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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
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
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
1960s American of Martinsville French Provincial Octagonal Mirror in Cream White
By American of Martinsville, American of Martinsville
Located in Saddle River, NJ
American of Martinsville French Provincial Octagonal Mirror.
Add a touch of vintage elegance to your home with this stunning American of Martinsville French Provincial Octagonal Mir...
Category
Vintage 1960s French Provincial Wall Mirrors
Materials
Mirror
8.5 Inch Glass Russian Wolfhound/Borzoi/Sighthound Sculpture
By American of Martinsville
Located in Warrenton, OR
8.5 Inch Glass Russian Wolfhound/Borzoi/Sighthound Sculpture
The perfect gift, this is a lovely, clear glass dog of the type most folks associate with greyhounds, though it is actual...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Art Glass
1960s American of Martinsville Modern the Nightstands - a Pair
By American of Martinsville
Located in Saddle River, NJ
American of Martinsville Modern Nightstands - A Pair.
Add a touch of mid-century modern elegance to your bedroom with this stunning pair of American of Martinsville Modern Nightstan...
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Materials
Walnut
American of Martinsville Light Grey 5 Drawers Mid Century Modern Dresser MINT!
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American of Martinsville Light Grey 5 Drawers Mid Century Modern Dresser MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Oak
