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What is the history of Martinsville furniture?

1 Answer
What is the history of Martinsville furniture?
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
American of Martinsville, Dresser, Oak, Brass, USA, 1950s
By American of Martinsville
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and brass dresser designed and produced by American of Martinsville, USA, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.875"H x 60.0"W x 20.5"D All items ship from High Point, N...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

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

Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 5 Drawer Tall Dresser Blonde Maple
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville 5 drawer high tall dresser. A Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Urban Suburban dresser. All Original Vintage condition - Blonde ...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

American of Martinsville Burl Curio Cabinets Lighted
By American of Martinsville
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Pair of beautiful Burl Wood with brass inlays. Nicely fluted detail offset with complimenting brass trim. Smokey glass doors which swing wide. 2 upper adjustable glass shelves with p...
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Brass

American of Martinsville, Dresser, Walnut, USA, 1950s
By American of Martinsville
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut dresser produced by American of Martinsville, USA, 1950s.
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Merton L. Gershun Walnut Writing Desk for American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Merton L. Gershun walnut writing desk for American of Martinsville. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing h...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

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