Edward Wormley Catalog
View Similar Items
Edward Wormley Catalog
About the Item
- Creator:Judith Gura (Cabinetmaker),Edward Wormley (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 11 in (27.94 cm)Width: 8.5 in (21.59 cm)Depth: 0.5 in (1.27 cm)
- Style:Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1990-1999
- Date of Manufacture:1997
- Condition:Mint condition; still in original shrink-wrap.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU82852328052
Edward Wormley
As the longtime director of design for the Dunbar furniture company, Edward Wormley was, along with such peers as George Nelson at Herman Miller Inc., and Florence Knoll of Knoll Inc., one of the leading forces in bringing modern design into American homes in the mid-20th century. Not an axiomatic modernist, Wormley deeply appreciated traditional design, and consequently his work has an understated warmth and a timeless quality that sets it apart from other furnishings of the era.
Wormley was born in rural Illinois and as a teenager took correspondence courses from the New York School of Interior Design. He later attended the Art Institute of Chicago but ran out of money for tuition before he could graduate. Marshall Field hired Wormley in 1930 to design a line of reproduction 18th-century English furniture; the following year he was hired by the Indiana-based Dunbar, where he quickly distinguished himself. It was a good match.
Dunbar was an unusual firm: it did not use automated production systems; its pieces were mostly hand-constructed. For his part, Wormley did not use metal as a major component of furniture; he liked craft elements such as caned seatbacks, tambour drawers, or the woven-wood cabinet fronts seen on his Model 5666 sideboard of 1956. He designed two lines for Dunbar each year — one traditional, one modern — until 1944, by which time the contemporary pieces had become the clear best sellers.
Many of Wormley’s signature pieces — chairs, sofas, tables and more — are modern interpretations of traditional forms. His 1946 Riemerschmid Chair — an example is in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art — recapitulates a late 19th-century German design. The long, slender finials of his Model 5580 dining chairs are based on those of Louis XVI chairs; his Listen-to-Me Chaise (1948) has a gentle Rococo curve; the “Precedent” line that Wormley designed for Drexel Furniture in 1947 is a simplified, pared-down take on muscular Georgian furniture. But he could invent new forms, as his Magazine table of 1953, with its bent wood pockets, and his tiered Magazine Tree (1947), both show. And Wormley kept his eye on design currents, creating a series of tables with tops that incorporate tiles and roundels by the great modern ceramicists Otto and Gertrud Natzler.
As the vintage items on 1stDibs demonstrate, Edward Wormley conceived of a subdued sort of modernism, designing furniture that fits into any decorating scheme and does not shout for attention.
- Edward Wormley Exhibition CatalogBy Edward WormleyLocated in New York, NY76-page catalog from the exhibition "Edward Wormley: The Other Face of Modernism," held at the Lin Weinberg Gallery in 1997. The exhibit helped re-introduce Wormley's work to the mar...Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Books
MaterialsPaper
- Brueton Catalog 1992By BruetonLocated in New York, NYManufacturer’s ring binder catalog showcasing the 1992 product line for Brueton Furniture, a New York City-based company that produces upscale furniture and accessories for the residential, contract, and hospitality markets. Founded in 1926, Brueton was an early convert to the use of highly crafted stainless steel, still an area of specialty. Along with designs by Stanley Jay Friedman and J. Wade Beam—familiar names in the vintage modern design market—the 1992 catalog includes work by Sergio Orozco, Mark Mascheroni, Mark Goldberg, John Duffy, Mitchell Pickard, Charles Gibilterra, Bert England, Victor Dziekiewicz, Glenn Polinsky, Joseph Gerstman, Bruenu, Richard Thompson, Robert Sonneman, Ed Born, and Ira Grayroff. Stylistically skewed to post-modern, the catalog also features clean-lined international style pieces plus reissues of several classic modern designs by Hans and Wassily Luckhardt...Category
1990s American Post-Modern Books
MaterialsPaper, Plastic
- "FritzHansen-Furniture" Catalog, 1963By Fritz HansenLocated in New York, NYHardcover catalog of Fritz Hansen furniture featuring work by Arne Jacobsen, Borge Mogensen, Hans Wegner, Verner Panton, Kaare Klint, Karen and Ebbe Clemmensen, Kristian Vedel, Mogen...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Books
MaterialsPaper
- Altamira Catalog Circa 1956By Gio Ponti, AltamiraLocated in New York, NYMid-1950’s catalog for the fabled Altamira design center, located at 18 E 50th St in New York City, one of the top U.S. venues for high-end Italian design. Altamira commissioned a li...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Books
MaterialsPaper
- Laverne Originals Catalog (ABCDEF)By Laverne OriginalsLocated in New York, NYEarly catalog for Laverne Originals, the modern design company founded by Estelle and Erwine Laverne in 1938. From its modest origins producing primarily wallpapers and textiles, Lav...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Books
MaterialsPaper
- Gaetano Pesce Fish Design CatalogBy Gaetano PesceLocated in New York, NYEarly, and possibly the first, portfolio catalog of Gaetano Pesce’s experimental handcart molded resin objects—each a unique creation within a series. Published by Fish Design, circa...Category
1990s American Post-Modern Books
MaterialsPaper
- Edward Wormley: The Other Face of Modernism (Book)Located in North Yorkshire, GBThis catalogue was issued in conjunction with a 1997 exhibition of furniture designs created by Edward Wormley. In yellow and brown illustrated wraps, with 76 pages showing 75 items ...Category
20th Century Books
MaterialsPaper
- Knoll International CatalogsBy KnollLocated in Oklahoma City, OKIntroducing a captivating collection of vintage Knoll catalogs, a must-have for design enthusiasts and collectors alike. This carefully curated assortment showcases the iconic furniture designs and timeless style that have made Knoll a revered name in the industry. Each catalog in this collection offers a glimpse into the rich history of Knoll, featuring a range of beautifully photographed interiors, furniture arrangements, and detailed product descriptions. Immerse yourself in the mid-century modern aesthetic, as these catalogs transport you to an era of sleek lines, organic forms, and innovative design concepts. Discover the vision of legendary designers such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Eero Saarinen, and Harry Bertoia, whose iconic creations are showcased within these pages. Explore the iconic Barcelona Chair, the elegant Tulip Table, or the sculptural Diamond Chair, among many other timeless masterpieces that have defined Knoll's legacy. As you peruse these vintage catalogs, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that Knoll is renowned for. The catalogs offer insights into the design philosophies behind each piece, providing a fascinating glimpse into the creative process and the ideas that shaped these iconic designs. This collection is not only a valuable resource for design professionals and enthusiasts but also a visual delight for anyone passionate about mid-century modern aesthetics. The catalogs serve as a source of inspiration for interior designers, architects, and collectors seeking to create spaces that exude elegance, sophistication, and enduring style. Each catalog has been meticulously preserved, showcasing the original graphics, typography, and design elements that capture the essence of the era. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of vintage design, this collection of vintage Knoll catalogs is a rare treasure that will enrich your understanding and appreciation of design history. Don't miss the opportunity to own this remarkable collection of vintage Knoll catalogs, a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the most influential design companies in the world. Immerse yourself in the golden age of modern design and be inspired by the timeless creations that continue to shape the aesthetic landscape even today. A wonderful collection of twelve Knoll International...Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
MaterialsPaper
$1,800 / set - Edward Wormley for Dunbar NightstandsBy Dunbar Furniture, Edward WormleyLocated in Los Angeles, CAEarly minimalist nightstands designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Beautiful bleached mahogany cases with inset matching hardware and leather wrapped bases. Very functional set and ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Cabinets
MaterialsLeather, Mahogany
$9,500 / set - World Globe by Edward WormleyBy Edward WormleyLocated in New York, NYThe ultimate world globe designed by Edward Wormley for Rand McNally, USA, circa 1950. Features a rotating globe mounted on a walnut base with brass capped legs. Marked "Rand McNally...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Globes
- Magazine Tree by Edward WormleyBy Edward Wormley, Dunbar FurnitureLocated in Sagaponack, NYAn olive green stained walnut magazine tree with cantilevered shelves.Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands
MaterialsWalnut
- Magazine Table by Edward WormleyBy Edward Wormley, Dunbar FurnitureLocated in Sagaponack, NYA triangular ash table with an inset cream leather top over two web strap magazine holders.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsAsh, Leather