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.
Wendell Castle, "No Slouch", 2013
By Wendell Castle
Located in New York, NY
Wendell Castle [American, 1932-2018] No Slouch, 2013 Stained ash 30 x 76 x 27 inches 76.2 x 193 x 68.6 cm Edition of 8 Throughout a celebrated career spanning six decades, Wendell C...
Ash
Wendell Castle, "Promises Kept", 2015
By Wendell Castle
Located in New York, NY
Wendell Castle [American, 1932-2018] Promises Kept, 2015 Bronze Measures: 21.25 x 16.25 x 13.5 inches 54 x 41 x 34 cm Edition of 8 Throughout a celebrated career spanning six decad...
Bronze
Wendell Castle, "From Where it Came 01", 2015
By Wendell Castle
Located in New York, NY
Wendell castle [American, 1932-2018] From Where it Came 01, 2015 Bronze 30 x 37.5 x 13 inches 76 x 95 x 33 cm Edition of 8 Throughout a celebrated career spanning six decades...
Bronze
Wendell Castle, "From Where it Came 02", 2015
By Wendell Castle
Located in New York, NY
Wendell Castle [American, 1932-2018] From Where it Came 02, 2015 Bronze 22.75 x 31.5 x 12.25 inches 58 x 80 x 31 cm Edition of 8 Throughout a celebrated career spanning six d...
Bronze
Daniel Arsham, "Dino Dining Chair, " 2021
By Daniel Arsham
Located in New York, NY
Daniel Arsham [American, b.1980] Dino dining chair, 2021 Birch Measures: 35 x 20.5 x 25 inches 89 x 52 x 64 cm Edition of 250.
Birch
Daniel Arsham, "Cleveland Chair III", 3019
By Daniel Arsham
Located in New York, NY
Daniel Arsham [American, b. 1980] Cleveland chair III, 3019 Upholstered fabric Maeaures: 40 x 33.5 x 29 inches 101.6 x 85.1 x 73.7 cm Daniel Arsham (b. 1980) lives and works in New York. Arsham has been exhibited worldwide, including at the Moco Museum, Amsterdam; the How Museum, Shanghai; High Museum of Art, Atlanta, GA, and the Contemporary Art Center, Cincinnati, OH. His works are included in the permanent collections of the Pérez Art Museum, Miami, FL; the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, MN, and the Centre Pompidou, Paris. His artistic practice includes several high profile collaborations with choreographer Merce Cunningham, Producer Pharrell Williams, and Designer Hedi Slimane and companies such as Dior and Rimowa...
Fabric, Upholstery
The piece harnesses the revered maker’s unique approach to craft, resulting in a refreshing form with a buoyant, playful and delightfully sunny character.
Across New York, there’s no shortage of statement lighting on view.
