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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 9-Drawer 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 design...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Walnut
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid Century Modern 3-Drawer Night Stands
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 design...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Materials
Brass, Steel
American of Martinsville Mid Century Modern Tallboy Dresser Gentleman's Chest
By American of Martinsville
Located in Dayton, OH
1960s American of Martinsville MCM Chest of Drawers. Features a walnut frame with bifold doors that open to three dovetailed drawers over two larger lower drawers. Drawers open via...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Night Stands
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 design...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Materials
Brass
Uncommon Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Dania Desk in Walnut & Brass
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Merton Gershun, this desk was made by American of Martinsville in the United States. It features a full walnut construction, a large cabinet with two drawers on the right...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
Pair Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Walnut & Brass Louvered Chests
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Merton Gershun, this pair of chests was made in the 1960s by American of Martinsville. Each dresser features three drawers with the classic Gershun louvered look, almost ...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Materials
Brass
