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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
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Chinoiserie Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage desig...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage desig...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Walnut
American of Martinsville, Nighstands, Walnut, USA, 1950s
By American of Martinsville
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut nightstands produced by American of Martinsville, USA, c. 1950s.
Wear to wood consistent with age and use
Overall Dimensions (inches): 24.75"H x 22.0"W x 17.5"D
A...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Mid Century Modern Nightstands by American of Martinsville, c1970s
By American of Martinsville
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Add a bold statement to your bedroom with this pair of Mid Century Modern nightstands by American of Martinsville, a renowned name in vintage American furniture design. These vintage...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Materials
Walnut
American of Martinsville Side End Table a Pair
By American of Martinsville
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A pair of Mid Century walnut end tables by American of Martinsville. Book matched walnut with an edge detail reminiscent of Georg...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
Materials
Metal
$2,400 / set
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 6 Drawer Low Dresser Blonde Maple
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 6 drawer low dresser or credenza. A Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Urban Suburban dresser. All Original Vintage condition - B...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
$1,750 Sale Price
50% Off