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What is the history of Martinsville furniture?
1 Answer
The history of Martinsville furniture starts with the founding of the company in Martinsville, Virginia, in 1906 by Ancil Witten and Charles Keesee, a pair of former tobacco farmers. They launched their business with $30,000 in capital and began to manufacture bedroom furniture under the name American Furniture Company. In the 1920s, American Furniture Company expanded its offerings from bedroom furnishings with a range of dining room sets. By the 1950s, the company’s name had been changed to American of Martinsville, and it had gained a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship as well as a variety of furniture styles. Inspired by designers like George Nakashima and Paul László, the brand innovated with wood. Merton Gershun was one of the company's most prolific designers, and he was responsible for some of its most successful modern furniture lines using the richer, darker woods that would become emblematic of mid-century furniture. Gershun's most popular line was Dania, with its sleek walnut credenzas fitted with stylish brass accents and large drawers. Today, American of Martinsville specializes in furniture for the healthcare and hospitality industries. Find a variety of American of Martinsville furniture on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
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Shop for American of Martinsville Furniture on 1stDibs
Italian Wardrobe, 19th Century with Original Lock and Key
By American of Martinsville
Located in New York, NY
19th century Italian wardrobe with delicate floral and vegetal patterns painted in shades of green and ochre.
While the exterior retains its enchanting old-world allure, the interio...
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Baroque Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Mid Century Modern American of Martinsville Dresser Gentleman's Chest MCM
By American of Martinsville
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Unique Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Credenza/Dresser
Presenting a stunning and unique American of Martinsville mid-century credenza with nine drawers, offering ample ...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Burl
American of Martinsville Accord Walnut Nightstand or End Table with X’s
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome nightstand or end table from American of Martinsville and Merton Gershun’s Accord line of furniture with their signature X’s and asymmetric handles. It is in wonderful resto...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage Lacquered Nightstands by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Pair of beautiful lacquered nightstands designed and manufactured by American of Martinsville in the United States, circa 1950s. These lovely nightstands are professionally restored ...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Materials
Brass
Restored American of Martinsville 6 Drawer Chest- Pair Available
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exquisite example from a rare series by American of Martinsville, circa 1960. Stout, expertly made mahogany case construction restored in cream lacquer. Fabulous, chunky solid bra...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
American of Martinsville Black Walnut Campaign Nightstand
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Terrifically unique single nightstand from the renowned craftsmen of Virginia's American of Martinsville. Featuring a black walnut finish, brass accents, and a blend of English Campa...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Night Stands
Materials
Metal, Brass
