chairs
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Generously proportioned occasional chairs, handmade in Mexico employing traditional woodworking techniques. Wonderful details including reverse tapered legs and intricately carved ...
Category

1950s Mexican Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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 Furniture

Materials

Brass

Set Six Edmond Spence Swedish Dining Chairs
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of six birch dining chairs by Edmond J. Spence, made in Sweden for Walpole Furniture. Rare set of two armchairs and four side chairs. Seats covered in neutral taupe cross hatch w...
Category

1950s Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Birch, Cane, Wool, Upholstery

Stellar Set of 4 Cane Back Chairs by Edmond Spence
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Atlanta, GA
A superb set of a very difficult to find series of chairs by Edmond Spence, circa 1950's. Birch with cane backs. Excellent Restored Condition, with wonderful patina. The price noted ...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of Edmond J. Spence Wave Nightstands
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of nightstands by Edmond Spence, c.1950s, Sweden. The maple nightstands feature two drawers with a unique sculpted wave front design. The stands rest on four splayed legs. Dime...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Maple

Mid Century Cabinet Designed by Edmond J. Spence for Industria Mueblera, c1950s
By Edmond J. Spence, Industria Mueblera Mexico
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Immerse yourself in the rich history and craftsmanship of the mid-century era with this stunning cabinet, designed by the iconic Edmond J. Spence and manufactured by Industria Mueble...
Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Iron

Edmund Spence Lowboy
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1950s in good vintage condition featuring incredible book-matched black walnut and carved pulls. This piece reads wonderfully, however there is loss of the original finish, some s...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Modern Dresser by Edmond J. Spence for Industria Mueblera, c1950s
By Industria Mueblera Mexico, Edmond J. Spence
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 Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-Century Dining Table by Edmond J. Spence for Industria Mueblera of Mexico
By Edmond J. Spence, Industria Mueblera Mexico
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Experience a glimpse of history while dining with this stunning mid-century mahogany dining table designed by the renowned designer Edmond J. Spence and manufactured by Industria Mue...
Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

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 Furniture

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 Furniture

Materials

Wood

Edmond Spence Buffet
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in San Francisco, CA
Impressive Edmond Spence design buffet incorporating machine age and Mexican motif. Solid mahogany with fitted interiors, completely refinished. Price reduced from $14,500.00 to net ...
Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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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