Pewter Dish by Russel Wright, 1930s
By Russel Wright
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pewter swan nut dish.
Category
1930s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Pewter
Russel Wright Furniture
American, 1904-1976
While industrial designer Russell Wright may be known to modern furniture enthusiasts for his streamlined end tables, dining chairs and other pieces, he is universally revered for a line of tableware he created called American Modern. Efficient, practical, and striking in their elegant forms and warm colors, the American Modern ceramic pieces, which included bowls, pitchers, dishes, and other items, became the best-selling dinnerware of all time. Today, vintage Russell Wright American Modern tableware is an evergreen favorite of art collectors and interior designers alike.
Born in 1904 in Ohio, Wright was surrounded by inspiration for the furniture he would one day design. He was raised in a Quaker household and grew up with the spare, meticulously handcrafted furniture for which the Quakers are known. As a young man, he studied art and sculpture at the Art Academy of Cincinnati and the Art Students League of New York, going on to study law at Princeton University in New Jersey. But Wright loved the arts and abandoned his pursuit of a law degree to create stage sets in Princeton and Paris alongside fellow noted designer Norman Bel Geddes.
In 1927, Wright married artist and sculptor Mary Einstein. Together, they moved to New York City, where Wright began to create sculptures. Mary convinced him to create metal bookends from his sculptures, and later, when he began to craft bar accessories from chrome, he turned to aluminum, a much cheaper material for the purposes of mass production (his barware was eventually included in the "Machine Art" show at the Museum of Modern Art in 1934, which was curated by Philip Johnson).
Mary worked on marketing Russell's products, successfully proposing everyday uses for Wright's beautifully designed housewares. She is said to have been a pioneer in the world of lifestyle marketing, coining the terms "American Modern" and "blonde" to describe the charming, light-colored maple furniture he created for Conant Ball, which was known at the time for its reproductions of American Colonial furniture.
While Wright had created some Art Deco furnishings for Heywood-Wakefield, it was this group of bedroom furniture for Conant Ball that got its name, American Modern, from Mary. Under her guidance, Wright's attractive, functional designs for the home gained renown, leading to commissions by prestigious companies like the Steubenville Pottery Company.
In 1935, Wright formed Russell Wright Associates with Irving Richards, an entrepreneur who had worked with Lightolier and would later establish Raymor. In collaboration with Richards, Wright debuted the first line of American Modern dinnerware in 1939, which was initially produced by Russell Wright Associates and then manufactured by Steubenville for two decades. The line sold over 200 million pieces during its 20 years of production. In 1955, Wright was selected by the U.S. State Department to research handicraft industries in Southeast Asia, a trip that influenced his later designs.
Throughout his life, Wright continued to design furniture and housewares, with the works' signature earth tones, curved forms, and clean silhouettes of his floor lamps, lounge chairs, and serveware remaining popular staples in American households. In his later years, he focused on designing and building his home, Manitoga, and working with the National Parks Service to develop the "Summer in the Parks" program.
Upon Wright's death in 1974, Manitoga was given to the Nature Conservancy. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 2006 and today houses the Russell & Mary Wright Design Gallery, where many of Wright's works stand on permanent display. In 2011, stamps from the U.S. Postal Service featured Wright's image as one of the United States' twelve most influential industrial designers.
Find vintage Russel Wright lighting, seating, tables, serveware, ceramics and glass on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Russel Wright
Modernist Chrome Toothpick Holder by Russel Wright for Chase Co.
By Chase and Co., Russel Wright
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice modernist toothpick holder by Russel Wright for Chase & Co., circa 1940s. The piece is in very good condition and measures 3.25" D x 3" H. It is marked "Chase" with compa...
Category
20th Century American Modern Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Art Deco Machine Age Torchiere in Brushed Aluminum & Glass signed Russel Wright
By Russel Wright
Located in New York, NY
This Art Deco Machine Age torchiere, signed by the renowned American industrial designer Russel Wright, is a stunning piece from circa 1940. The torchiere features a sophisticated bl...
Category
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
MCM Blond Maple Vanity/ Dressing Table w/ Bench by Russel Wright for Con
$3,300Sale Price / set|40% Off
MCM Blond Maple Vanity/ Dressing Table w/ Bench by Russel Wright for Con
By Conant Ball, Russel Wright
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-century blonde maple vanity with matching stool designed by Russel Wright for Conant Ball part of the "American Modernist " Furniture line. Often sold in Macy’s Department Store showrooms in New York in the 1940s. This early Modernist piece features two side cabinets and a central vanity drawer...
Category
1930s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Maple
American Modern Sugar Creamer & Cup by Russel Wright For Stubenville
By Steubenville, Russel Wright
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish and functional American modern Sugar creamer and cup by Russel Wright for Steubenville pottery of Ohio, circa the 1940s. The ultramodern design emphasizes soft curves and sim...
Category
Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
American Modern Ceramic Celery Tray by Russel Wright for Steubenville Pottery
$220Sale Price|20% Off
American Modern Ceramic Celery Tray by Russel Wright for Steubenville Pottery
By Russel Wright, Steubenville
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish and functional American modern celery tray by Russel Wright for Steubenville Pottery of Ohio, circa 1940s. The ultramodern design emphasizes soft c...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
American Modern Square Platter in Sea Foam Green by Russel Wright Stubenville
By Russel Wright, Steubenville
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish and functional American modern Serving square large platter and underplate in "Sea Foam Green" by Russel Wright for Steubenville pottery of Ohio, circa the 1940s. The ultramo...
Category
Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
American Modern Ceramic Handled Casserole White by Russel Wright Stubenville
$260Sale Price|20% Off
American Modern Ceramic Handled Casserole White by Russel Wright Stubenville
By Russel Wright
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish and functional American modern White handled casserole by Russel Wright for Steubenville pottery of Ohio, circa the 1940s. The ultramodern design emphasizes soft cures and si...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Russel Wright #1 Pillow Vase by Bauer
By Bauer Pottery, Russel Wright
Located in Highland, IN
Russel Wright's collaboration with Bauer Pottery in the 40s was short lived but resulted in some of what many consider his most evocative creations. Wright was displeased that the gl...
Category
1940s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
Russel Wright "Oceana" Serving Bowl
$850Sale Price|50% Off
Russel Wright "Oceana" Serving Bowl
By Klise Manufacturing Company, Russel Wright
Located in Hanover, MA
Russel Wright "Oceana" sculptural serving bowl circa 1938 produced by Klise Woodworking Company, Grand Rapids, MI. Hazelwood in the form of deep-sea fauna. This particular one had a...
Category
1930s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Maple
American Art Deco Set of 3 Candle Holders by Russel Wright for Chase
By Chase and Co., Russel Wright
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and rare set of 3 art Deco candle holders designed by Russel Wright , for Chase circa 1940s in copper and bakelite one with a brass top .
Category
20th Century American Art Deco Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Bakelite
American Modern Handled Casserole in Sea Foam Green by Russel Wright Stubenville
By Russel Wright, Steubenville
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish and functional American modern handled casserole in sea foam green by Russel Wright for Steubenville pottery of Ohio, circa the 1940s. The ultramodern design emphasizes soft ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Russel Wright #9 Mantlepiece Bowl by Bauer
By Bauer Pottery, Russel Wright
Located in Highland, IN
Russel Wright's collaboration with Bauer Pottery in the 40s was short lived but resulted in some of what many consider his most evocative creations. Wright was displeased that the gl...
Category
1940s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
Pair of Salt & Pepper Shakers Designed by Russel Wright for Chase Art Deco
By Chase and Co., Russel Wright
Located in San Diego, CA
Fantastic pair of polished chome art Deco shakers designed by Russel Wright for Chase with screwoff on bottoms simple elegant and a rare set to find.
Category
20th Century American Art Deco Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Chrome
American Modern Gravy Boat in Sea Foam Green by Russel Wright Stubenville
By Steubenville, Russel Wright
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish and functional American modern Gravy boat and underplate in "Sea Foam Green" by Russel Wright for Steubenville pottery of Ohio, circa the 1940s. The ultramodern design emphas...
Category
Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Exquisite Pair of Vintage Aluminum and Crystal Art Deco Lamps by Russel Wright
By Russel Wright
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning pair of elegant Machine Age lamps by the esteemed Industrial Designer Russel Wright, circa 1935. Gorgeous accents in spun aluminum and crystal. Newly professionally resto...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Aluminum
Russell Wright spun aluminum cocktail Pitcher
By Russel Wright
Located in Ferndale, MI
More sculpture than utilitarian object . Water or drinks pitcher . Nicely proportioned with aluminum ring handle through wood ball . Designed by one of the leading mid century indus...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
American Modern Handled Casserole in Ripe Apricot by Russel Wright Stubenville
By Steubenville, Russel Wright
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish and functional American modern handled casserole in "Ripe Apricot" by Russel Wright for Steubenville pottery of Ohio, circa the 1940s. The ultramodern design emphasizes soft ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Russel Wright American Way Trays
$795 / item
Russel Wright American Way Trays
By Russel Wright
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Russel Wright individually sized trays. Some trays have partial American way labels. Part of a wood line designed by husband and wife Industrial designers Russel and Mary Wright. Ann...
Category
1940s American Vintage Russel Wright Furniture
Set 4 Bauer vases / vessels by Russel Wright 1940's / Modernist
By Russel Wright
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning collection of Four Russel Wright Bauer vessels. This set includes , seldom seen (large) canoe and 3 jug vase's.Amazing colors and glazes....
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Russel Wright Figural Female Nude Mid-Century Table Lamp Circa 1950s
By Russel Wright
Located in Southampton, NJ
An elegant design in this sculptural lamp depicting a turning nude female form designed by Russel Wright. Ceramic with turned wood base and brass hardware. In excellent vintage condi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Brass
Exceptional Set of 4 Cerused Oak Loungers by Russel Wright, circa 1940
By Old Hickory Furniture Company, Russel Wright
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent seating set is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and installation ready. This set o...
Category
1940s American Organic Modern Vintage Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Oak
Oceana wood bowl branded Russel Wright retains early original Klise paper label
By Russel Wright, Klise Manufacturing Company
Located in Ferndale, MI
A long rare hand-carved wood bowl with an indented rim, from the "Oceana" series . Branded " Russell Wright " and retains its early paper label . Very well preserved original finish ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Wood
Russel Wright Style Raffia Wrapped White Floor Lamp with Glass Shade, 1950s
By Russel Wright
Located in Bainbridge, NY
American Modern Russel Wright White and Raffia wrapped Floor Lamp. Featuring a tubular white enameled metal column and round white enameled metal base with raffia details. With (8H) ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Brass, Metal
Russel Wright Lamp
By Russel Wright
Located in New York, NY
Table lamp designed by Russel Wright, bamboo body wrapped by copper wire, on brass base. This example shows cosmetic wear to finish, normal and consistent with age, working, original...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Brass, Copper
Art Deco Upholstered Scoop Dining Chairs By Russel Wright For Conant Ball
By Russel Wright, Conant Ball
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning set of four, mid-century, art decco, upholstered dining chairs designed by the esteemed American designer Russel Wright for Conant Ball, circa 1940 feature a curvilinear, st...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Maple, Chenille
Exceptional Pair of Cerused Oak Loungers by Russel Wright, circa 1940
By Russel Wright, Old Hickory Furniture Company
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent pair of chairs is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and installation ready. Expert ...
Category
1940s American Organic Modern Vintage Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Oak
Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Russel Wright for Old Hickory, 1940
By Old Hickory Furniture Company, Russel Wright
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Reclining lounge chair and matching ottoman of chestnut from Russel Wright’s ‘Rustic Modern’ group, part of his American Provincial collection, Manufactured by Old Hickory Furniture ...
Category
1940s American American Craftsman Vintage Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Chestnut
Rare 1930s Russel Wright Organic Freeform Wood Centerpiece
By Russel Wright
Located in Buffalo, NY
An uncommon Russel Wright design executed by Klise Woodworking, circa 1935 from carved maple...Signed Russel Wright to bottom.. Retains its beautiful ,warm patina / surface.
Category
1930s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Wood, Maple
Russel Wright Pivoting Floor Lamp for Fairmont Lamp Company
By Russel Wright
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Russel Wright pivoting floor lamp for Fairmont Lamp Company, circa 1954. Amazingly very original example! Original Fiberglass shade, original paint...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mary Wright Salad Set
$1,900 / set
Mary Wright Salad Set
By Russel Wright, Mary Wright
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Mary Wright salad bowl set. Part of a wood line designed by husband and wife Industrial designers Russel Wright / Mary Wright. Large bowl measures 11.25" deep, 11.25" wide and 3.25" ...
Category
1940s American Vintage Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Wood
Russel Wright #4 Jug Vase by Bauer
By Bauer Pottery, Russel Wright
Located in Highland, IN
Russel Wright's collaboration with Bauer Pottery in the 40s was short lived but resulted in some of what many consider his most evocative creations. Wright was displeased that the gl...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
Mary Wright Klise Cheese Tray
By Russel Wright, Mary Wright
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Mary Wright frosted oak Klise cheese tray. Contains the frosted oak label and signed. Part of a wood line designed by husband and wife Industrial designers...
Category
1940s American Vintage Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Wood
Oceana Series Bowl by Russel Wright for Klise Wood Works, 1931
By Russel Wright
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A long rare hand-carved wood bowl with an indented rim, from the "Oceana" series.
Category
1930s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Russel Wright Furniture
Materials
Maple
Russel Wright furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Russel Wright furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Russel Wright furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Russel Wright were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Conant Ball, Charles Pollock, and Salterini. Prices for Russel Wright furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $195 and can go as high as $17,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,375.
Creators Similar to Russel Wright
Questions About Russel Wright Furniture
- What did Russel Wright design?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Russel Wright designed many things over the course of his life. He is well known for his vibrantly colored American Modern dinnerware produced from 1939 to 1959. Wright also created furniture, lighting and other home accents. Find a range of Russel Wright furniture and decorative accents on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 27, 2025Russel Wright pottery was made in Steubenville, Ohio, through a partnership with the Steubenville Pottery Company. In 1935, Wright formed Russel Wright Associates with Irving Richards, an entrepreneur who had worked with Lightolier and would later establish Raymor. In collaboration with Richards, Wright debuted the first line of American Modern dinnerware in 1939. Steubenville continued to produce it for two decades. The line sold over 200 million pieces during its 20 years of production. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Russel Wright furniture and tableware.
- Who made Russel Wright pottery?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJanuary 27, 2025The Steubenville Pottery Company made Russel Wright pottery. Russel Wright was a furniture maker as well as an industrial designer. Steubenville began producing his line of pottery in 1939. Production continued for two decades. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of Russel Wright pottery.
More Russel Wright Furniture
Russel Wright Table Lamps
Russel Wright Floor Lamps
Russel Wright Lounge Chairs
Russel Wright Serving Pieces
Russel Wright Platters and Serveware
Russel Wright Dressers
Russel Wright Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Russel Wright Bowls and Baskets
Russel Wright Chairs
Russel Wright Vases and Vessels
Russel Wright Bedroom Furniture
Russel Wright Dining Room Chairs