Edward Wormley Armchairs
American, 1907-1995
As the longtime director of design for the Dunbar furniture company, Edward Wormley was, along with such peers as George Nelson at Herman Miller Inc., and Florence Knoll of Knoll Inc., one of the leading forces in bringing modern design into American homes in the mid-20th century. Not an axiomatic modernist, Wormley deeply appreciated traditional design, and consequently his vintage seating, storage cabinets, bar carts and other work has an understated warmth and a timeless quality that sets it apart from other furnishings of the era.
Wormley was born in rural Illinois and as a teenager took correspondence courses from the New York School of Interior Design. He later attended the Art Institute of Chicago but ran out of money for tuition before he could graduate. Marshall Field hired Wormley in 1930 to design a line of reproduction 18th-century English furniture; the following year he was hired by the Indiana-based Dunbar, where he quickly distinguished himself. It was a good match.
Dunbar was an unusual firm: it did not use automated production systems; its pieces were mostly hand-constructed. For his part, Wormley did not use metal as a major component of furniture; he liked craft elements such as caned seatbacks, tambour drawers, or the woven-wood cabinet fronts seen on his Model 5666 sideboard of 1956. He designed two lines for Dunbar each year — one traditional, one modern — until 1944, by which time the contemporary pieces had become the clear best sellers.
Many of Wormley’s signature pieces — chairs, sofas, tables and more — are modern interpretations of traditional forms. His 1946 Riemerschmid Chair — an example is in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art — recapitulates a late 19th-century German design. The long, slender finials of his Model 5580 dining chairs are based on those of Louis XVI chairs; his Listen-to-Me Chaise (1948) has a gentle Rococo curve; the “Precedent” line that Wormley designed for Drexel Furniture in 1947 is a simplified, pared-down take on muscular Georgian furniture. But he could invent new forms, as his Magazine table of 1953, with its bent wood pockets, and his tiered Magazine Tree (1947), both show. And Wormley kept his eye on design currents, creating a series of tables with tops that incorporate tiles and roundels by the great modern ceramicists Otto and Gertrud Natzler.
As the vintage items on 1stDibs demonstrate, Edward Wormley conceived of a subdued sort of modernism, designing furniture that fits into any decorating scheme and does not shout for attention.
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Period: 1950s
Creator: Edward Wormley
Pair of Dunbar Armchairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar armchairs with brass handles and brass feet.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Pair Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Y" Modernist Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Pair Dunbar Lounge Chairs designed by Edward Wormley,,Retains early 'D' metal badge label,, minor damage to caning ( see photo),, E...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Cane, Wood
Set of Palle Suenson Side Table in Solid Teak with Edward Wormley Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Robert Sonneman
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Palle Suenson, side table, teak, Denmark, c. 1940
Striking Scandinavian Modern side table by Danish architect and designer Palle Suenson (1904-1987). This particular table is spec...
Category
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Set of Six, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Houston, TX
Edward Wormley, two armchairs, and four side chairs.
Dunbar, USA.
Mahogany and leather.
Signed with applied gold rectangular metal manufacturer's label to the seat bottom
[Dunb...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
No. 5482 Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Mahogany, brass and fabric. Fantastic model with floating seat and padded armrests.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Pair of Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of walnut and leather armchairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Refinished and reupholstered.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Alexandria Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare Dunbar Alexandria chair designed by Edward Wormley.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare pair of ash and rosewood armchairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Matching set of four side chairs available separately.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Ash, Rosewood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain's "Y" Chair, ca. 1955
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain's "Y" chair, ca. 1955. Professionally restored walnut frame with new back caning and new upholstered seat with super soft and luxurious ivory wool f...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Pair of Leather and Walnut Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, this handsome pair of armchairs features solid walnut frames whose curvaceous armrests contrast well with the strong lines of the legs. The sea...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Pair Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5480 Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An iconic Edward Wormley design, the ‘A-Frame' chair is a wonderful example of Wormley’s expertise in mixing materials into sophisticated, architectural forms.
Employing dark stain...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Bentwood
Dunbar Open Frame Lounge or Armchair, circa 1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Dunbar open frame lounge or armchair, circa 1960. Newly restored with new upholstery and ebonized mahogany frame. Bears makers label on underside.
Measures: H 29.5 in. x W 25.5 in...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar "A" Frame Arm Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar "A" Frame Arm Chair, Horseshoe curved back with original leather-covered armrests, solid mahogany frame, brass exposed screws...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Dunbar Lounge Chairs Model 609 by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of rare lounge chairs model 609 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Original leather-like vinyl upholstery on Ash frame with brass hardware.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Ash
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair #4796 for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Edward Wormely lounge chair model #4796 produced by Dunbar Furniture Company "Dunbar For Modern" Line, production date of 8/2/1950 - 10/23/1950.
The perfect reading chair, very com...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Set of Eight Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Armchairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model number 842, set of eight armchairs in mahogany with red velvet seats. All original, minor touch up prior to shipping. These chairs were used around a ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs with Brass Handles
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Listed are a pair of elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar dining chairs with arms and brass handles. These are in need of restoration, perfect if your looking to add to your set. Also c...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Caned and Ebonized Arm Chair Designed by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
A sharp looking ebonized chair with caned side panels designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Edward Wormley Walnut Open-Arm Lounge Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Two architectural open arm lounge chairs in walnut by Dunbar, with green and blue horizontal stripe upholstery.
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Pair of Armchairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection pair of armchairs. Very rare pair of chairs all redone, newly refinished and reupholstered in a velvet. Beautiful elegant chair with except...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Beautiful Edward Wormley Armchair, Green Leather Chair, Dunbar, Mahogany
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Miami, FL
Rare green leather chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Leather has some damages.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
1950s Sculpted "Janus" Dining Height Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare dining height Janus armchair designed by Mid-Century Modern master Edward Wormley. Each chair features sculpted dark mahogany frames and the original putty suede upholstery wi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley For Dunbar "Morris" Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar multi position recliner known as the "Morris" chair. Classic reinterpretation the lounge chair has three positions. Mahogany in dark, original finish...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Four Dunbar Alexandria Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare set of four Dunbar Alexandria occasional chairs, model 6004, designed by Edward Wormley. Beautifully restored and upholstered in leather.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
'A-Frame' Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern Classic 'A-Frame' armchair with a woven caned backrest, upholstered black leather seat and brass capped feet. Designed by Edward Wormley, produced by Dunbar in t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Pair of Dunbar Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Dunbar lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Side Armchairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Beautiful pair of Edward Wormley armchairs. Great side chairs for any room or as dining chairs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
Walnut Dining Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural and finely detailed armchair in walnut having a floating seat and back cushions, retaining the original black leather upholstery.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Teak
Four Alexandria Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Elegant Modern at Its Best
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of 4 Alexandria Chairs designed by Edward Wormley. One of Wormley's most coveted designs. These can be used as dining / kitchen chairs, game table chairs or side chairs in any ro...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Completely Original Alexandria Chair Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare opportunity. All original example of the Alexandria Chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Retains the original, high quality black leather seat with attractive wear. This...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Mahogany Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dorchester, MA
Edward Wormley designed this handsome mahogany armchair for Dunbar, juxtaposing modern linearity with curvaceous classic form. It has been expertly reupholstered in Knoll's Rivington...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An architectural and substantial armchair having an exposed walnut "A"-shaped frame supporting an upholstered seat and generous floating and curving back.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Janus High Back Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of 'Janus' high back chairs with the original blue silk faille upholstery, on light walnut legs with cloud lift stretchers.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery
A-Frame Armchair by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A horseshoe back armchair with white leather upholstery and ebonized mahogany frame.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Rare Armchairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of upholstered armchairs fluted with dark fluted mahogany legs and "tusk" arm supports.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mahogany Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dorchester, MA
This stylish mid-century modern armchair, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, has strong, clean lines and a comfortable seat. It has been expertly reupholstered in Knoll's Sequin ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Textile, Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Armchair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Stockton, NJ
An Edward Wormley for Dunbar armchair. Wonderful structured lines with mahogany legs with brass ring detail. Newley upholstered in ...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Edward Wormley armchairs 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 Edward Wormley armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs by Edward Wormley 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 armchairs by Dunbar, Charles and Ray Eames, and Milo Baughman. Prices for Edward Wormley armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $760 and can go as high as $38,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $7,800.
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