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Marshall Studios Folk Art

Established in Indiana, Marshall Studios produced an eclectic array of home furnishings, textiles and even technology. In the early years, the company’s main emphasis, however, remained on lighting fixtures — primarily handcrafted, eye-catching table lamps.

Jessie Talbott Marshall set up Marshall Studios in Indianapolis, in 1922, producing hand-painted parchment lampshades. Her son Nicholas joined the company a few years later, and began production of hand-turned wooden lamp bases. After Marshall's passing in 1932, Nicholas took over company operations. At the start of the Second World War, the company moved to Veedersburg, Indiana. Though the Marshall Studios continued to produce lamps and shades, the company also created a film densitometer, selling several units under a military contract.

In 1951, Nicholas's daughter Jane Marshall Martz and her husband Gordon Martz moved to Veedersburg and joined the company. Gordon and Jane, both graduates of New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, reshaped the face of Marshall Studios. Their vintage mid-century modern designs for table lamps, floor lamps, chandeliers and pendants became immediately popular with new homeowners of the era. Under the couple’s leadership, the company enjoyed its greatest success. 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. 

For approximately the next 40 years, Marshall Studios created hundreds of unique lamp bases, lamp shades and many other decorative objects. In 1989, Jane and Gordon sold their stake in the company and retired to Fayetteville, Arkansas. 

Find vintage Marshall Studio lighting, tables and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Marshall Studios
Vintage Midcentury Ceramic Ashtray by Gordon & Jane Martz
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful, vintage ceramic ashtray. This piece dates to the 1960s and presents a great condition. Shades of browns and beige spiral within its ...
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1960s American American Craftsman Vintage Marshall Studios Folk Art

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Marshall Studios folk art for sale on 1stDibs.

Marshall Studios folk art are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of ceramic and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Marshall Studios folk art, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Prices for Marshall Studios folk art can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $355 and can go as high as $355, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $355.

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