Pair of Frederic Weinberg Comedy and Tragedy Table Lamps

Avid collectors of 1950s sculpture, table lamps and decorative objects have no doubt encountered the quirky mid-century modern creations of Frederic Weinberg, even if they didn’t know his name. Weinberg is best known for his extensive range of wall-mounted sculptures, clocks, lighting and semi-abstract paintings that bring playful figurative art into the home.

Weinberg, a Philadelphia-based artist and industrial designer, trained at the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts. Throughout the 1950s, he designed, produced and sold a wide variety of functional and decorative items under his company, Frederic Weinberg Co.

Working with wire, iron and gilded bronze, Weinberg crafted furniture and furnishings for use in homes, businesses and institutions. His most notable pieces included swivel stools with a wrought-iron base and seats made with leather, sheepskin or woven wicker; Atomic Age–style clocks; and sculptural table lamps constructed with paper shades and metal frames shaped like lutes and guitars.

Weinberg also made figurative wall sculptures depicting everything from ancient Roman gladiators and Etruscan-style horses to musicians and dancers to fencers and football players. Figuration also features heavily in his bent iron, brass and fiberglass sculptures, many of which he based on his semi-abstract paintings.

Although little is known about Weinberg’s design career, his pieces are highly sought by modern art collectors and interior designers. Philadelphia designer Ron Rowe and his partner Glenn Nadeau even mounted an extensive showcase of Weinberg’s rarest works in their Cherry Hill, New Jersey, home.

On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Frederic Weinberg wall decorations, decorative objects and seating.