Stow and Davis Ebonized Walnut and Leather Desk Chair
View Similar Items
Stow and Davis Ebonized Walnut and Leather Desk Chair
About the Item
- Creator:Stow Davis (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 33.75 in (85.73 cm)Width: 25.25 in (64.14 cm)Depth: 26.5 in (67.31 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Late 1950s-Early 1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Wood frame is in very good condition as it was recently refinished; leather is worn and cracked; reupholstery is recommended.
- Seller Location:Miami, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1958315504562
Stow Davis
There was something for everyone in Stow & Davis's offerings during its heyday. Known for its period revival designs — as well as its wood-and-steel framework desks and other Streamline Moderne-inspired works of the late 1920s and '30s — the American manufacturer created sleek and innovative modern office furniture during the mid-century years, too.
Before the company was Stow & Davis, it was the Stow and Haight Furniture Company, formed by the partnership of Russell Stow and Thomas Haight in 1880. It produced kitchen and dining extension tables in a workshop in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 1885, businessman George A. Davis purchased Haight’s interest in the firm, and its name was changed to Stow & Davis.
The company later turned its attention to manufacturing office furniture, producing its first boardroom table in 1889. By the 1890s, Stow & Davis had established itself as a major supplier of furniture for libraries and offices. By 1916, it was supplying banks with furniture such as its sturdy wood Colonial Revival-style conference tables, leather-upholstered executive and swivel chairs and traditional desks in oak and mahogany.
The Great Depression forced the reorganization of Stow & Davis, and, during World War II, the company was commissioned to manufacture wooden desks, chairs and bunk beds for United States Navy vessels.
During the 1950s and ’60s, amid the rise of what we now call mid-century modernism, Stow & Davis endeavored to innovate, collaborating with several notable designers to produce inspired new collections.
While it continued to offer traditional furniture styles influenced by English design, Stow & Davis began to incorporate curved lines, rounded edges and sleek finishes into its offerings during the postwar years. Its mid-century modern furniture included pieces like Bert England’s stainless steel frame office chairs, walnut and bronzed steel conference tables by Italian designer Osvaldo Borsani and sophisticated credenzas by Giacomo Buzzitta, an award-winning alum of the John Widdicomb Company.
In 1985, the Grand Rapids manufacturer Steelcase acquired Stow & Davis.
Find vintage Stow & Davis seating, case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and more on 1stDibs.
More From This Seller
View AllVintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Chrome, Steel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Walnut, Fabric
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Brass
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Rattan
You May Also Like
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1960s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Steel, Bronze
Mid-20th Century American Post-Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Brass
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Chrome
