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Glenn of California Desks and Writing Tables

Credited for being at the forefront of the West Coast modernist design movement, Glenn of California introduced a relaxed, breezy and elegant style to postwar America. The company was based in Arcadia, California, a city situated near Los Angeles at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. It specialized in the production of easily accessible and reasonably affordable furnishings that included credenzas, chairs, cabinets, tables and more.

However, it wasn’t until Glenn of California hired the prolific American furniture designer Milo Baughman that the company made a name for itself in the annals of American mid-century modern design. Baughman prioritized function — he worked with simple forms and often used sleek, flat-bar chromed metal and natural materials such as walnut in his pieces.

Glenn of California marketed Baughman’s designs along with those of unsung Swedish architect and designer Greta Magnusson Grossman in their successful California Modern collection. The first woman to receive an award from the Swedish Society of Industrial Design, Magnusson Grossman drew on her Scandinavian heritage to create iconic homes as well as furnishings for Glenn and other companies that helped define mid-century-era Southern California. The furniture she and Baughman designed became known for its laid-back Los Angeles style and thoughtful integration of walnut, iron and Formica.

In addition to employing the talents of Baughman and Magnusson Grossman, Glenn of California collaborated with several other notable and influential designers. These included Stanley Young, Kipp Stewart, John Kapel and Paul Laszlo. Laszlo, an American-Hungarian architect, interior designer and furniture designer, was well-regarded among Hollywood’s elite and designed pieces for Cary Grant, Barbara Stanwyck and Elizabeth Taylor.

While the company is no longer in business, vintage Glenn of California furniture remains highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts.

Discover a range of vintage Glenn of California dressers, dining tables, chairs and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Glenn of California
Milo Baughman, Rare Desk, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950s
By Milo Baughman, Glenn of California
Located in High Point, NC
A rare walnut and brass desk designed by Milo Baughman and produced by Glenn of California, USA, 1950s.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Glenn of California Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Early Vintage Milo Baughman Architectural Cantilevered Desk for Glenn of Calif
By Glenn of California, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Early vintage Milo Baughman Architectural cantilevered desk for Glenn of California c. 1950 This desk is being sold "As-is" at this time. Needs to visit a furniture repair...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Glenn of California Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Hidden File Drawer Glenn California Mid Century Modern Walnut Writing Table Desk
By Glenn of California, Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Nice low profile writing table with a hidden file drawer.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Glenn of California Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

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Vintage Walnut Desk by Stanley Young
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H 30.25 in W 47.75 in D 18 in
Greta Grossman Walnut Desk by Glenn of California
By Greta Magnusson Grossman, Glenn of California
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Glenn Of California desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Glenn of California desks and writing tables are available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider desks and writing tables by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Milo Baughman, and John Van Koert.
Questions About Glenn of California Desks and Writing Tables
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The California dial likely originated in the 1930s because Californians loved mixing Roman and Arabic numbers. However, the style grew in popularity in the 1970s when refinisher Kirk Rich was tasked with creating California dial watch faces. You’ll find a range of California dial watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
    A California watch dial is a clock face featuring half Roman numerals (generally for 10 o’clock to 2 o’clock) and half Arabic numerals (generally for 4 o’clock to 8 o’clock). A dash might replace the hours of 3, 6, and 9 — instead of the comparatively unexciting numerical representation — and an inverted triangle might be used to represent the hour of 12. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique, modern and contemporary watches.

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