Gordon Martz Barware
Gordon Martz and Jane Martz were prominent designers and creators of simple, elegant, handcrafted ceramic goods. Their vintage mid-century modern designs for table lamps, floor lamps, chandeliers and pendants are daring but relaxed and make for versatile additions to any space.
Jane Martz’s grandmother established the family-owned American lampshades company Marshall Studios in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1922. Jessie “Muz” Marshall produced hand-painted lampshades out of her home, then expanded to include lamp bases made of wood. The business later moved to Veedersburg. After studying at New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, Jane and Gordon joined the company in the early 1950s and stepped in to run Marshall Studios after it had been managed by Jane’s parents. Gordon and Jane instilled the brand with fresh energy and new ideas. They introduced innovative modernist stoneware lamps, decorative accessories and more that became immediately popular with new homeowners of the era. Later, there was a return to lamp bases made solely of wood, and floor lamps, bookends and tables with tile tops appeared in the company catalogs.
The Marshall Studios M101 lamp was featured in the Museum of Modern Art’s “Good Design” exhibit in 1953, which also featured the work of other mid-century luminaries such as Jens Risom, Paul McCobb, George Nelson and more.
Gordon and Jane explored color and texture at the company during the 1950s and ‘60s and continued the rich legacy of craftsmanship for which Marshall Studios had become known. The manufacturer secured government contracts and their works were featured in Interiors magazine. Etchings and other decoration continued to be done by hand, and Jane eventually also took an interest in the fabric and textiles used to hand-cover the paper shades, producing a complementary line of hand-woven pillows and other goods.
Find vintage Gordon Martz lighting, tables and ceramics on 1stDibs.
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gordon Martz Barware
Stoneware
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Gordon Martz Barware
Pottery
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Gordon Martz Barware
Ceramic
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gordon Martz Barware
Ceramic, Oak
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Gordon Martz Barware
Glass
Late 20th Century American Gordon Martz Barware
Glass
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Gordon Martz Barware
Silver
2010s Czech Modern Gordon Martz Barware
Glass
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gordon Martz Barware
Walnut, Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Gordon Martz Barware
Onyx
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Gordon Martz Barware
Glass
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gordon Martz Barware
Glass
Late 20th Century French Gordon Martz Barware
Crystal
20th Century Gordon Martz Barware
Brass
