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Edmond J. Spence Chairs

1911-1986

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.

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Creator: Edmond J. Spence
Original Edmond Spence "Yucatan" Chair
Original Edmond Spence "Yucatan" Chair

Original Edmond Spence "Yucatan" Chair

$3,000

Original Edmond Spence "Yucatan" Chair

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

Iconic “Yucatán” chair designed by Edmund Spence and produced in Mexico by Industria Mueblera S.A. as part of the celebrated Continental-American Collection. This piece represents an...

Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Chairs

Materials

Cedar

Yucatan Chair, Edmond Spence
Yucatan Chair, Edmond Spence

Yucatan Chair, Edmond Spence

$3,000

Yucatan Chair, Edmond Spence

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Los angeles, CA

Yucatan chair designed by Edmond J. Spence. Sculptural dark-stained wood frame with angular, splayed legs and an open slat back, paired with a handwoven rush seat and back panel. A s...

Category

1950s Vintage Edmond J. Spence Chairs

Materials

Rush, Wood

Edmond Spence Mid-Century Lounge Chairs, Pair
Edmond Spence Mid-Century Lounge Chairs, Pair

Edmond Spence Mid-Century Lounge Chairs, Pair

$5,995 / set

Edmond Spence Mid-Century Lounge Chairs, Pair

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edmond Spence mid-century lounge chairs - pair. Each chair measures: 27 wide x 33.5 deep x 28 high, with a seat height of 13 (without cushion) and arm height/chair clearance 23 in...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Chairs

Materials

Wood

Edmond Spence Mid Century Yucatan Chairs - Set of 6
Edmond Spence Mid Century Yucatan Chairs - Set of 6

Edmond Spence Mid Century Yucatan Chairs - Set of 6

$10,947 / set

Edmond Spence Mid Century Yucatan Chairs - Set of 6

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edmond Spence Mid Century Yucatan Chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 24.75 wide x 19 deep x 31.75 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 17.5 inches All pieces of f...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Chairs

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Stellar Set of 4 Cane Back Chairs by Edmond Spence
Stellar Set of 4 Cane Back Chairs by Edmond Spence

Stellar Set of 4 Cane Back Chairs by Edmond Spence

$3,950 / set

Stellar Set of 4 Cane Back Chairs by Edmond Spence

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Atlanta, GA

A superb set of a very difficult to find series of chairs by Edmond Spence, circa 1950's. Birch with cane backs. Excellent Restored Condition, with wonderful patina. The price noted ...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of Six Mid-Century Swedish Modern Dining Chairs by Edmond J. Spence
Set of Six Mid-Century Swedish Modern Dining Chairs by Edmond J. Spence

Set of Six Mid-Century Swedish Modern Dining Chairs by Edmond J. Spence

$12,000 / set

Set of Six Mid-Century Swedish Modern Dining Chairs by Edmond J. Spence

By Paul McCobb, Edmond J. Spence

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Newly upholstered mint condition set of 6 rare chairs by Edmond Spence.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Chairs

Materials

Cane, Birch

Edmond Spence "Yucatan" Chairs
Edmond Spence "Yucatan" Chairs

Edmond Spence "Yucatan" Chairs

$5,000 / set

Edmond Spence "Yucatan" Chairs

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Dallas, TX

Beautiful set of 2 Mexican modernist 'Yucatan' dining chairs designed by Edmond J. Spence made of mahogany and woven seagrass, Mexico, the 1950s. The seagrass is in great condition and the chairs have been refinished. "Edmond J Spence made a career out of translating international modern styles for the U.S. market–he designed a successful blonde wood line made in Sweden and imported by Walpole Furniture of Massachusetts. Spence’s Mexican venture dubbed the “Continental-American Collection,” was launched by Industria Meublera in 1953. A contemporary ad boasts “superb raw materials [and] fine Mexican handcraftsmanship,” and shows an Aztec stone...

Category

20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Chairs

Materials

Seagrass, Mahogany

Edmund J Spence Cane Back Leather Dining or Side Chairs
Edmund J Spence Cane Back Leather Dining or Side Chairs

Edmund J Spence Cane Back Leather Dining or Side Chairs

$1,750Sale Price / set|30% Off

Edmund J Spence Cane Back Leather Dining or Side Chairs

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Miami, FL

Pair of rare Edmund J. Spence cane back chairs fully restored with eggplant leather cushioned seats.

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Chairs

Materials

Leather, Cane, Wood

Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Sculpted Maple and Cane Dining Chair’s - Set of 6
Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Sculpted Maple and Cane Dining Chair’s - Set of 6

Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Sculpted Maple and Cane Dining Chair’s - Set of 6

$4,195 / set

Edmond Spence Swedish Modern Sculpted Maple and Cane Dining Chair’s - Set of 6

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Esperance, NY

For sale is this very nice set of six vintage chairs, beautifully crafted in Sweden by Edmond Spence. The first few pictures show the fabric in its correct color. The fabric is more ...

Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Chairs

Materials

Maple

Edmond Spence Urban Aire Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair with Black Upholstery
Edmond Spence Urban Aire Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair with Black Upholstery

Edmond Spence Urban Aire Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair with Black Upholstery

$2,747

Edmond Spence Urban Aire Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair with Black Upholstery

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edmond Spence Urban Aire mid century walnut lounge chair with black upholstery The chair measures: 27.5 wide x 33.5 deep x 35 high, with a seat height of 19 inches and arm height ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Set of Six Swedish Dining Chairs New Upholstery
Set of Six Swedish Dining Chairs New Upholstery

Set of Six Swedish Dining Chairs New Upholstery

$8,800 / set

Set of Six Swedish Dining Chairs New Upholstery

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Rockaway, NJ

New upholstery Mid Century Swedish modern set of six dining room chairs by Edmund Spence.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Chairs

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Chair D
Chair D

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$780 / item

H 29.53 in Dm 14.97 in

Chair D

By Chuch Estudio

Located in Mérida, MX

The handwoven technique of the 'Petatillo' in Yucatan has been practiced for more than 50 years. Usually, it is woven with natural cane. This is one hundred percent artisan work, whi...

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2010s Mexican Post-Modern Edmond J. Spence Chairs

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Funky Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair
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Located in Brooklyn, NY

This unique vintage modern lounge chair features angled sides and splayed lets. Sleek design with a thick padded seat upholstered in plush beige fabric. This stylish and comfortable ...

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Milo Baughman Mid-Century Cantilever Lounge Chairs
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Thonet Chair - Original Herbatschek Series N ° 243711

By Thonet

Located in Padova, IT

Thonet chair - original Herbatschek series n ° 243711 - squared seat - in black laquered beech wood and Vienna straw. Very good condition – no restauration - the chair has never been...

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1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Chairs

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Chair D
Chair D

Chair D

$780 / item

H 29.93 in Dm 14.97 in

Chair D

By Chuch Estudio

Located in Mérida, MX

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Rare Set of Six 1960s Mid-Century Modern Cherry and Chrome Dining Chairs
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Rare Set of Six 1960s Mid-Century Modern Cherry and Chrome Dining Chairs

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Chairs

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Previously Available Items
Edmond Spence Yucatan Chair
Edmond Spence Yucatan Chair

Edmond Spence Yucatan Chair

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H 19 in W 25 in D 32 in

Edmond Spence Yucatan Chair

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edmond Spence Yucatan chair Measures: Width 25m depth 19, height 32 All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage condition. ...

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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Chairs

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Original Pair Edmond Spence "Yucatan" Mahogany Side Chairs Woven Sea Grass Seats
Original Pair Edmond Spence "Yucatan" Mahogany Side Chairs Woven Sea Grass Seats

Original Pair Edmond Spence "Yucatan" Mahogany Side Chairs Woven Sea Grass Seats

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H 32.29 in W 24.41 in D 18.9 in

Original Pair Edmond Spence "Yucatan" Mahogany Side Chairs Woven Sea Grass Seats

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

Original pair of Yucatan chairs designed by Edmund Spence for Industria Mueblera in Mexico, circa 1950s. The chairs feature a unique and hand sculpted Ja...

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1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Chairs

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Rare Set of 6 Swedish Modern Cane Back Sculptural Dining Chairs by Edmond Spence
Rare Set of 6 Swedish Modern Cane Back Sculptural Dining Chairs by Edmond Spence

Rare Set of 6 Swedish Modern Cane Back Sculptural Dining Chairs by Edmond Spence

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H 32 in W 23 in L 32 in

Rare Set of 6 Swedish Modern Cane Back Sculptural Dining Chairs by Edmond Spence

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Hudson, NY

Set of six birch dining chairs by Edmond J. Spence This lovely original set consists of two armchairs and four side chairs. The chairs are in good original condition as shown. Caning...

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1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Chairs

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Edmond Spence Pair of Ebonized and Upholstered Lounge Chairs
Edmond Spence Pair of Ebonized and Upholstered Lounge Chairs

Edmond Spence Pair of Ebonized and Upholstered Lounge Chairs

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H 29.25 in W 27.5 in D 32 in

Edmond Spence Pair of Ebonized and Upholstered Lounge Chairs

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Pair of Edmond Spence lounge chairs, circa late 1950s. These examples have newly finished black lacquered frames and have been newly upholstered in a cream boucle. Price listed is fo...

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Set of 8 Edmond J. Spence Dining Chairs Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
Set of 8 Edmond J. Spence Dining Chairs Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern, 1960s

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H 39 in W 22 in D 19 in

Set of 8 Edmond J. Spence Dining Chairs Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern, 1960s

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Hudson, NY

Set of 8 very nice condition sleek designed dining chairs by Edmond J. Spence. Striped silk upholstery in very nice original condition. Chair legs are sleek and have an amazing oval ...

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Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Edmond J. Spence Chairs

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Set of 6 "Yucatan" Vintage Chairs design by Edmond Spence for Industria Mueblera
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H 31.5 in W 18.9 in D 21.26 in

Set of 6 "Yucatan" Vintage Chairs design by Edmond Spence for Industria Mueblera

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Mexico City, MX

Set of 6 "Yucatan" vintage chairs design by Edmond Spence for Industria Mueblera in the 1950s.  

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1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Chairs

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Pair of Edmond Spence Chairs, Mexico, circa 1950
Pair of Edmond Spence Chairs, Mexico, circa 1950

Pair of Edmond Spence Chairs, Mexico, circa 1950

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H 31.5 in W 19 in D 21.5 in

Pair of Edmond Spence Chairs, Mexico, circa 1950

By Edmond J. Spence, Industria Mueblera Mexico

Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon

For your consideration a pair of chairs by Edmond Spence in their original state, these jewels we made the decision not to restore them in order to preserve their character and their...

Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Chairs

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

Edmund Spence Desk and Chair
Edmund Spence Desk and Chair

Edmund Spence Desk and Chair

Sold

H 29 in W 50 in D 25 in

Edmund Spence Desk and Chair

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Atlanta, GA

Midcentury desk and chair, designed by Edmund Spence, Sweden, circa 1960s. The desk has a clean lined Danish modern look, and contrasts nicel...

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1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Walnut

Set of Eight Edmund J. Spence Dining Chairs
Set of Eight Edmund J. Spence Dining Chairs

Set of Eight Edmund J. Spence Dining Chairs

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H 31 in W 21 in D 21 in

Set of Eight Edmund J. Spence Dining Chairs

By Edmond J. Spence, Industria Mueblera Mexico

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Sculptural set of dining chairs by Edmund J. Spence for Industrial Muebleras, circa 1954 for the Continental-American Collection. Mexican Mahogany with palm fiber woven seat and back...

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20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Edmond J. Spence Chairs

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Rare Sculptural Edmund Spence Side Chairs
Rare Sculptural Edmund Spence Side Chairs

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H 31 in W 24.5 in D 18 in

Rare Sculptural Edmund Spence Side Chairs

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rare sculptural spindle-back Edmund Spence side chairs for Industria Muelblera S.A. Mexico. Mahogany frames and woven sea grass seats.

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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edmond J. Spence Chairs

Edmond J. Spence chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Edmond J. Spence chairs 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 Edmond J. Spence chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs by Edmond J. Spence were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by George Nelson, Ward Bennett, and Warren McArthur. Prices for Edmond J. Spence chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,495 and can go as high as $12,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,000.

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More Edmond J. Spence Furniture

Edmond J. Spence Dining Room Chairs
Edmond J. Spence Lounge Chairs
Edmond J. Spence Side Chairs
Edmond J. Spence Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Edmond J. Spence Tables
Edmond J. Spence Mirrors
Edmond J. Spence Wall Decorations
Edmond J. Spence Night Stands
Edmond J. Spence Bedroom Sets
Edmond J. Spence Beds and Bed Frames
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