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 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 Jerome and Evelyn Ackerman furniture on 1stDibs.
$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
Carved Redwood Architectural Panel by Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman for Panelcarve
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
The radiating sun motif reflects the optimism and indoor–outdoor living ideals central to California mid-century architecture. Solar imagery became a defining decorative element in t...
Wood
Rare Jerome Ackerman for Jenev pottery bowl
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in Fraser, MI
Rare elongated ceramic bowl by Jerome Ackerman for Jenev.
Ceramic
Jerome 'Jerry' & Evelyn Ackerman Micro-Mosaic Inlaid Desk Drawer Handle Pull
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic little micro-mosaic design gem with turquose colored mosaic inlay by well know Mid-Century Modern designers Jerome (Jerry) & Evelyn Ackerman. The Ackermans began their career in design primarily in ceramics in the early 1950s. After finishing at Alfred University, Jerome worked at the Jenev Design Studio developing ceramic molds...
Metal
Pair of Carved Redwood Door Panels by Evelyn Ackerman
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Incredible 1960’s carved redwood panels for entry doors by Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman. Designed to go over a double entry doors. Four panels with frame f...
Aluminum
Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman Coat Rack
By Era Industries, Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A refined Mid-Century Modern wall-mounted coat rack designed by Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman for Era Industries, produced in Italy during the 1960s. The rack is constructed of a polis...
Marble, Brass
Jerome Ackerman Modernist Ceramic Pottery
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Jerome Ackerman glazed ceramic vessel signed “Ackerman”. Jerome Ackerman and his wife Evelyn were central figures in creating the California mid-century modern aesthetic. This exampl...
Ceramic
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
Jerome Ackerman Modernist Ceramic Pottery Bowl
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Jerome Ackerman glazed ceramic bowl signed “Ackerman 98”. Jerome Ackerman and his wife Evelyn were central figures in creating the California mid-century modern aesthetic. This examp...
Ceramic
Jerome Ackerman Modernist Ceramic Pottery
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Jerome Ackerman glazed ceramic bowl signed “Ackerman”. Jerome Ackerman and his wife Evelyn were central figures in creating the California mid century modern aesthetic. This example ...
Ceramic
Jerome Ackerman Modernist Ceramic Pottery Bowl
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Jerome Ackerman glazed ceramic bowl signed “Ackerman 93”. Jerome Ackerman and his wife Evelyn were central figures in creating the California mid-century modern aesthetic. This examp...
Ceramic
Jerome Ackerman Modernist Ceramic Pottery
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Jerome Ackerman glazed ceramic bowl signed “Ackerman”. Jerome Ackerman and his wife Evelyn were central figures in creating the California mid-century modern aesthetic. This example ...
Ceramic
Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman Ceramic Weed Pot
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This piece was directly acquired from the home studio of Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman in Culver City, California. The hand thrown ceramic weed pot is one of a kind. It is in pristine c...
Ceramic
Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman "Snowflake" Ceramic Dish
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This piece was directly acquired from the home studio of Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman in Culver City, California. The hand thrown ceramic dish entitled "Snowflake" is one of a kind. It...
Ceramic
Jerome 'Jerry' & Evelyn Ackerman Micro-Mosaic Inlaid Desk Drawer Handle Pull
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic little micro-mosaic design gem with orange colored mosaic inlay by well know Mid-Century Modern designers Jerome (Jerry) & Evelyn Ackerman. The Ackermans began their career in design primarily in ceramics in the early 1950s. After finishing at Alfred University, Jerome worked at the Jenev Design Studio developing ceramic molds...
Metal
$3,300Sale Price|34% Off
H 31 in W 48 in D 14 in
Modern Butterscotch Mosaic 2-Drawer Desk with Chocolate Oak by Ercole Home
By Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is a very attractive and functional piece to be used as a writing desk or vanity in a modern home. Rich, warm, and modern, this desk can add sleek comfort to your space. Handcr...
Art Glass, Cut Glass, Oak
Pair of Massive Antique Arch Form Doors
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A pair of antique doors with arched and paneled design with remnants of old green and other encrusted paint. The doors do have some old hinges an...
Iron
Art Deco Bronze Floral Motif Architectural Panel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Art Deco bronze floral motif architectural panel, each one of rectangular form with pierced floral still life.
Bronze
$1,450
H 24 in W 76 in D 3 in
19th Century Red Painted Architectural Panel with Carved Golden Rinceaux Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique carved and painted architectural panel from the 19th century, with rinceaux motifs. This exquisite 19th-century carved and painted architectural panel captures the eye wit...
Wood
Pair of Louis XVI Style Doors
Located in Sheffield, MA
Pair of tall painted doors with original hardware. Will need new glass. Other doors available but not with glass panel. Doors can work well in Swedish Gustavian style decor
Wood
$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
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Diamond Pattern Doors
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish doors with geometric patterns and original paint from the 19th century. This pair of antique doors from Sweden feature a repeating diamond pattern, comprised of a s...
Iron
$3,370Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 82.68 in W 32.29 in D 1.19 in
Pair of Antique Provençal Doors, Carved/Painted Blue, Late 19th Century France
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Pair of old Provençal interior doors, with carved panels painted in blue, one was a panel (the lowest), built in the late 19th century in the south of France. Delicate and elegant c...
Wood
$3,744Sale Price|20% Off
H 81.89 in W 43.31 in D 2.76 in
Double wing door, carved and painted in the panel, '700 Italy
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Antique double-wing painted door, decorated with carved panel and smooth back, maximum size including the stop cm w 110 x h 208 x d 7, has original wall maps to push, light measure w...
Wood
$4,595
H 33.25 in W 76.5 in D 16 in
Vintage Mid Century Modern 9 Drawer Long Dresser with Sculpted drawer pulls.
Located in Seattle, WA
This vintage mid century modern long dresser features a clean-lined Scandinavian-inspired design with warm wood tones and sculpted integrated drawer pulls.The case is elevated on tap...
Wood
Antique Carved Teak Wood Indian Door/Gate
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Individually hand crafted Teak door in early 20th century. Industrial metal details. Two salvaged doors that have been barred together to make one larg...
Iron
$2,800 / set
H 1.5 in W 2.25 in D 0.75 in
Set of 10 Paul Frankl “X” Metal Drawer Pulls Handles, Keeler Brass, 1950s
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in East Quogue, NY
Rare, complete set of ten (10) authentic vintage gold-toned metal “X” drawer pulls, removed from a Paul Frankl dresser produced by the Johnson Furniture Company, circa 1950s. Measur...
Metal
Sold
H 16.5 in W 36.88 in D 1.19 in
Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman 1957 MCM " Gallant Horse " Glass Tile Mosaic Wall Art
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern " Gallant Horse " glass tile mosaic art panel by Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman for their company ERA Industries, 1957. Mosaic glass tiles laid to Masonite in artist-m...
Glass, Spruce
Sold
H 16 in W 11.25 in D 2.5 in
Stan Dann for Evelyn Ackerman Panelcarve Redwood Wood Carving Wall Plaque
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in Sarasota, FL
Rarely seen Panelcarve panel by Stan Dann for Panelcarve for Forms and Surfaces owned by Jerone and Evelyn Ackerman depicting a owl. Nicely carved of redwood with original paint. S...
Wood
Sold
H 11.25 in W 9.125 in D 1 in
Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman Wood Panel Sun Carving in Oak for Era Industries, 1970s
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This piece was acquired directly from the home studio of Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman in Culver City, California. The sun carved panel by Evelyn shows a high level of craftsmanship. It...
Oak
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
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
Sold
H 15 in Dm 2.75 in
Rare Pair of Ceramic Porcelain Bottles by Jenev Design Ackerman Early Production
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and rare pair of tall ceramic bottles designed by Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman for Jenev Designs, an early and rare-to-find set signed and labeled in black and white with no ...
Porcelain
Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman Gallant Horse Mosaic, 1950s
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in San Diego, CA
Gallant Horse glass tile mosaic by Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman for their company, ERA. Wood frame. ERA Industries, 1957. Retains original label. Liter...
Wood, Masonite
Ackerman
By Evelyn Ackerman, Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in San Diego, CA
Sculptural wood wall plaque by Evelyn Ackerman for her and Jerome Ackerman's company, ERA. It has a wonderful patina and includes a hanging bracket on the back. Evelyn Ackerman w...
Wood
Jerome and Evelyn Ackerman One of a Kind Studio Ceramic Vessel
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
This vessel was designed and produced by Jerome Ackerman circa 2000-2010. The provenance of the piece is direct from the collection of Jerome and Evelyn Ackerman...
Ceramic
Sold
H 2.8 in W 22 in D 1.5 in
Evelyn and Jerry Jerome Ackerman, Knife Holder/Wood Wall Sculpture /Panel, Titled
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman, Era Industries
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This knife holder was retailed by Macy's store in the 70/80's for the gourmet department This is called "Bird Garden". This piece came from the Ackerman's studio, never used, and wit...
Wood
Sold
H 7.25 in W 9 in D 1 in
Evelyn and Jerry Jerome Ackerman"Acorn" Carving/Sculpture.Panel, Era Industries
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman, Era Industries
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very few samples of this pattern are in the market today.
Wood
Sold
H 7.25 in W 9 in D 1 in
Evelyn and Jerry Jerome Ackerman "horse"carving/sculpture, Panel, Era Industries
By Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman, Era Industries
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These carvings were made for just few years.
Wood