When Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman met and married in Detroit in 1948, they began a seven-decade love affair and creative partnership that would have a major impact on the aesthetic of California mid-century modernism.
At the time, Jerome was a charismatic World War II veteran, Evelyn a young assistant at Luce Lipton Interior Design Studio, where he first spied her folding fabric samples and presented her with a Milky Way bar.
Working out of their studio in Los Angeles, where they moved in 1952 to be part of California’s burgeoning design scene, the two would produce handcrafted case pieces, tapestries and other decorative objects in a variety of media, including ceramics, textiles, carved wood, mosaics and enamel.
The multifaceted pair collaborated with firms and designers such as Victor Gruen; Skidmore, Owings & Merrill; Paul McCobb; Steve Chase; and Arthur Elrod, an incredibly influential talent whose own clients included Frank and Lucille Capra, Hoagy Carmichael, Claudette Colbert, and more.
The Ackermans’ prolific body of work is distinguished by a hand-wrought sense of warmth and texture; a mix of folk art — like figuration and colorful abstraction; depictions of flowers, animals, children and mythical figures; and a belief in the Bauhaus principles of design. These days, their oeuvre proves very much in demand, and the Ackermans, in the tradition of husband-and-wife creators like the Eameses and Les Lalanne, rank among the most influential design couples in history.
Evelyn considered her Stories from the Bible, comprised of 40 individual cloisonné squares, each depicting a different tale from the Old Testament, to be her most challenging and gratifying piece. She worked on it every day for a year and half, completing the composition — which was acquired by the Smithsonian Museum — in 1985.
Evelyn died in 2012 at age 88, while Jerome, known as Jerry, died in 2019. A testament to the renewed interest in their work, Pointed Leaf Press published Hand-in-Hand, Ceramics, Mosaics, Tapestries, and Woodcarvings by California Mid-Century Designers Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman in 2014, the first book to document the lives and careers of the couple.
Find vintage Evelyn Ackerman wall decorations and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Evelyn Ackerman Cityscape Tapestry
By Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Highland, IN
A lovely tapestry by Evelyn Ackerman in vivid warm hues, this piece interprets a cityscape as abstract blocks of color. We believe the title of this piece is "Byzantia". 33.5"h X ...
Wool
Vintage Mid Century 4601 Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Evelyn Ackerman, George Nelson
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a lovely model 4601 cabinet in walnut by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Part of the "Basic Cabinet Series", this piece features a simple two door design with adjustable in...
Walnut
Rare Hydastone “Flora de Madera” Panel by Evelyn Ackerman, 1960s
By Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Oceanside, US
A rare Flora de Madera wall panel by renowned California designer Evelyn Ackerman, produced by ERA Industries in the 1960s. This sculptural bas-relief depicts a stylized female figure holding a flower, surrounded by Ackerman’s signature geometric border—an iconic example of mid-century West Coast modernism. What sets this piece apart is its Hydastone construction—a high-strength, gypsum-based casting material used for a limited number of Ackerman’s panels...
Cement, Other
$2,125 / item
Midcentury Cabinet Top Set of Drawers
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman, Evelyn Ackerman
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration are these simply beautiful miniature set of drawers featuring black walnut and brass pulls. The cabinet was crafted in Finland an...
Brass
Evelyn Ackerman Large Scale Wood Carved Panel for Era Industries
By Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large scale wood carved panel by California artist, Evelyn Ackerman for Era Industries c.1960s. This carving features various nature themes like the sun, trees, fish, birds and leav...
Wood
Evelyn Ackerman Carved Redwood Panel for Panelcarve, circa 1950s
By Panelcarve, Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Evelyn Ackerman Carved Redwood Panel for Panelcarve, circa 1950s. Features a bird, ram and frog in typical Ackerman style. Measures 36" wide, 12" high and 1" deep. Stamped "copyrig...
Wood
$1,225Sale Price|30% Off
Evelyn Ackerman Panelcarve Art Flora de Madera Era Industries 1963
By Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Stafford, TX
Beautiful wood carving in great overall condition as seen. See photos for details. Message with questions.
Walnut
Carved Oak Wood Panel by Evelyn Ackerman ERA Industries
By Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Southampton, NJ
A beautiful and rare dark oak carved panel by renowned artist Evelyn Ackerman for ERA Industries. Marked “EA” in the lower right corner and stamped “ERA Industries” on the back, this...
Oak
Evelyn Ackerman 'Horsemen' Wood Carved Panel
By Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wood carving by California artist, Evelyn Ackerman, c.1964, USA. This plaque features five mounted horsemen. Dimensions 39" width x 1" depth x 9.25" height. Condition Good vintage...
Wood
Evelyn Ackerman ERA Signed Mid-Century Modern Woven Floral Tapestry Wall Hanging
By Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic work by famed Mid-Century Modern designer Evelyn Ackerman. Bright and intensely colorful with an elegant design. Evelyn, along with her husband Jerome, began her care...
Nylon
Set of Eight Evelyn Ackerman Carved Redwood Panels
By Evelyn Ackerman
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Beautiful and rare vintage set of (8) Evelyn Ackerman carved Redwood panels with animals and people. Designed and manufactured by Era Industries in conju...
Wood
Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman for ERA Industries — Hand-Painted Hydrastone Sculptures
By Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Oceanside, US
Hand-painted hydrastone figure by Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman for ERA Industries, produced in the 1960s–1970s. Fully marked on the underside, this piece is part of the Ackermans’ highly...
Stone
$6,550 / set
Set of Ten Evelyn Ackerman Carved Oak Panels
By Evelyn Ackerman
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Beautiful and rare vintage set of (10) Evelyn Ackerman carved Oak panels Designed and manufactured by ERA Industries in conjunction with Panelcarve by Ackerman in the 1970s. Solid Oa...
Oak
1950s Bronze Italian Relief Panel of a Discobulo
By Myron (Sculptor)
Located in Aci Castello, IT
The bronze panel depicts a discus thrower, capturing a dynamic moment of athleticism. This is inspired by the ancient Greek statue "Discobolus" (Discus Thrower) by Myron, an iconic representation of athletic grace and form. The figure's body is bent forward, with one arm reaching back to hold the discus, while the other arm stretches forward, illustrating the balance and tension in the moment just before the throw. This posture emphasizes muscular definition and the natural movement of the body in action, typical of ancient Greek athletic sculptures...
Bronze
George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in San Mateo, CA
Double pedestal desk by Herman Miller. This desk was probably a custom order. There are three wide drawers and three small drawers. The top small drawer has a sliding pencil...
Chrome
$5,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 44 in W 39.5 in D 17 in
Antique French Louis XV Style Marble Top Commode Cabinet
Located in North York, ON
Exquisite antique king wood with bronze mounts in Louis XV style. This Commode is in excellent original condition. Featuring beautiful brass or...
Marble, Brass
Chest of Drawers Made In Teak With Four Drawers From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This teak chest of drawers with four drawers is a beautiful example of Danish design from the 1960s. With its characteristic teak material, the chest of drawers radiates warmth and n...
Teak
$680
H 11.75 in W 5.75 in D 5.75 in
Black Forest Folk Art Carved Wood Deer Head with Glass Eyes, 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art deer head wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of ...
Glass, Wood
Evelyn Ackerman ERA Hand Hooked Tapestry Rug
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in Kansas City, MO
Hand hooked tapestry by Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman, ERA, Los Angeles. Hand made in Japan. These are becoming increasingly rare. Very good original...
Nylon
$3,500
H 29.5 in W 34 in D 18.5 in
Expertly Restored -George Nelson Multi-Color Lacquered Cabinet for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Steel
$4,475
H 43.31 in W 30.32 in D 23.63 in
Large Antique Wooden Carved Black Forest Baroque Stag Head with 10 Point Trophy
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Antique Wooden Carved Black Forest Baroque stag head with 10 Point Trophy A large antique Black Forest baroque stag head. Carved in typical abstract style of the early 18th century. It is mounted on a wooden carved and painted plaque with emblem and foliages and features a large real stag antler trophy. The head still has its original polycrome painted finish witch is partly restored. The left side of the plaque has been replaced. A great individual piece which enhances every wall decoration. A special way to present hunting trophies is to attach them to carved animal heads. This tradition exists since the Middle Ages. Even after intensive investigations, it is not yet possible to explain exactly how this happened. The carved heads are often colored and mounted on cartouches that are also carved and painted. They follow a naturalistic representation and one could think that in this way they are symbolically brought back from the abstraction of dead antlers into liveliness. Famous artists to be named are Madl in Ichenhausen, Germany and Heissl in Ebensee, Austria. Around 1900, the antler collection...
Antler
$2,238
H 44.89 in W 38.19 in D 18.51 in
Mid‑Century Organic Italian Chest of Drawers Cabinet in Rattan & Bamboo, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning mid-century French Riviera chest of drawers and cabinet fully made in rattan and bamboo. This stylish organic dresser was made in Italy during the 1970s. In fabulous condit...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood
Vintage Montauk Sign circa 1950s Perfect for Your Hamptons House
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vintage Montauk NY Sign, circa 1950s. They are priced at $950 each. The Montauk Harbor sign has been SOLD. The Montauk Yacht Club sign is available and measures 34"W. Perfect for the Hamptons...
Wood, Paint
George Nelson Chest / Dresser Cabinet for Herman Miller # 4935
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted dresser chest or cabinet standing on shorter legs in a dark ebony finish with side door having two adjustable shelves . The other side has five drawers , all with...
Stainless Steel
$3,250
H 40 in W 40 in D 18.5 in
1950 George Nelson Herman Miller Basic Cabinet Series Two Door Cabinet in Walnut
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a two-door cabinet designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller circa 1950. This is a gorgeous original example, which appears remarkably intact. As not...
Brass
Midcentury Cabinet Top Set of Drawers
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman, Evelyn Ackerman
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this simply beautiful miniature set of drawers featuring black walnut and brass pulls. The cabinet was crafted in Finland and ...
Brass
Evelyn Ackerman Bird Wood Carved Panel
By Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wood carving by California artist, Evelyn Ackerman, c.1960s. This plaque features a hand carved bird. Dimensions 9.25" width x 1" depth x 12" height. Condition Good vintage condit...
Wood
Evelyn Ackerman Panelcarve Pisces Bas Relief Design Wood Panel
By Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Redwood bas relief tile panel with Piesces carving, designed and created by Evelyn and Jerry Ackerman of Los Angeles, California. Panel measures approx...
Wood
Evelyn Ackerman Panelcarve Scorpio Bas Relief Design Wood Panel
By Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Redwood bas relief tile panel designed and created by Evelyn and Jerry Ackerman of Los Angeles, California. Panel measures approximately 9" by 9" by 1....
Wood
Sold
H 9 in W 9 in D 1.25 in
Evelyn Ackerman Panelcarve Sagittarius Abstract Bas Relief Design Wood Panel
By Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Redwood bas relief tile panel designed and created by Evelyn and Jerry Ackerman of Los Angeles, California. Panel measures approximately 9" by 9" by 1....
Wood
Evelyn Ackerman Teak Wood Carving for ERA Industries, c.1960
By Evelyn Ackerman, Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman, Era Industries
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Evelyn Ackerman Teak Wood Carved Wall Plaque of Two Birds for ERA Industries, c.1960. Stamped ERA Industries Inc. to the back.
Teak
Evelyn Ackerman Birds and Tree Hand-Woven Wool Tapestry, 1960s
By Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Coronado, CA
A wonderful, utterly charming woven wool tapestry by Evelyn Ackerman as part of the ERA line, depicting 2 birds and a tree in vibrant greens, red, orange, and yellow. This piece was hand woven in the 1960s by skilled weavers near Mexico City. This piece features a stunning solid redwood textile hanger...
Wool, Wood
Evelyn Ackerman Tapestry for ERA Industries USA, 1962
By Evelyn Ackerman, Era Industries
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Evelyn Ackerman Tapestry for ERA Industries USA, 1962. Signed EA.
Wool
Evelyn Ackerman Animal Wood Carved Panel
By Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wood carving by California artist, Evelyn Ackerman, c.1960s. This carving features a hand carved creature. Dimensions 12.5" width x 9.25" depth x 1" height. Condition Good, origina...
Wood
Evelyn Ackerman Carved Wood Panel
By Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wood carving by California artist, Evelyn Ackerman, c.1960s. This carving features three animals, a zebra, an antelope and an owl in a rectangular ebonized wood frame. Dimensions 4...
Wood
Sold
H 42 in W 23 in D 0.2 in
Stunning Evelyn Ackerman Design Vibrant Wool Wall Hanging Tapestry 'Campasena'
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman, Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Hudson, NY
Vibrant original Evelyn Ackerman woven wool tapestry. Colors are rich and vibrant. Corner of tapestry has "EA" signature incorporated into the tapestry....
Wool
Carved Oak Wood Panel by Evelyn Ackerman
By Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Dark oak wood caved panel by Evelyn Ackerman for ERA Industries. It’s marked EA on the lower right corner and Stamped ERA Industries on back. Measurements: 39.18” Wide, 9.5” Hi...
Oak