Few had their finger on the pulse of American furniture like importer and distributor Raymor. Founder Irving Richards first had his eyes opened to the world of furniture while attending the 1928 Salon d’Automne art and design fair in Paris. He joined Lightolier two years later and developed its business relationships, including with designer Russel Wright.
Wright and Richards met in 1935 and Russel Wright, Inc. was formed in 1936. Its American Modern ceramic tableware, produced under the name Wright Accessories in 1938, was a notably lucrative collaboration. Following the early success of American Modern, Richards obtained the majority share of Wright Accessories and changed its name to Raymor Mfg Division Inc. in 1941.
By 1952, the exclusivity over American Modern had ended (the line was initially produced by Wright Associates and later manufactured by Steubenville for two decades). To keep up with American markets, Raymor worked with prominent designers such as George Nelson, Arthur Umanoff, Ray and Charles Eames, and Hans J. Wegner.
The company’s imports expanded to Denmark, which contributed to the rise of Scandinavian modern designs in the American market. Throughout the 1950s, Richards established relationships with factories in Scandinavia, Italy and Germany, as well as with the influential tastemaker and importer Charles Stendig.
The furniture company Simmons bought Raymor in 1963 and changed its name to Raymor Richards, Morgenthau Inc. in 1969. During that time, Raymor’s Omnibus range of Scandinavian-style wall units became widely popular, along with Italian glass and pottery like Bitossi ceramics designed by Aldo Londi and Bagni ceramics by Alvino Bagni.
Shifting styles coupled with rising competition, and the departure of Richards from the company, ended Raymor. By the late 1970s, Raymor faced a wave of international factories able to produce similar products of lesser quality for a lower cost. Buyers were eager to frequently change their interior styles, limiting the need for high-end, durable furniture, which Raymor had been importing.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Raymor ceramics, lamps, decorative objects and more.
Rare Arthur Umanoff Iron, wood, wicker Lounge Chair and Ottoman for Raymor
By Raymor, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare iron, wood and wicker Lounge Chair and Ottoman designed by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor..Truly Amazing design..Classic modernist..Interior or exterior. Retains rarely seen ottom...
Iron
1950s Pair of Cabin Modern Rustic Iron Slat Lounge Chairs Arthur Umanoff Raymor
By Raymor, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A unique and highly collectible design from Arthur Umanoff for Raymor. These 1950s lounge chairs combine minimalist iron frames, classic oak slats, and an exaggerated back, wrapped i...
Iron
Arthur Umanoff Wood and Rush Sculptural Chairs
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural Arthur Umanoff chairs with signature rush back, slatted wood seat, and iron legs. Floating backrest. Look great from all angles. Good vintage condition. Five available. Pr...
Iron
Arthur Umanoff Wood and Rush Chair
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural Arthur Umanoff chair with signature rush back, slatted wood seat, and iron legs. Metal frame in a vintage adobe finish. Rare design. Floating ...
Iron
$2,000 / set
H 29 in W 27 in D 28.5 in
Pair of Danish Modern Viko Baumritter Style Walnut Lounge Chairs, 1950s
By Baumritter, Viko Baumritter
Located in Bainbridge, NY
American Mid Century Viko Baumritter attributed Wide Walnut Lounge Chairs. Featuring sturdy framework, angled spindle backs, sculpted solid Oak armrests and dowel legs. With upholste...
Fabric, Walnut, Oak
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 36 in W 17 in D 18.5 in
1950s Arthur Umanoff Wicker & Steel Rod High Chair, USA
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Rare all wicker (back & seat) high chair from Arthur Umanoff. Well designed ergonomically and very comfortable. Solid, sturdy construction made of thick enameled steel rod lace...
Steel
$3,143 / set
H 27.5 in W 23.5 in D 27 in
A Pair of 1950s Mid-Century Rattan Basket Chairs in the manner of Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
Step into a world of mid-century elegance with this exceptional pair of 1950s rattan wicker basket chairs, beautifully crafted in the manner of renowned designer Arthur Umanoff. Thes...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Pair of McGuire Rattan Wicker Lounge Chairs and Ottoman
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing pair of barrel back form rattan wicker lounge chairs or club chairs made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The rare chairs feature a strong ...
Fabric, Wicker, Rattan
$5,900 / set
H 24.5 in W 28.75 in D 29 in
American Designer, Lounge Chair with Ottoman, Iron, Rattan, Wood, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A rattan, black-painted iron and wood lounge chair with ottoman designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Dimensions of Chair: 24.5” H x 28.75” W x 29” D Dimensions of Ottoman: 16...
Iron
Pair of Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of low lounge chairs featuring wingback-style backs with distinctly shaped corners. The chairs rest on tapered legs and are upholstered in green velvet. The solid wood frames ha...
Upholstery, Wood
$5,800
H 32 in W 26.3 in D 28.25 in
American Designer, Lounge Chair with Ottoman, Iron, Wood, Velvet, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered iron, wood and beige velvet fabric lounge chair with ottoman designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Chair Dimensions (inches): 32” H x 26.3” W x 28.25” D Ott...
Iron
Pair of cherrywood lounge chairs, Italy, 1950s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Pair of Italian armchairs in cherry wood with padded elements upholstered in cobalt-blue velvet, Italian manufacture, early 1950s. Italian design has always stood out for its abilit...
Fabric, Cherry
Arthur Umanoff Wood and Rush Sculptural Chairs
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early sculptural chairs by Arthur Umanoff. Chairs with signature rush back, slatted wood seat, and iron legs. Floating backrest. Look great from all angles. Good vintage condition. T...
Iron
Pair of Arthur Umanoff Swivel Slat Stools for Raymor
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Arthur Umanoff tall swivel bar stools designed for Raymor in the 1960s. These iconic stools feature an iron base with bentwood slatted s...
Metal
Danish Modern Teak Upholstered Armchair for Raymor
By Bent Moller Jepsen, Kai Kristiansen, Nanna Ditzel, Kurt Olsen, Raymor
Located in New Windsor, NY
Dramatic low arm Danish Modern Teak and upholstered chair for Raymor. Bares the Danish Control and Raymor tags. Circa 1950-60. Featuring tapered legs and wonderful detail in the fing...
Wool, Upholstery, Teak
Lounge Chair by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard and Raymor
By Arthur Umanoff, Raymor
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An exceptional example of museum-quality American modern design; 1950s lounge chair by Arthur Umanoff, manufactured by Shaver Howard and distributed Raymor. Made of iron, paper-cord ...
Iron
Lounge Chair by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard & Raymor
By Arthur Umanoff, Raymor
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An exceptional example of museum-quality American Modern design; 1950s lounge chair by Arthur Umanoff, manufactured by Shaver Howard and distributed Raymor. Made of iron, paper-cord ...
Iron
Sold
H 28.75 in W 49 in D 25 in
Lounge Chair and Settee Loveseat by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard & Raymor
By Raymor, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Southampton, NJ
Exceptional examples of American Modern design in this set by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard, distributed by Raymor. Lounge chair and settee are made of iron, wood & papercord. The...
Iron
Pair of Arthur Umanoff Lounge Chairs for Raymor
By Arthur Umanoff, Raymor
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare pair of Arthur Umanoff lounge chairs with new cane back and wrought iron frame and slat wood seat.
Wrought Iron