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Edmond J. Spence Buffets

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
Mid-Century Modern Oak Buffet/Credenza by Edmond J. Spence "Coronation", c1950s
Mid-Century Modern Oak Buffet/Credenza by Edmond J. Spence "Coronation", c1950s

Mid-Century Modern Oak Buffet/Credenza by Edmond J. Spence "Coronation", c1950s

$15,000

Mid-Century Modern Oak Buffet/Credenza by Edmond J. Spence "Coronation", c1950s

By Walpole Furniture, Edmond J. Spence

Located in Chino Hills, CA

A rare and exceptional Edmond J. Spence buffet/credenza from the celebrated "Coronation" line, dating to the 1950s. This remarkable casepiece was sourced directly from the original o...

Category

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

Materials

Oak, Burl, Mahogany

Mid-Century Cabinet/Dresser in Birch Wood
Mid-Century Cabinet/Dresser in Birch Wood

Mid-Century Cabinet/Dresser in Birch Wood

$9,800

Mid-Century Cabinet/Dresser in Birch Wood

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in North Miami, FL

American mid-century modern rarely seen eight drawers to left and right laterals cabinet. Central push door opening with drawer and open shelves. The ...

Category

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

Materials

Birch

Rare Mid-Century Modern Edmond J Spence Checkerboard Sideboard Chest of Drawers
Rare Mid-Century Modern Edmond J Spence Checkerboard Sideboard Chest of Drawers

Rare Mid-Century Modern Edmond J Spence Checkerboard Sideboard Chest of Drawers

$5,799Sale Price|30% Off

Rare Mid-Century Modern Edmond J Spence Checkerboard Sideboard Chest of Drawers

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are is delighted to offer for sale this very rare and highly collectable Edmond J Spence Checkerboard sideboard in light walnut circa 1960's Edmond J. Spence This very interes...

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

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Previously Available Items
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Mahogany Sideboard / Buffet Edmond Spence Industria Mueblera S. A., circa 1950s

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Edmond Spence Buffet

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Edmond J. Spence buffets for sale on 1stDibs.

Edmond J. Spence buffets 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 buffets, although orange editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original buffets by Edmond J. Spence were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider buffets by Dunbar, Lane Furniture, and American of Martinsville. Prices for Edmond J. Spence buffets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $6,800 and can go as high as $9,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $7,772.

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