Wendell Castle was an American furniture maker celebrated for his experimental creations in wood and plastic. He was one of the first to create seating, lighting and tables that resemble sculpture, otherwise known as art furniture.
A founding father of the American Studio movement, Castle was known for his craftsmanship and broke new ground in the 1960s with the stack-laminate technique, which involves layering and then sanding thin sheets of wood. In the ’70s, he transitioned to using gel-coated plastic in bright colors.
Castle integrated both mediums in his designs from the 2000s, which, like his vintage pieces, are characterized by curved, biomorphic lines and whimsical undertones (his Molar chair emphasized playfulness and a venturesome sensibility). Ever the innovator, he integrated computers and robots in his later production process to come up with wildly imaginative forms. Castle was working on a new body of work when he passed away in 2018 at the age of 85.
Find a collection of original Wendell Castle furniture on 1stDibs.
Jewelry Box by Wendell Castle
By Wendell Castle
Located in New York, NY
Unique jewelry box in stack-laminated black walnut. Designed and made by Wendell Castle, Rochester, New York. Signed and dated, WC. 73.
Walnut
Elephant Storage Box by Pamela Weir-Quiton
By Pamela Weir-Quiton
Located in New York, NY
Pamela Weir-Quiton. Elephant Storage Box. c. 1970. Shedua wood.
Wood
Credenza by Martin Eisler
By Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
Martin Eisler. Credenza. c. 1955. Caviuna and cane.
Cane, Wood
Credenza by Sérgio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Credenza in jacaranda with leatherette doors. Designed by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s.
Leather, Wood
Brazilian Three-Drawer Vanity
Located in New York, NY
Rare three-drawer vanity in rosewood with reverse-painted glass top and mirror. Brazil. (Tabletop: 27.5")
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Daybed with Wood Frame by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Daybed with wood frame, painted metal legs, and upholstered cushions. Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro for a private commission in Copacabana, Brazil, circa 1950. Reupholstered by Jouffr...
Metal
19th Century French Exotic Wood Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inlaid with several different exotic woods including walnut. Medallion inlay.
Walnut
A Box by J. Muckey
By J. Muckey
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare walnut box by J.Muckey-a craftsman active in the 1970's.
Walnut
Wooden Box by Richard Lecompte
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Solid oak box by Richard Lecompte - Agonac, France, mid 20th century Hand-carved organic form with thick lid and wooden joints and dowels Signed by artist
Wood
Studio Wood Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful, hand-crafted studio wood jewelry or trinket box, Modern Brutalist style, Postmodern design period, circa late-20th century, USA.
Wood
Penshell and Horn box style of Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A beautifully proportioned arched-top box, expertly crafted and clad in tessellated penshell and horn inlay, arranged in a pattern that evokes the warm, organic elegance of tortoises...
Horn, Shell
The piece harnesses the revered maker’s unique approach to craft, resulting in a refreshing form with a buoyant, playful and delightfully sunny character.
Using stone, wood and bronze, the wildly inventive sculptor creates an entirely new species of functional art object.
