Edmond J. Spence played an important role in promoting the tenets of Scandinavian modernism in the United States but his name remains conspicuously omitted from the history books. He was an American furniture designer who is known for having introduced the West to unfamiliar cultural tastes and translating their subtleties to appeal to mid-century-era consumers.
Spence honed his eye for good craftsmanship as a young man. His family owned a furniture manufacturing company based in Batavia, New York. While not much has been reported about his schooling, it was not long before he started designing his own nightstands, end tables, chairs and more — all of which exhibited the appealing traits associated with mid-century modern furniture. Spence experimented with form and ornament owing to inspiration he gathered from international influences.
During the 1950s, Spence drew on Asian and Swedish influences in developing ideas for his own style of modern furniture. He incorporated aspects of Mexican design to create the Continental-American collection. Manufactured in 1953 by Industria Mueblera, this collection of sculptural wooden furnishings with brass details epitomizes Spence’s ability to draw attention to the most integral parts of global design while adding his own modern spin. The designer’s Coronation Group — a series of dressers, cabinets and more in blonde woods that featured decorative birch veneers — was built by artisans in Sweden and imported for sale to postwar homeowners in the United States by Massachusetts furniture company Walpole.
Spence’s “Peineta” chair — a work of mahogany, plywood and woven palm that is demonstrative of Spanish Colonial influences and is part of the Continental-American line — has long been on display in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art while other works are held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. And if Spence hadn’t captured the hearts of Americans by way of Industria Mueblera showrooms and alluring ads in Interiors magazine, some of his furniture was used as set decoration for the widely loved sitcom I Love Lucy.
Find vintage Edmond J. Spence seating, storage and case pieces, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Pair of Edmond Spence American Mid-Century Diamond Walnut Framed Mirrors
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century Diamond Shaped Walnut Framed Mirrors (EDMOND SPENCE)
Glass
Pair of Mirrors, Mid Century Modernist
Located in Nice, FR
Each mirror measures approximately 150 cm in height and 65 cm in width, based on the comparison with the reflected objects (tables, sculptures, and lighting fixtures). They are desig...
Brass
$2,220 / set
H 42.75 in W 20 in D 1.5 in
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut Wall Mirror, a Pair
By American of Martinsville
Located in Plainview, NY
Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Walnut Wall Mirror, a Pair A quality pair of Mid-Century Modern walnut mirrors by the iconic American furniture maker American of Martins...
Walnut
Mid Century Wall Mirror with Walnut and Capiz Shell Frame
Located in New York, NY
Chic rectangular wall mirror having a voguish frame with walnut trim surrounding its gold toned capiz shell interior. Currently configured to hand vertically, the mirror can easily be reconfigured to hang horizontally if you prefer. Total H 48 x...
Shell, Mirror, Walnut
$1,308Sale Price|40% Off
H 40 in W 52 in D 1 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Frame Mirror Very Beautiful Design
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This wonderful Mid-Century Modern solid walnut mirror. No label. Will come with wire, wired to hang horizontal. Beautiful vintage condition and great high quality woodworking. Finish...
Mirror, Walnut
$1,595 / set
H 48 in W 20.25 in D 1.63 in
Thomasville Mid-Century Modern Burled Walnut Framed Arched Wall Mirrors, Pair
By Thomasville
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful pair of Mid-Century Modern burled walnut framed arched wall mirrors By Thomasville USA, 1960s Each measures: 20.25"W x 1.63"D x 48"H. Very good original vintage condi...
Mirror, Walnut, Burl
$208Sale Price|53% Off
H 42.5 in W 34 in D 2.25 in
Mid Century Modern Rectangular Wall Mirror with Beveled Walnut Frame
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern mirror features hardwood frame with unique beveled edge and original walnut finish. Dimensions: 34w 2.25d 42.5h Condition: Original finish on frame is in go...
Mirror, Walnut
American Mid Century Modern Light Walnut Rectangle Wall Mirror MINT!
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American Light Walnut Rectangle Wall Mirror MINT!
Walnut
Oiled Walnut Frame Mid Century Modern Rectangular Mirror.
By Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Medium size mid century modern rectangular walnut mirror.
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Framed Wall Mirror
Located in South Bend, IN
A stylish Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut framed wall mirror. USA, 1960s Measures: 46.63"W x 1.88"D x 38.75"H. Very good original vintage condition.
Mirror, Walnut
Vintage Mid-Century Modern "Modern Aire" Walnut Framed Wall Mirror
Located in Seattle, WA
This vintage Mid-Century Modern wall mirror is from the "Modern Aire" line and features a warm walnut-tone frame with clean,simple lines characteristic of mid-century American design. The frame shows a subtle wood grain pattern and rounded edges, giving the piece a refined yet understated presence suitable for a variety of interiors. The back of the mirror retains its original factory stenciling, reading: “750-3 TPL DR MIRROR -MODERN AIRE WALNUT - MIRROR PLATED BY MT AIRY", confirming its production by Mt. Airy Furniture Company, a North Carolina manufacturer known for quality craftsmanship during the mid-20th century. The construction is solid and well-made, with the mirror panel seated securely within a mitered wooden frame. This piece can function as a dresser mirror, hallway mirror, or accent wall piece, adding warm mid-century character to bedrooms, living rooms, or entry spaces. Light wear consistent with age is present, including some minor surface marks to the glass and frame, but the mirror displays well overall.A classic and versatile vintage MCM mirror...
Walnut
Rectangle Clover Rosettes Walnut Frame Mid Century Modern Mirror MINT
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Rectangle Clover Rosettes Walnut Frame Mid Century Modern Mirror MINT
Brass
Mid Century Modern Mirror with Walnut Frame
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern mirror features hardwood frame with rounded edges and original walnut finish. Dimensions: 34.5w 1d 48.5h Condition: Original finish on frame is in good cond...
Mirror, Walnut
Sold
H 60 in W 36 in D 1 in
Swedish 1950's Beveled Rectangle Rounded Corners Decorative Rosettes Wall Mirror
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Rare Swedish 1950's Beveled Rectangle Rounded Corners Decorative Rosettes Wall Mirror
Steel
Mexican Midcentury Mirror Frame by Edmund Spence
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this rare Mexican midcentury mirror frame by Edmund Spence, circa 1950. Materials mahogany wood, natural palm cords and brass.
Mahogany