The New York City–based tableware company Swid Powell produced some of the most distinctive china and silver of the 1980s in collaboration with international architects and designers. It enjoyed renewed attention in 2007, when the Yale University Art Gallery mounted the exhibition “The Architect’s Table: Swid Powell and Postmodern Design,” celebrating the donation to its collection of the company’s papers.
Swid Powell was established in 1982 by Nan Swid and Addie Powell, who met while working at the modernist furniture company Knoll. Their idea was to translate the aesthetics of postmodern design from the skyscraper to the dining table, and they brought into their preliminary discussions nine prominent architects. Among these were Philip Johnson, Stanley Tigerman and Richard Meier, all of whom expressed enthusiasm about making their designs accessible beyond the small group with the funds to commission buildings from them.
The first Swid Powell collection was launched in 1984, accompanied by a bold, graphic print campaign in keeping with the era’s advertising trends. The company’s best-known collaboration was with Robert Venturi’s Philadelphia-based firm, Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates, whose patterns — particularly the floral design Grandmother inspired by a tablecloth Venturi saw at the home of a colleague's grandmother — adorned Swid Powell porcelain as well as furniture and clothing.
The firm also partnered with architect Richard Meier, whose geometric designs were inspired in part by those of Josef Hoffmann and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Swid Powell also worked with Arata Isosaki, Ettore Sottsass, Zaha Hadid and George Sowden, creating products that incorporated the bright, saturated colors and popular and historical references, like Classical columns, that animated postmodern design in the 1980s. The Chicago Blue china pattern designed for Swid Powell by the firm Gwathmey Siegel references the distinctive patterns of Frank Lloyd Wright’s leaded glass windows. As you will see in the examples below, Swid Powell continued to produce fine, fashionable homewares throughout the decade and beyond.
Mid-Century Swid Powell Silver Plated Picture Frame with Spherical Detail
By Swid Powell
Located in New York, NY
This Swid Powell silver-plated picture frame, created in the United States around 1980, is a striking example of modernist design infused with subtle elegance. Swid Powell, a promine...
Metal
Pair of Swid Powell Silver Plate Postmodern Candlesticks
By Swid Powell
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant pair of postmodern silver-plated candlesticks by Swid Powell, circa 1980s. Featuring a refined architectural form with cylindrical stems, wide drip pans, and weighted circula...
Silver Plate
Pair of Ettore Sottsass Silver Candlesticks for Swid Powell and Reed and Barton
By Reed & Barton, Ettore Sottsass, Swid Powell
Located in Kansas City, MO
Striking pair of silver plated candlesticks designed by Ettore Sottsass and made by Swid Powell in collaboration with Reed and Barton, 1980s.
Silver
Swid Powell Italian Silver Plated Chrome Picture Frame by Richard Meier
By Swid Powell, Richard Meier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Swid Powell Floating Picture Frame by Richard Meier is a masterclass in refined modern design—architectural in spirit and minimal in execution. Created for Swid Powell, the fram...
Silver Plate, Chrome
Steven Holl Patinated Bronze Candlestick for Swid Powell rare Postmodern Memphis
By Steven Holl, Swid Powell
Located in San Diego, CA
patinated bronze candlestick designed by American architect Steven Holl for Swid Powell c.1980's , very rare tall candlestick hard to find very collectible in a verdigris finish stamped at the bottom, with some scuff marks due to age solid piece great for postmodern , Memphis mid century home decor.
Bronze
Robert Venturi Post Modern Silver Candleholders for Swid Powell
By Robert Venturi, Swid Powell
Located in Chicago, IL
Robert Venturi Post Modern Silver Candleholders for Swid Powell, Both stamped RVenturi MADE IN ITALY SILVER PLATED with copyright mark.
Silver Plate
Richard Meier Swid Powell Magnifying Glass Mid Century Modern Architect Design
By Swid Powell, Richard Meier
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modernist Silverplate Magnifying Glass Designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell, Italy, circa 1980s. Makes the perfect gift for the favorite design lover in your life (even if it's ...
Metal, Silver Plate
Modern Richard Meier Silver-Plate Architectural Skyscraper Bowl For Swid Powell
By Swid Powell
Located in New York, NY
This architectural silver-plate bowl, designed by celebrated modernist architect Richard Meier for Swid Powell, is a striking example of late 20th-century design. Crafted in Italy ci...
Silver Plate
Swid Powell Silver-Plated Picture Frame with Spherical Detail
By Swid Powell
Located in New York, NY
This Swid Powell silver-plated picture frame, crafted in the United States circa 1980, is a refined example of the design brand’s ability to blend modern sophistication with thoughtf...
Silver Plate
Pair of Richard Meier for Swid Powell Silver Plate Post-Modern Bowls
By Richard Meier, Swid Powell
Located in Dallas, TX
A refined matched pair of silver-plated postmodern bowls designed by celebrated architect Richard Meier for Swid Powell, New York, circa 1980s. Executed with Meier’s signature archit...
Silver Plate
Richard Meier for Swid Powell Stainless Steel Bowl/Centerpiece
By Swid Powell, Richard Meier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful post modern design by the well known architect Richard Meier. Measure: 10 inches.
Stainless Steel
Pr. Postmodern Silverplate Candlesticks by Richard Meier for Swid Powell, 1980's
By Swid Powell, Richard Meier
Located in New York, NY
Incredible pair of post modern silver plate candlesticks, by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Very hard to find, especially in pairs, this impre...
Silver Plate
Richard Meier Postmodern Silverplate Candlestick for Italian Swid Powell, 1980's
By Swid Powell, Richard Meier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Silver-plated candlestick designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell, Italy. This striking postmodern design exemplifies Meier’s sculptural, architectural approach, bringing bold pres...
Silver Plate
Ettore Sottsass Candelstick / Candle Holder, Silver Plate for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is one icon of Post Modern design by the well known architect Ettore Sottsass.
Silver Plate
Richard Meier Swid Powell Magnifying Glass in Box Mid Century Modern Architect
By Swid Powell, Richard Meier
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modernist Silverplate Magnifying Glass, designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell, Italy, circa 1980s. Includes original box and cloth bag. It is the perfect gift for the favorite de...
Metal, Silver Plate
$569
H 8.27 in Dm 8.27 in
Midcentury Rounded Picture Frame Made in Silver Plate and Teak, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer an elegant circular picture frame, almost certainly made in Italy between 1960 and 1970. This vintage round frame is crafted in silver plate with a mahogany-v...
Silver Plate
$192 / item
H 6.3 in Dm 3.15 in
Contemporary Modern, Kubbe Large Candleholder, Varnished Silver-Nickel Plated
By DAY Studio
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Kubbe collection was designed with inspiration from the domes of the courtyards, shops and workshops of the Grand Bazaar, which has been the center of silver-smiting in Istanbul for ...
Brass, Nickel
$899 / set
H 12.75 in W 5.25 in D 5.25 in
Pair of Antique English Edwardian Silver Plated Candlesticks
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of antique silver plated candlesticks are hallmarked "W.S.&Co." which we are unable to identify specifically, but believe t...
Metal
Richard Meier for Swid Powell Stainless Steel Bowl/Centerpiece
By Swid Powell, Richard Meier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful post modern design by the well known architect Richard Meier. Measure: 10 inches.
Stainless Steel
$3,000
H 12 in W 4 in D 4 in
Pr. Postmodern Silverplate Candlesticks by Richard Meier for Swid Powell, 1980's
By Swid Powell, Richard Meier
Located in New York, NY
Incredible pair of post modern silver plate candlesticks, by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Very hard to find, especially in pairs, this impre...
Silver Plate
Pair of 18th Century French Patinated Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Dallas, TX
Cast in France during the 1700s, this pair of bronze candlesticks has a lovely patination, giving them a glossy brown color. The highly contoured and curved bases are mirrored by the...
Metal, Bronze
Pair of "Art Nouveau" Silver Plated Candlesticks
Located in New Orleans, LA
Figural candlesticks of young damsels.
Silver Plate
$187Sale Price|25% Off
H 8.5 in W 6.5 in D 0.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Elegant Silver Plate Vintage Picture Frame Rectangular
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a mid-century modern elegant silver plate vintage picture frame Rectangular shape. New glass. Black velvet finish on the ...
Silver Plate
$237
H 1.78 in W 4.93 in D 1.19 in
Mid-Century Italian Tennis Racket Picture Frame in Silver-Plated Pewter, 70s
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale a refined mid-20th century tabletop frame, an object that combines modern taste with a charming retro appeal. It makes a perfect gift for tennis enth...
Silver Plate, Pewter
$1,166 / set
H 10.24 in W 4.93 in D 4.93 in
Quality Pair of Antique Victorian Silver Plated Candlesticks
Located in Suffolk, GB
Quality pair of antique Victorian silver plated candlesticks having an outstanding quality pair of antique Victorian ornate silver plated candlesticks standing on ornate shaped round...
Silver Plate
$1,250
H 10.75 in W 8.5 in D 0.5 in
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Mid-Century Picture or Photo Frame
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver picture or photo frame. By Tiffany. In sterling silver. With a robust easel back stand. Marked to the base. Simply an wonderful frame from Tiffany! ...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Modernist Signed Swid Powell Geometric Candlestick Holders
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist pair of silver-plated candlestick holders by Swid Powell, designed by the renowned architect Robert A. M. Stern circa 1980, exemplifies the sleek and architectural des...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 3.5 in W 13 in D 3.5 in
Ettore Sottsass Swid Powell Candlestick Abstract Architectural Form Mid Century
By Swid Powell, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Atlanta, GA
Architectural silver plated candlestick, designed by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell, circa 1990s. It has been recently hand polished and is ready to use.
Silver Plate
Swid Powell Silver Plate Bowl or Candy Dish by Richard Meier
By Swid Powell, Richard Meier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully restrained silver-plate bowl designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Sculptural yet understated, the piece stands confidently on its own while remaining perfectly su...
Silver Plate
Pair of Richard Meier “King Richard” Silver-Plated Candlesticks for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell, Richard Meier
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Richard Meier “King Richard” Silver-Plated Candlesticks for Swid Powell, 1983 Pair of vintage “King Richard” candlesticks designed by American architect Richard Meier for Sw...
Silver Plate
Architect Richard Meier Design Silverplate Rotating Cross Bowl for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell, Richard Meier
Located in Oakland, CA
Silverplate over brass bowl designed by architect Richard Meier for Swid Powell, referred to as the Cross Bowl, made by Plata Lappas, Buenos Aires for Swid Powell. Unlike the larger ...
Silver Plate
Swid Powell Candlesticks, Designed by Stern, Italian- Set of 2, c. 1980's
By Robert A.M. Stern, Swid Powell
Located in Ross, CA
Set of two stamped Swid Powell Candlesticks, made in Italy in the 1980's. Designed and stamped with architect Robert A.M. Stern's initials. The pattern is called "Century". Swid Pow...
Silver Plate
Richard Meier large bowl / centerpiece silver plate for Swid Powell .
By Richard Meier, Swid Powell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful centerpiece designed by the well known architect Richard Meier . This is a large almost 12 inches diameter .
Silver Plate
Sold
H 7.75 in W 8.75 in D 2 in
Swid Powell Italian Silver Plated Chrome Picture Frame by Richard Meier
By Swid Powell, Richard Meier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning example of Richard Meiers work with Swid Powell. The sliver plated picture frame is a modern piece with a sphere and cylinder which house two pieces of glass floating. ...
Silver Plate, Chrome
Sold
H 4 in Dm 11.5 in
Charles Gwathmey, Robert Siegel, Vintage Swid Powell Silver Plate Courtney Bowl
By Gwathmey Siegel & Assoc, Swid Powell
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage hand hammered silver-plated brass bowl by the architectural team of Robert Siegel and Charles Gwathmey for Swid Powell is one of the most iconic designs made and also on...
Silver Plate
Postmodern Cross Bowl by Richard Meier for Swid Powell
By Richard Meier, Swid Powell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sometimes referred to as the Cross Bowl and other times as the X-Base Bowl, this postmodern silver-plated bowl is one of Richard Meier’s simplest and most iconic designs for Swid Pow...
Silver Plate
"Metropolitan" Candlestick by Robert A. M. Stern for Swid Powell
By Cleto Munari, Robert A.M. Stern, Swid Powell
Located in Skokie, IL
"Metropolitan" Candlestick by Robert A. M. Stern for Swid Powell A single iconic "Metropolitan" silver-plated candlestick designed by Robert A. M. Stern for Swid Powell. Stern, b. 1...
Silver Plate, Brass
"Silvershade" Candlestick by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell
By Cleto Munari, Ettore Sottsass, Swid Powell
Located in Skokie, IL
"Silvershade" Candlestick by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell A single "Silvershade" silver-plated candlestick designed by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell. Sottsass, 1917-2007, was a...
Silver Plate, Brass
"Moonlight" Candlestick by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell
By Ettore Sottsass, Cleto Munari, Swid Powell
Located in Skokie, IL
"Moonlight" Candlestick by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell A single "Moonlight" silver -plated and brass candlestick designed by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell. Sottsass, 1917-2007...
Silver Plate, Brass