Frederic Weinberg Fencing

Avid collectors of 1950s sculpture, table lamps and decorative objects have no doubt encountered the quirky mid-century modern creations of Frederic Weinberg, even if they didn’t know his name. Weinberg is best known for his extensive range of wall-mounted sculptures, clocks, lighting and semi-abstract paintings that bring playful figurative art into the home.

Weinberg, a Philadelphia-based artist and industrial designer, trained at the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts. Throughout the 1950s, he designed, produced and sold a wide variety of functional and decorative items under his company, Frederic Weinberg Co.

Working with wire, iron and gilded bronze, Weinberg crafted furniture and furnishings for use in homes, businesses and institutions. His most notable pieces included swivel stools with a wrought-iron base and seats made with leather, sheepskin or woven wicker; Atomic Age–style clocks; and sculptural table lamps constructed with paper shades and metal frames shaped like lutes and guitars.

Weinberg also made figurative wall sculptures depicting everything from ancient Roman gladiators and Etruscan-style horses to musicians and dancers to fencers and football players. Figuration also features heavily in his bent iron, brass and fiberglass sculptures, many of which he based on his semi-abstract paintings.

Although little is known about Weinberg’s design career, his pieces are highly sought by modern art collectors and interior designers. Philadelphia designer Ron Rowe and his partner Glenn Nadeau even mounted an extensive showcase of Weinberg’s rarest works in their Cherry Hill, New Jersey, home.

On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Frederic Weinberg wall decorations, decorative objects and seating.

Antique and vintage wall-mounted sculptures can tie a room together and will work well with existing decor. From mid-century modern works to Art Deco to brutalist sculptures, there’s something to pair with every furniture style and aesthetic taste.

Whether you tend toward the dramatic or prefer to keep things casual with understated works of metal or wood, introducing wall-mounted sculpture as part of your decor is going to make a statement. Any sculpture, no matter its size or shape, will bring life into a space and accentuate the work you’ve already done to create a welcoming environment.

A unique three-dimensional figurative sculpture mounted on your dining-room wall is definitely going to stir reflection and conversation over meals and cocktails, while a trio of abstract works arranged on the bookshelves in your living room can add spontaneity and draw attention to your collection of first-edition artist monographs. And while decorating with busts, which are sculpted or cast figurative works, hasn’t topped the list of design trends every year, busts are back.

In your living room, perhaps you’re thinking about integrating a dazzling wallpaper design or large-scale landscape paintings.

If you’re instead considering creating a single focal point with a wall-mounted sculpture, there is an array of objects that you might not have top of mind. Art Deco wall mirrors, your collection of Fornasetti dinner plates or a grouping of ceramic wall planters, for example, when positioned to face the main entrance of your living room, will help you plan for furniture placement and can amount to a warm and inviting touch for an area that will see a lot of foot traffic.

The good news is that design is personal. Perhaps your space will benefit from a maximalist touch? Alongside his scores of Instagram followers, for example, unapologetic maximalist James Kivior, a design enthusiast and national educational manager for French cosmetics brands, is inspired by the idea of too much tiger print. If a maximalist approach sounds like too much for your modest-sized space, consider a sparse distribution of your collection instead — some vintage mid-century modern wall sculptures can go here, some vibrant folk art or Italian art glass can go here. Get creative!

Whatever your preference, find an extraordinary range of antique, new and vintage wall-mounted sculptures today on 1stDibs.