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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
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
$1,750 Sale Price
50% Off
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
$1,375 Sale Price
50% Off
Pair of American of Martinsville Walnut 2-Drawer Nightstands or End Tables 1960s
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Probably designed by Merton Gershun, this pair of nightstands features a minimalist, almost brutalist look, with a rectangular body, and squared off drawers. The look is softened by ...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Materials
Wood, Walnut
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
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.
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Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing h...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
