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Jay Spectre Furniture

American, 1929-1992

From arranging window displays as a teenager to securing a preeminent position in the decorating and design sphere, Jay Spectre had an extraordinary career. He drew on a range of influences for his lounge chairs, chests of drawers and coffee tables of the 1970s and ‘80s, and is best known for these furnishings as well as his interiors of the era.

For his eponymous Manhattan firm, Spectre created modern, delectable interiors for luxury homes, private aircraft, yachts and offices — his clientele included corporations and affluent figures all over the world — and for his sophisticated furnishings and decor, he found inspiration in Art Deco as well as in Asian and African art..

Spectre’s career in design began modestly — he worked as a window dresser in his Kentucky hometown. He had big plans, however, and moved to New York City, where he would establish the Jay Spectre Inc. design firm. During interviews in the years that followed, Spectre spoke highly of Hollywood glamour and its impact on his work. He was interested in the forces of modernism and technology, and was greatly inspired by the Art Deco era, which was brought to global attention at a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925. The movement’s textile designers integrated floral motifs and vivid colors into their works, while Art Deco furniture makers were fond of dark woods, modern metals and decorative embellishments such as exotic animal hides.

In 1985, in order to grant large manufacturers the rights to produce Spectre’s furniture designs, he formed a licensing firm called J.S.P.S. Inc. with South African-born interior designer Geoffrey Bradfield. This was the era that brought Spectre recognition, awards, and numerous high-profile clients that the designer called “silent celebrities” (they deeply valued their privacy).

Spectre also created furniture that was aimed at younger consumers and intended to be affordable. He introduced an Art Deco–informed spirit at North Carolina’s Century Furniture — a brand that is known to vintage mid-century modern furniture collectors — where he created oversize, inviting lounge chairs and bentwood benches that featured plush tufted leather cushions. Spectre’s Eclipse collection was at one point among the largest-selling lines for the brand.

Spectre was named one of the top eight designers in America by the Smithsonian Institution for their "Giants of Design 1979" exhibition. He earned a pair of awards from the Chicago Merchandise Mart in 1982 and 1983, and was inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame in 1986.

Find vintage Jay Spectre seating, tables and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

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Item Ships From: Philadelphia
Creator: Jay Spectre
Jay Spectre "Entrance Maker" Console Table with Mirror
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jay Spectre for Century Furniture "Entrance Maker" White Oak Console with Hanging Mirror. Console is ziggurat-shaped with a Mirrored Back-Splash. Inspired from Art Deco Step Back D...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Oak

Jay Spectre "DeLanay" Round Chrome and Glass Table
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jay Spectre "DeLanay" Glass and Chrome Side Table. In beautiful Condition. Couldn't an example of this table anywhere besides in an Ad! Updated Deco feel with a beautiful Etched G...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Post Modern Large Wall Mirror or Console Table Shelf by Jay Spectre
By Jay Spectre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large, rare and impressive wall mirror designed by Jay Spectre in the 1980's. It consists of a faux marble finish on wood with a very large round mirror. Frame could easily be pain...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Cerused Oak Desk and Side Chair by Jay Spectre for Century
By Jay Spectre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sleek American Modern Cerused Oak Desk and Matching Chair Designed by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture Co. The desk features 3 dovetail constr...
Category

1970s American Art Deco Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture

Materials

Oak

Jay Spectre Barrel Desk with Glass Top
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jay Spectre for Century Furniture White Oak Desk with Glass Top. Desk Writing Surface is 29.75 high. Desk was also sold as a Vanity as well. Overall ...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture

Materials

Glass, Oak

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Previously Available Items
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Rare Jay Spectre Rapungi Table, number 4205 in number 807 White Lacquer. Table is from Collection 16 for Century Furniture Company. Paint is very, very clean! Table looks like it ...
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Jay Spectre furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Jay Spectre 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 Jay Spectre furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Jay Spectre were created in the modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Steve Chase, Barbara Barry, and Nicos Zographos. Prices for Jay Spectre furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $595 and can go as high as $28,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,900.

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