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.
Set of Three Leather and Solid Stained Teak Stools by Edmond Spence
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sculptural teak wood stools with laced leather seats by Edmond Spence. Solid teak frames retain their original dark stain, and the leather is original. There is soiling and general...
Leather, Teak
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...
Cedar
$1,170Sale Price / set|35% Off
H 15.5 in Dm 15.5 in
Set of Three Bamboo & Leather Bar Stools by McGuire Furniture Co.
By McGuire
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of three bamboo and leather bar stools by McGuire Furniture Co. of San Francisco, circa 1990s. These stools are difficult to find and are in good vintage condition. Each one meas...
Bamboo, Leather
Set of Three 20th Century Maple and Leather Seat Bar Stools
Located in Germantown, MD
Set of 3 Mid-Century Maple and PU leather seat bar stools measuring 14 inches in diameter seats, 16.5 inches wide and 16.5 inches at the base and stand 30" Tall. Seat height 30".
Faux Leather, Maple
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 ...
Fabric, Wood
Chrome and Velvet Bar Stools, Set of Three, c. 1970s
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
A set of three vintage bar stools defined by polished chrome frames and chocolate velvet seats. The design is structured and geometric, highlighting the interplay between reflective ...
Chrome
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...
Rush, Wood
Leather and Teak Stool
Located in London, GB
This mid-century Danish footstool is a refined example of organic modernism, masterfully combining solid teak with high-quality tactile materials. The design is centered around a con...
Leather, Teak
$6,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 32.25 in W 23 in D 20.5 in
Set Six Edmond Spence Swedish Dining Chairs
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of six birch dining chairs by Edmond J. Spence, made in Sweden for Walpole Furniture. Rare set of two armchairs and four side chairs. Seats covered in neutral taupe cross hatch w...
Birch, Cane, Wool, Upholstery
Set of Three Italian Nesting Stools
By Gio Ponti
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Lovely set of nesting stools with tapered ash legs and woven rush seats in the manner of Gio Ponti. Measures: Large: 20" wide, 16.5" deep, 18" high. Medium: 17"...
Rush, Ash
$1,895 / set
H 30 in W 17.5 in D 15.5 in
Set of Three "Hobb" Stools With Leather Seats by Mary Featherstone, C. 1970s
By Grant Featherston
Located in Peabody, MA
Set of three “Hobb“ stools designed by Mary Featherstone, circa 1970s. Along with her husband Grant Featherstone, the two were considered the premier furniture and product designers ...
Leather, Wood
$1,995
H 18.75 in W 16 in D 16 in
Footstool / Ottoman in Solid Teak & Leather by Edmond J. Spence, USA, c. 1950s
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Deland, FL
This elegant Mid-Century Modern stool by Edmond J. Spence captures the organic sophistication of 1950s design. Constructed in rich teak, the stool features a warm, tastefully aged pa...
Leather, Teak
$12,000 / set
H 32 in W 23 in D 18 in
Set of Six Mid-Century Swedish Modern Dining Chairs by Edmond J. Spence
By Edmond J. Spence, Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Newly upholstered mint condition set of 6 rare chairs by Edmond Spence.
Cane, Birch
Pair of Mid Century Modern Sculptural Stools by Edmond Spence
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Mid Century Modern Sculptural leather with rosewood frames. Wide black leather straps woven tightly to the sculptural frames. In excellent vintage condition with min...
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 18 in W 16 in D 16 in
Mid-Century Modern Edmund Spence Woven Black Leather Benches Stools 1960s, Pair
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a rare pair of ebonized wood bench stools, with woven black leather seats, by Edmund Spence, circa 1960s. In excellent vintage condition. The dimensions of ...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Edmund Spence Stools or Ottomans
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Seldom seen pair of Edmund Spence stools or ottomans, circa late 1950s. These examples are solid alder wood with tapered legs and sculptural tops....
Very Rare Edmund Spence Stool
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very Rare Edmund Spence Stool