Master woodworker David N. Ebner is an integral contributor to the American Studio furniture movement. Along with like-minded artisans such as George Nakashima, Sam Maloof, Arthur Espenet Carpenter and Wharton Esherick, the New York native advocates for the craft of well-made furniture that is not mass-produced. As Ebner himself has stated, “[I am] creating the antiques of tomorrow.”
Ebner was born in 1945 in Buffalo and attended the School for American Craftsmen at the Rochester Institute of Technology. There, he studied under celebrated American furniture maker Wendell Castle who taught Ebner “the artistic approach” to woodworking. After graduating, Ebner sought to further his education at the London School of Furniture Making. Then, following a two-year stint in the US Armed Forces, he decided to pursue a career as a woodworker and furniture designer, opening a studio on Long Island, New York, in 1973.
As a devotee of Castle’s teachings of creating furniture as a form of functional art, Ebner eschewed the trend of making furniture out of plastics and other synthetic materials — which gained steam with the likes of venturesome Scandinavian modernist designer Verner Panton during the 1960s and 1970s — embracing instead the American Craftsman style that formed the basis of the American Studio furniture movement.
Working with a range of woods, Ebner has designed sculptural live-edge dining room tables, shapely bamboo stools and side tables characterized by swooping organic curves, and statement-making cabinets in lustrous sapele wood, each elegantly hand-carved. “... Each piece is treated as an art object with concern for my material and honesty to its inherent qualities,” Ebner has said. “For me, one’s creative ability is demonstrated in the diversity of the pieces and what one learns from change.”
Ebner has exhibited extensively throughout his career, including shows at the American Crafts Museum and Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York, the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, Massachusetts, and the Guild Hall Museum in East Hampton. His works are in permanent collections at the Smithsonian Institute, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Find vintage David N. Ebner chairs, tables, benches and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Swivel Barrel Chair by American Studio Craft Artist, David N. Ebner
By David N. Ebner
Located in Bellport, NY
The Swivel Barrel Chair from American Studio Craft Artist David N. Ebner. Upholstered in an Italian Suede calf skin. Wenge wood frame,The swivel base is constructed of a heavy duty b...
Suede, Wood
J Robert Scott Barrel Swivel Chairs
By Sally Sirkin Lewis
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful set of 4 leather swivel chairs in Calfskin by J Robert Scott. Sally Sirkin Lewis used the softest and highest grade leather. They ar...
Leather
$12,000 / set
H 30 in W 27 in D 30 in
Set of Four Leather and Chrome Swivel Chairs by J Robert Scott & Associates
By Sally Sirkin Lewis, J. Robert Scott 1
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A set of four Patchwork leather chairs with round polished chrome bases that swivel. Designed by Sally Sirkin Lewis and made for J Robert Scot...
Chrome
Pair of Overman Pod Swivel Chairs
By Overman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Two vintage modern overman swivel chairs featuring black vinyl upholstery and five legged chrome base. Stylish swivel seating adds Mid-Century Mod...
Pair of 1970's Swivel Barrel Back Chairs, Milo Baughman Style
Located in Dallas, TX
Two fabulous Milo Baughman style barrel back lounge chairs. Modernist swivel chairs upholstered in a bold raised velvet, has a striking luxurious shimmer. A skirt covers a four legge...
Metal
Mid-Century Barrel Back Swivel Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of vintage modern round club chairs with swivel action, and original stripe fabric. These make a comfortable addition to your home or office. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Upholstery
Mid-Century Barrel Back Swivel Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of vintage modern round back chairs on swivel bases. Fun pattern fabric with comfortable barrel back. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Fabric
$8,295
H 32 in W 30.5 in D 29.5 in
Handcrafted Black Leather Swivel Club Chair, Luxe Design, South Africa
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in Johannesburg, South Africa with draped strips of leather, creating a glamorous and luxe look. PRODUCT INFORMATION DIMENSIONS: 30.5"W x 29.5"D x 32"H COLOR: Black...
Leather
Zebra Hide Swivel Chair, Genuine Upholstery, Modern Design
Located in New York, NY
Genuine zebra hide creates an occasional chair sure to make a statement. Each chair requires two full hides to upholster and manufacture making every chair one-of-a-kind. Due to the ...
Zebra Hide
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 22 in W 38 in D 34 in
Adrian Pearsall Swiveling Club Chair in Original Flame Stitch Upholstery
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chicago, IL
Swiveling barrel back club chair in a periwinkle blue and rose flame stich upholstery. Low slung and extremely comfortable with wide, loose cushions. Original upholstery is stained a...
Bentwood, Upholstery
$7,835 / item
H 32 in W 30.5 in D 29.5 in
Modern Handcrafted Fringe Swivel Chair in Cream-Stone Leather
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in Johannesburg, South Africa with draped strips of leather, creating a glamorous and luxe look. PRODUCT INFORMATION DIMENSIONS: 30.5"W x 29.5"D x 32"H COLOR: Cream...
Leather
$7,960Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 25 in W 27 in D 29 in
Milo Baughman / Harvey Probber Gliding & Swivel Barrel Back Club Chairs
By Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Very well crafted club chairs attributed to Milo Baughman or Harvey Probber. In the manner of Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Round wood bases have a soft donut style form. The chairs swi...
Upholstery
$1,200
H 30 in W 29 in D 30 in
1980s Geometric Pastel Upholstered Swivel Armchair on Round Plinth Wood Base
By Thayer Coggin
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A lovely 1980's Thayer Coggin style swivel armchair. Upholstered in a geometric pastel pattern, this chair features rolled arms, and a rounded waterfall back...
Fabric, Wood