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.
Edmond Spence Blonde Wood Swedish Modern Hanging Bookcase w/ Glass Sliding doors
By Heywood-Wakefield Co., Edmond J. Spence
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Swedish modern bookcase with glass sliding doors.
Birch
Romantic Pastel on paper “Aristocratic Portrait”, Signed Edmond Jewrin
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Valladolid, ES
A refined and unique portrait of a young noblewoman or aristocrat, executed in pastel on paper, signed by Edmond Jewrin and dated 1843. She is depicted in three-quarter view, seated ...
Crystal
$643Sale Price|20% Off
H 40.16 in W 60.24 in D 10.63 in
Mid-Century Modern Sliding Glass Door Bookcase Cabinet Robert Heritage
By Robert Heritage
Located in Leicester, GB
We can ship directly to you - please contact us with your country & postcode for an accurate delivery price. Shipping to the US £450 in a custom made crate A beautiful long slim gla...
Hardwood
1970s Sculptural Rattan & Glass Etagere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
1970s sculptural rattan & glass etagere The case with continuous book-matched rattan The upper section measures 24.5" W x 43" H, fitted with two 2...
Rattan, Glass
Mid-Century Modern Freestanding Bookshelf with Cabinet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage freestanding unit makes a wonderful addition to any home or office. Dual cabinets, including a lower record cabinet, make this ideal for...
Walnut
Edmond J. Spence, Dresser, Birch, Sweden, 1950s
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in High Point, NC
A birch dresser designed and produced by American designer Edmond J. Spence and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 32.25"H x 71.75"W x 20.0"D All items ship...
Birch
Edmond J Spence, Swedish Modern, Maple, Rare Wave Dresser, 1950s
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Stamford, CT
Edmund J Spence, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Burled Maple, Rare "Wave" Dresser, 1950s Swedish modern double dresser or sideboard designed by Edmond J. Spence and produced in Sweden ...
Maple
$1,695
H 25 in W 71 in D 12 in
Bespoke 6ft Bookcase in Rosewood w/ Glass Sliding Doors, Denmark, c. 1960s
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a bespoke, custom-made low profile display cabinet. Once the topper to a Danish-made two-piece China cabinet this piece has a new lease on life as an extraordinary bookca...
Rosewood
French Provincial Bookcase with Sliding Doors
Located in Westwood, NJ
Shown in an Antique French Oak finish, its exterior exudes organic warmth, complemented by a White Harvest-painted interior that enhances display contrast. Sliding glass doors above...
Glass, Wood
$400Sale Price|20% Off
H 24.25 in W 30.25 in D 1 in
Modern Art Abstract Painting Pastel on Paper signed E. Bowmann 1990s
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Abstract Painting, Pastel on Paper, Framed in Oak Wood, Glass present. Unable to clearly decipher artist's name, E. Bowmann- Bowrman -Bowman. 24 .25 H x 30.25 W x 1...
Paint
$5,000
H 31.75 in W 76.25 in D 22 in
Edmond Spence, Concave Dresser, Stained Wood, Brass, Sweden, 1950s
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Stamford, CT
Edmond Spence, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Concave Dresser, Stained Wood, Brass, Sweden, 1950s A unique dresser designed and produced by Edmond Spence...
Wood
$2,090Sale Price / set|44% Off
H 33.5 in W 36 in D 12 in
Swedish Mid-Century Modern Bookshelf by Edmond J. Spence, Wood, 1950
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Swedish-made blonde Mid-Century Modern bookshelf pair with three floating shelves each designed by Edmond Spence for Walpole. Attractive joinery and a v...
Wood
$2,240Sale Price|67% Off
H 72 in W 72 in D 19.5 in
Mid Century Edmond J Spence Swedish Glass Hutch Credenza
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Esperance, NY
This exquisite piece of furniture is entirely original and was acquired directly from the original owner. The photographs truly do not capture its full beauty. The wood is remarkable...
Glass
Italian Modern Glass and Aluminum Wall Mounted Shelf
By Giuseppe Bavuso, Rimadesio
Located in Boston, MA
The Eos Shelf, designed by Giuseppe Bavuso, is an innovative wall shelving system. With a thickness of only 8 mm, the Eos design combines a lacquered glass top with a lacquered alumi...
Aluminum