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.
9 Swivel Tilt Desk Dining Swivel Tilt Chairs by Ward Bennet for Brickel
By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett
Located in New York, NY
Incredible desk, office, or even dining chairs, designed by Ward Bennett, for Brickel Associates, circa 1960's. The chairs features supple leather seats, and backs , with a curvaceou...
Chrome
$850Sale Price|22% Off
Ward Bennett Steam-Bent Oak and Cane Armchair for Brickel Associates, c. 1970s
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
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...
Oak, Cane
$6,800 / set
Six Armchairs by Ward Bennett for Brickel
By Ward Bennett
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of six ebony stained Ash armchairs with cane backs and leather seats designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates.
Ash
$12,000 / set
Four Landmark Chairs by Ward Bennett for Brickel
By Ward Bennett
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four full cane 'landmark' chairs designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel with loose seat cushions.
Ash
Set of 8 Deep Green Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Armchairs
By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett
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...
Velvet, Wood
$15,000 / set
Four Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Armchairs
By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett
Located in Dallas, TX
Captivating set of four pull-up chairs model 1072, designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates, circa 1970's. These armchairs are a perfect example of Bennett's ability to blend ...
Upholstery, Wood
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...
Cane, Oak
Set of 6 Ward Bennett Black and Aluminum Dining Chairs, 1960
By Ward Bennett
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of 6 Ward Bennett Black Naugahyde and Aluminum Dining Chairs, 1960. Original condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Ward Bennett Dining Table/Desk is in separate listing...
Aluminum
$12,000 / set
Four Chairs by Ward Bennett in Cane and Ash
By Ward Bennett
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful set of four cane and ash dining chairs by Ward Bennett for Brickel. Original cane and finish in great condition. New cushions upholstered in Holly Hunt fabric.
Ash
Eight All Black Ward Bennett for Brickell Associates Armchairs
By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett
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...
Wood, Velvet
Set of 4 Chairs by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of four (4) 'Bankers' chairs in natural oiled walnut with the original coquille upholstery.
Upholstery, Walnut
2014 Set of 12 Ward Bennett for Geiger Envelope Dining Chairs in Grey Leather
By Geiger International, Ward Bennett
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of twelve Envelope Chairs, originally designed by Ward Bennett in 1966. This particular set was produced by Geiger in 2014. They are formed of welded tubular steel fram...
Steel
Set of 4 Ward Bennett Multicolor Upholstered Steam Bent Ash Dining Armchairs
By Ward Bennett
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 4 American Mid-Century dining armchairs with black painted steam bent ash frames and multi-colored patterned fabric upholstered seats and backs. (WARD ...
Wood, Fabric, Upholstery, Ash
One Vintage Midcentury Ward Bennett Brickel Executive Chair
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 coun...
Chrome
Ward Bennett for Brickel and Associates Desk Conference Chair
By Ward Bennett
Located in Pasadena, TX
Bumper desk chair by Ward Bennett for Brickel and Associates Ward Bennett for Brickel and Associates Task Chair Bronze 4-star swivel conference room chair in a green tweed fabric....
Fabric
$1,645Sale Price|30% Off
H 30.5 in W 23 in D 24.5 in
Ward Bennett For Brickel Associates Ebonized Ash & Cane "Landmark" Lounge Chair
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in Dayton, OH
This vintage lounge chair is a variation of Bennett's famous Landmark design, originally designed in 1964 to emulate classic English forms. Structured with a fluid bentwood ash frame...
Cane, Ash
$3,295
H 36.75 in W 25 in D 22 in
Restored Mid Century Ward Bennett For Brickel Assoc. Cane Desk Chair
By Ward Bennett
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The incredible 1960’s design with solid Ash frame stained in a deep Walnut stain which shows the wood graining to excellent advantage. With continuous Cane Panel sides and back, adju...
Chrome
$16,750 / set
H 32 in W 23.5 in D 24.5 in
Eight All Black Ward Bennett for Brickell Associates Armchairs
By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett
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...
Wood, Velvet
$400Sale Price / item|88% Off
H 32 in W 24 in D 24 in
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
Fabric, Cherry
$1,950 / item
H 33.5 in W 27 in D 26 in
1969 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Bumper Desk Chair in Leather
By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (multiple chairs are available, though the price listed is for each chair) Bumper bucket desk chair designed by Ward Benn...
Steel
$1,299 / item
H 35 in W 27.5 in D 26 in
Leather Chairs by Ward Bennett for Bricket Associates (Several Available)
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A classic desk chair in dark midnight blue almost black leather by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates with original 5 star chrome base and rolling ...
Chrome
Leather Office Chair by Ward Bennett for Bricket Associates
By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A classic desk chair in black leather by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates with original 5 star chrome base and rolling casters. Measurements tak...
Chrome
$2,400 / set
H 32.5 in W 23 in D 24 in
1983 Pair of Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Dining Bankers Chairs in Oak
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
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...
Steel
Ward Bennett Bent Wood Armchairs for Brickel Associates - A Pair
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed in the 1970s by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates, these armchairs were made in the 1980s. They are remarkable for their bentwood frames, which give their curve...
Upholstery, Ash
Desk Chair by Ward Bennett
By Ward Bennett
Located in Dallas, TX
A high back, adjustable height, tilting desk chair by Ward Bennett. Refinished Ash frame with new Holly Hunt upholstery.
Ash
Ten Oak 'University' Chairs by Ward Bennett for Brickel
By Ward Bennett
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of ten 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.
Oak
Sold
H 32 in W 22.25 in D 26 in
Ward Bennett Swivel Office or Dining Chairs for Brickel Associates - set of fou
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in Miami, FL
Set of four mid-century modern swivel office or dining chairs with original fabric designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates. The chairs swivel 360 degrees and tilt back. A...
Bronze
Sold
H 32.75 in W 23 in D 23 in
Ward Bennett Designs for Brickel Associates English Oak Oiled Ash Bentwood Chair
By Ward Bennett
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Fabulous Ward Bennett chair with badge and paper labels still intact.
Upholstery, Oak
Six Chairs by Ward Bennett in Cane and Ash
By Ward Bennett
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful set of six cane and ash dining chairs by Ward Bennett for Brickel. Original cane and finish in great condition. New cushions upholstered in Holland & Sherry / Brunswick /...
Cane
Pair of Ward Bennett Sheepskin Side, Dining Chairs
By Ward Bennett
Located in New York, NY
Classic mid-century side or dining chairs featuring sinuous ebonized Oak frames, dense Norwegian sheepskin interior backs and seats and boucle/basketweave uphiolsterey on outside backs. Fabic has a neutral...
Sheepskin, Upholstery, Wood
Ward Bennett Model 1516 Armchair
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this rare, all-original model 1516 armchair by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates. This beautifully constructed chair is of exceptionally high quality and ...
Upholstery, Wood, Ash
Sold
H 32 in W 23.5 in D 24.5 in
Eight Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Blue Sapphire Velvet 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, a set of 8 Ward Bennett armchairs for Brickel Associates, circa 1970s. Simplicity and elega...
Velvet, Wood
Set of 12 Chairs by Ward Bennett for Brickel
By Ward Bennett
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of twelve armchairs designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel. Ash frames with original brick red doeskin leather.
Leather, Ash
Sold
H 32.5 in W 22.5 in D 25 in
Ward Bennett Brickel Associates Ash & Burgundy Leather Chairs, Set of Four
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates, elegant leather armchairs. Made from ash wood and stained in a walnut finish, upholstered in burgundy leather. Stunning set of chairs...
Ash, Leather
Pair of Ward Bennett Sheepskin Dining Chairs
By Ward Bennett
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Mint restored dining, lounge chairs designed by Ward Bennett. Chairs feature sinuous ash frames which have been stained a dark brown, interior upholstery is a dense sheepskin...
Sheepskin, Upholstery, Ash
Four Charming Ward Bennett Brickel Armchairs
By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett
Located in Dallas, TX
Fully restored set of four "Landmark" armchairs designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates, circa 1970s. The outwardly simple construction has a frame of solid wood, impeccably ...
Suede, Wood
Sold
H 32 in W 24 in D 19 in
Pair of 1960's Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Midcentury Ash & Tan Chairs
By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates, elegant armchairs. Made from ash wood and stained in a walnut finish. Marked with makers tag. Sold as a pair.
Wool, Ash