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Ward Bennett Armchairs

American, 1917-2003

Ward Bennett created everything from interiors and furniture to textiles and flatware. The unsung New York City-born modernist designer drew on the work of Le Corbusier and Auguste Rodin, studied art with the likes of Abstract Expressionist painter Hans Hofmann and counted legendary American luxury house Tiffany & Co. among his clients. For decades, Bennett created and filled spaces that were elegant, minimalist and deeply appealed to everyone who laid eyes on them.

Bennett left home and school at the young age of 13. He found work in Manhattan’s Garment District, and within a few years, Bennett traveled to Europe on behalf of a clothing manufacturer to gather ideas for modern garments. He lived abroad as a young man, and when he returned to New York, during the early 1940s, he assisted fashion entrepreneur Hattie Carnegie as a window dresser.

Bennett would also go on to share a sculpture studio with artist Louise Nevelson. He ventured into the world of jewelry design, creating necklaces, bracelets and other pieces with Richard Pousette-Dart. The Whitney Museum of American Art exhibited his sculptures, and it wouldn’t be long before the Museum of Modern Art included Bennett’s personal adornments with accessories by the likes of Alexander Calder, Harry Bertoia and Anni Albers in its 1946 “Modern Handmade Jewelry” show.

Bennett didn’t take the plunge into interior design work until he was 30 years old — his inaugural project was an apartment in Manhattan and his clients were family members. He had no formal training in architecture or decorating — and would ultimately design a mere handful of houses in his life — so for his inviting leather office chairs, marble-topped tables and sleek storage cabinets, Bennett relied only on what he learned in the fashion world. Soon, every time he redecorated his own home — an elaborate apartment comprising former maids’ quarters in New York City’s magnificent Dakota building — it earned splashy coverage in the newspapers.

Bennett’s client list eventually included David Rockefeller and Chase Manhattan Bank, Tiffany & Co., Sasaki, Italian industrialist Gianni Agnelli, and others, and during the 1970s he became in-house designer for Brickel Associates, a role that would endure for more than two decades. His work is on permanent view at the Museum of Modern Art and the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York.

On 1stDibs, find vintage Ward Bennett seating, decorative objects and more.

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Creator: Ward Bennett
Ward Bennett Steam-Bent Oak and Cane Armchair for Brickel Associates, c. 1970s
Ward Bennett Steam-Bent Oak and Cane Armchair for Brickel Associates, c. 1970s

Ward Bennett Steam-Bent Oak and Cane Armchair for Brickel Associates, c. 1970s

By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A beautifully crafted caned armchair designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates. This iconic piece features a steam-bent oak frame with a sculptural silhouette and tightly woven...

Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Oak, Cane

1 Ward Bennett For Brickel Fabric Upholstered Arm Chair
1 Ward Bennett For Brickel Fabric Upholstered Arm Chair

1 Ward Bennett For Brickel Fabric Upholstered Arm Chair

By Ward Bennett

Located in Pasadena, TX

A more traditional take on Ward Bennett's Banker chairs. Designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel. Cherry frames with rich floral upholstery. 4 available. 24 x 24 x 32

Category

Late 20th Century Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Cherry

Ward Bennett Set of Four Rare Landmark Variation Chairs for Brickel Associates
Ward Bennett Set of Four Rare Landmark Variation Chairs for Brickel Associates

Ward Bennett Set of Four Rare Landmark Variation Chairs for Brickel Associates

By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Exceptional set of four rare Landmark Variation chairs designed by influential American designer Ward Bennett in the 1970s. Manufactured by Brickel Associates and originally retailed...

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Birch

Ward Bennett, Armchairs, Oak, USA, 1971
Ward Bennett, Armchairs, Oak, USA, 1971

Ward Bennett, Armchairs, Oak, USA, 1971

By Ward Bennett

Located in High Point, NC

A set of four oak "University" armchairs or dining room chairs designed by Ward Bennet and produced by Brickel Associates, USA, c. 1971. Model designed for the Lyndon B Johnson Libr...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Oak

1970s Set of 4, Ward Bennett Brickel Associates Dining Bankers Arm Chairs
1970s Set of 4, Ward Bennett Brickel Associates Dining Bankers Arm Chairs

1970s Set of 4, Ward Bennett Brickel Associates Dining Bankers Arm Chairs

By Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a set of four Bankers Arm Chairs, originally designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates in 1965. These particular examples date back to the 1970s. Their design features ...

Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Foam, Walnut, Velvet

Ward Bennett Light Brown Tufted Velvet Tub Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Ward Bennett Light Brown Tufted Velvet Tub Lounge Chair and Ottoman

Ward Bennett Light Brown Tufted Velvet Tub Lounge Chair and Ottoman

By Ward Bennett

Located in Queens, NY

American Mid-Century tub-form lounge / armchair and matching ottoman Set, upholstered in light brown button tufted velvet upholstery. (WARD BENNETT)(PRICED AS Set) Footstool dimensi...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet

Pair Ward Bennett Model 1516 Armchairs
Pair Ward Bennett Model 1516 Armchairs

Pair Ward Bennett Model 1516 Armchairs

By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates

Located in Dallas, TX

For your consideration is this rare pair of armchairs model 1516 by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates. Each beautifully constructed chair is of exceptionally high quality and featu...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Set of 8 Deep Green Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Armchairs
Set of 8 Deep Green Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Armchairs

Set of 8 Deep Green Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Armchairs

By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates

Located in Dallas, TX

Looking for something that can complement everything in the house? Offered is a rare find, Ward Bennett MR11858 armchairs for Brickel Associates, circa 1970s. Simplicity and elegance...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Ward Bennett Green Button Tufted Swivel Tub Lounge / Armchair
Ward Bennett Green Button Tufted Swivel Tub Lounge / Armchair

Ward Bennett Green Button Tufted Swivel Tub Lounge / Armchair

By Ward Bennett

Located in Queens, NY

American mid-century tub form swiveling lounge / armchair with green button tufted upholstery. (Ward Bennett).   

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Oak "University" Chairs by Ward Bennett
Pair of Oak "University" Chairs by Ward Bennett

Pair of Oak "University" Chairs by Ward Bennett

By Ward Bennett

Located in Dallas, TX

A pair of solid oak 'University' armchairs designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates, 1971. The 'University Chair' was designed for the Lyndon B Johnson Library and Museum.

Category

1970s Vintage Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Oak

One Midcentury Ward Bennett Landmark Cane Armchair for Brickel and Associates
One Midcentury Ward Bennett Landmark Cane Armchair for Brickel and Associates

One Midcentury Ward Bennett Landmark Cane Armchair for Brickel and Associates

By Ward Bennett

Located in Pasadena, TX

Best known for his interiors, Mr. Bennett's projects include residence in New York, London, Venice and Rome, as well as his own quarter, a Manhattan apartment atop the Dakota, a country house in Long Island and a flat in Paris. In the commercial category, works encompass a national network of showrooms for Brickel, projects for Chase Manhattan Bank and consultant plans for the Solow Building Corporation. In 1963, he began a collaboration with Brickel Associates, designing first furniture and later textiles. He is considered a prodigious designer of objects: china, glassware and silver for Tiffany & Co., flatware for Supreme; porcelain for Sasaki; and, leather goods for Hermes. Bennett designs are well represented in the Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection and in the Cooper-Hewitt Museum. One midcentury Ward Bennett cane armchair One Ward Bennett cane chair...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Oak

Eight All Black Ward Bennett for Brickell Associates Armchairs
Eight All Black Ward Bennett for Brickell Associates Armchairs

Eight All Black Ward Bennett for Brickell Associates Armchairs

By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates

Located in Dallas, TX

Set of eight all black Ward Bennett armchairs for Brickell Associates. Simple construction is all of solid wood. Newly lacquered frames, impeccably joined barrel-back and sloping arm...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Velvet

Pair of Armchairs by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates
Pair of Armchairs by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates

Pair of Armchairs by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates

By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates

Located in Dallas, TX

Bring a distinctive look to your seating area with this pair of sleek club chairs model no.Q2083 by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates, 1960s. Featuring a tub form with tapered side...

Category

1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chairs By Ward Bennett
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chairs By Ward Bennett

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chairs By Ward Bennett

By Ward Bennett

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This pair of sculptural mid-century modern lounge armchairs designed by American designer/artist/sculptor Ward Bennett circa 1958 is truly dramatic seating. The chairs are fully upho...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Maple

1960s Pair of Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Bumper Arm Chairs
1960s Pair of Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Bumper Arm Chairs

1960s Pair of Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Bumper Arm Chairs

By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a pair of Bumper Swivel Lounge Chairs, initially designed by Ward Bennett and produced by Brickel Associates in 1964. These chairs date to the 1960s and are all original. The...

Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Pair Ward Bennett Armchairs For Brickel Associates, 1970
Pair Ward Bennett Armchairs For Brickel Associates, 1970

Pair Ward Bennett Armchairs For Brickel Associates, 1970

By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates

Located in Chicago, IL

Pair Ward Bennett Armchairs for Brickel Associates, 1970’s. Chair have been newly reupholstered in black mohair. Chairs have a black lacquer frame. Measure 32.5” tall 23.25” wide 2...

Category

1970s American Vintage Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Mohair

1988 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Dining Arm Chair in Jack Lenor Larsen
1988 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Dining Arm Chair in Jack Lenor Larsen

1988 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Dining Arm Chair in Jack Lenor Larsen

By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Bankers Armchair, initially designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates in 1965. The listed price includes one chair, and we have four chairs available for purchase. ...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Steel

1982 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Bankers Chair in Lacquered Ash & Mohair
1982 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Bankers Chair in Lacquered Ash & Mohair

1982 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Bankers Chair in Lacquered Ash & Mohair

By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Bankers Armchair, initially designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates in 1965. The listed price includes one chair, and we have severa...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Foam, Ash, Fabric

Pair of Ward Bennett American Mid-Century Steam Bent Ash and Cane Armchairs
Pair of Ward Bennett American Mid-Century Steam Bent Ash and Cane Armchairs

Pair of Ward Bennett American Mid-Century Steam Bent Ash and Cane Armchairs

By Ward Bennett

Located in Queens, NY

Pair of American Mid-Century armchairs with steam bent ash wood frames and caned backs, sides, and seats, resting on four dowel legs. (WARD BENNETT)(PRICED AS...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Ash

Armchair by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates, 1970s
Armchair by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates, 1970s

Armchair by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates, 1970s

By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates

Located in Sagaponack, NY

An elegant and comfortable armchair having a fluid and bold ash frame seamlessly encasing a seat upholstered in vintage green wool fabric. Upholstery recommended.

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Ash

1983 Pair of Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Dining Bankers Chairs in Oak
1983 Pair of Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Dining Bankers Chairs in Oak

1983 Pair of Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Dining Bankers Chairs in Oak

By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a pair of Bankers Armchairs, initially designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates in 1965. The listed price includes the pair as shown. T...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 7 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Wood and Magenta Vinyl Library
Set of 7 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Wood and Magenta Vinyl Library

Set of 7 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Wood and Magenta Vinyl Library

By Ward Bennett

Located in Queens, NY

SET of 7 American Mid-Century library armchairs with shaped wooden frames with vertical back slats and magenta pink vinyl upholstered seats. (WARD BENNETT FOR BRICKEL ASSOCIATES)(PRI...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

2010s Pair of Ward Bennett for Geiger Envelope Chairs in White Leather w/ Chrome
2010s Pair of Ward Bennett for Geiger Envelope Chairs in White Leather w/ Chrome

2010s Pair of Ward Bennett for Geiger Envelope Chairs in White Leather w/ Chrome

By Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a pair of envelope chairs, originally designed by Ward Bennett in 1966. This particular pair was produced by Geiger in the 2010s. The listed price includes the pair of chairs...

Category

2010s American Modern Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Steel

1990 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Cherry Finished Ash Side/Dining Chair
1990 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Cherry Finished Ash Side/Dining Chair

1990 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Cherry Finished Ash Side/Dining Chair

By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Ward Bennett Dining Chair, originally designed in the 1970s for Brickel Associates. This particular example dates to the 1990s. The chair is comprised of an ash frame with ...

Category

1990s American Modern Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Ash, Fabric, Foam

Vintage MCM Ward Bennett for Brickell Armchairs - A Pair
Vintage MCM Ward Bennett for Brickell Armchairs - A Pair

Vintage MCM Ward Bennett for Brickell Armchairs - A Pair

By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates

Located in Lake Worth, FL

For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Pair of Vintage Mid Century Modern Ward Bennett for Brickell Bankers Armchairs...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Wood

2019 Ward Bennett for Geiger Bumper Lounge Chairs in Off-White Leather
2019 Ward Bennett for Geiger Bumper Lounge Chairs in Off-White Leather

2019 Ward Bennett for Geiger Bumper Lounge Chairs in Off-White Leather

By Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Bumper lounge chair, originally designed by Ward Bennett in 1964. Each of the two chairs available was produced by Geiger International in 2019. The listed price includes o...

Category

2010s American Modern Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Steel

1960s Ward Bennett for Lehigh Leopold Brown Suede and Stainless Steel Armchair
1960s Ward Bennett for Lehigh Leopold Brown Suede and Stainless Steel Armchair

1960s Ward Bennett for Lehigh Leopold Brown Suede and Stainless Steel Armchair

By Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Tufted Lounge Armchair, designed by Ward Bennett and produced by Lehigh Leopold in the early 1960s. This chair is all original, having a stainless-steel four-star base, and...

Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

1960s Ward Bennett for Lehigh Furniture Arm Chair in Red Fabric & Aluminum
1960s Ward Bennett for Lehigh Furniture Arm Chair in Red Fabric & Aluminum

1960s Ward Bennett for Lehigh Furniture Arm Chair in Red Fabric & Aluminum

By Lehigh Furniture Company, Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a 1960s Armchair, designed by Ward Bennett for Lehigh Furniture. The chair has an aluminum four point base, and it retains its original red upholstery fabric. The piece is ve...

Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

1984 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Dining Chair Jack Lenor Larsen Fabric
1984 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Dining Chair Jack Lenor Larsen Fabric

1984 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Dining Chair Jack Lenor Larsen Fabric

By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Bankers Chair, initially designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates in 1965. The listed price includes one chair, and we have four chairs available for purchase. T...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Ash Lounge by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates
Ash Lounge by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates

Ash Lounge by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates

By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A solid ash lounge chair with adjustable recline and original channeled upholstery

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Armchairs

Materials

Ash, Upholstery

Ward Bennett armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Ward Bennett armchairs 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 Ward Bennett armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs by Ward Bennett were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider armchairs by Harvey Probber, Widdicomb Furniture Co., and Adrian Pearsall. Prices for Ward Bennett armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $400 and can go as high as $33,600, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,400.