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Conant Ball Armchairs

American

While the Conant Ball Company was initially known for its reproductions of period furniture in the Colonial style, the Massachusetts manufacturer eventually garnered national recognition as a leader in the production of solid rock maple dressers, tables and other pieces as well as for its popular modernist collections such as its large Sierra line designed by Colman Zola and its American Modern collection created by Russell Wright

In the 1800s, the small town of Gardner, Massachusetts, saw a boom in start-up furniture factories. There was Westminster transplant Nichols and Stone, Standard Chair of Gardner Inc. — a maker of American Craftsman-style furnishings — Heywood-Wakefield, which moved into the manufacture of furniture with steam-bent wood frames and cane or wicker seating, and later, what was once the largest chair in the world was built in the city to attract tourists and to sell …chairs. 

Conant Ball’s first product was its chairs — there were inviting chairs with woven cane seats and the company later earned acclaim for its Windsor designs. But before it got its name in 1909, there was a chair shop called Jackson & Greenwood. Abner and Leander White purchased the modest-sized business and renamed it A. White and Co. John Conant and his brother Charles joined later and it eventually operated under the name Conant Brothers and Co. Later, the firm’s name changed again with the addition of Carlos Ball, who helmed the company’s Boston location. Between Conant’s and Ball’s passings in 1891 and 1909, Charles Brooks and a succession of family members took the company into the 20th century as Conant Ball Co. 

Conant Ball’s comely mid-century modern furniture — its low-profile lounge chairs, sleek tables and more — owe to partnerships with designers such as Leslie Diamond and Russel Wright

Diamond and Wright created a variety of solid wood furniture including dining room chairs, side tables and dressers. The former created a line called ModernMates that featured solid birch office chairs, nightstands and dining chairs with curved spindle backs, while Wright, who had created some Art Deco furnishings for Heywood-Wakefield, designed charming, light-colored maple furniture called American Modern for Conant Ball. The name is said to have been given to him by his romantic partner — in 1927, Wright married artist and sculptor Mary Einstein. Under her guidance, Wright's attractive, functional designs for the home gained renown, leading to commissions by prestigious companies like the Steubenville Pottery Company.

Conant Ball’s momentum slowed in 1986 and ownership changed hands once more. By 1990, the firm would no longer produce furniture under its own name. 

Find antique Conant Ball tables, chairs, case pieces and storage cabinets on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Conant Ball
Set of Four Leslie Diamond "Modernmates" Captains Style Dining Armchairs, 1950s
By Russel Wright, Leslie Diamond, Conant Ball
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Leslie Diamond "Modernmates" for Conant Ball 7501 birch dining armchairs. Featuring solid birch construction, ergonomic curved spindle backs, peg details, wide plank seats atop sturd...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Conant Ball Armchairs

Materials

Birch

Russel Wright Easy Chair for Conant Ball's, American Modern, 1935
By Conant Ball, Russel Wright
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare Art Deco easy chair designed by Russel Wright for Conant Ball American modern in 1935 ,solid maple contraction with original cushions retains original finish ,patina..,, signed ...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Conant Ball Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Maple

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Conant Ball armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Conant Ball armchairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Conant Ball armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs by Conant Ball were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider armchairs by Brown Jordan, Mel Smilow, and Michael Taylor. Prices for Conant Ball armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,365 and can go as high as $7,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,350.
Questions About Conant Ball Armchairs
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, Conant Ball is not still in business as of January 2022. The company closed in 1980. However, the furniture is still popular among collectors. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Conant Ball furniture from some of the world’s top sellers.

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