Items Similar to Footstool / Ottoman in Solid Teak & Leather by Edmond J. Spence, USA, c. 1950s
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Footstool / Ottoman in Solid Teak & Leather by Edmond J. Spence, USA, c. 1950s
About the Item
This elegant Mid-Century Modern stool by Edmond J. Spence captures the organic sophistication of 1950s design. Constructed in rich teak, the stool features a warm, tastefully aged patina that enhances the wood’s natural grain, complemented by angled legs and sculptural corner posts that add a refined touch. The seat is crafted from woven black leather strips, also bearing a tasteful patina that speaks to its vintage charm, offering both durability and a tactile allure. The minimalist yet expressive design reflects Spence’s signature style, blending Scandinavian influences with American mid-century aesthetics. Perfect as a standalone accent or functional seating piece, this stool is a timeless addition to any collector’s space or modernist interior, showcasing the enduring craftsmanship of the era.
Designer and manufacturer, Edmond J. Spence (1912–1986) was an American furniture designer renowned for his contributions to the Mid-Century Modern movement. Born in New York, Spence began his career in the 1930s, initially working as a designer for various furniture companies before launching his own firm in the 1940s. He gained prominence in the 1950s for his organic, sculptural designs, often produced in collaboration with manufacturers in Mexico and Sweden, where he utilized local craftsmanship to create pieces in woods like walnut and teak. Spence’s work is characterized by clean lines, elegant proportions, and a blend of Scandinavian and American influences, frequently incorporating materials like leather and woven elements. His designs, including stools, chairs, and case goods, remain highly sought after by collectors for their timeless appeal and quality craftsmanship.
---Dimensions---
Width: 16 in / 40.64 cm
Depth: 16 in / 40.64 cm
Height: 18.75 in / 47.63 cm
This archetypically minimalist footstool designed by the influential Edmund J. Spence is in 100% original, vintage condition. The solid teak frame and legs show character-rich patina with scratches, gouges and nicks throughout (which can be seen in the detail photos and natural light video provided).
The leather straps too show patina and a small tear (shown in the detail photos provided) but all leather straps are intact and weight-bearing. As purists, we strive to leave all of our pieces in as original condition as possible. However we do offer restoration services and a full carpentry shop which can professionally sand and refinish the teak. If this option interests you please message us prior to checkout to discuss options and pricing.
This icon of the 50's is structurally sound and ready for a lifetime more of use. Please view all photos and natural light video provided for details on this footstool's current condition. We're limited on the amount of media we can post so additional photos and videos are available upon request.
- Creator:Edmond J. Spence (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 18.75 in (47.63 cm)Width: 16 in (40.64 cm)Depth: 16 in (40.64 cm)Seat Height: 17.75 in (45.09 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Please see the listing body for the full condition details.
- Seller Location:Deland, FL
- Reference Number:Seller: AM025451stDibs: LU7413245452522
Edmond J. Spence
Edmond J. Spence played an important role in promoting the tenets of Scandinavian modernism in the United States but his name remains conspicuously omitted from the history books. He was an American furniture designer who is known for having introduced the West to unfamiliar cultural tastes and translating their subtleties to appeal to mid-century-era consumers.
Spence honed his eye for good craftsmanship as a young man. His family owned a furniture manufacturing company based in Batavia, New York. While not much has been reported about his schooling, it was not long before he started designing his own nightstands, end tables, chairs and more — all of which exhibited the appealing traits associated with mid-century modern furniture. Spence experimented with form and ornament owing to inspiration he gathered from international influences.
During the 1950s, Spence drew on Asian and Swedish influences in developing ideas for his own style of modern furniture. He incorporated aspects of Mexican design to create the Continental-American collection. Manufactured in 1953 by Industria Mueblera, this collection of sculptural wooden furnishings with brass details epitomizes Spence’s ability to draw attention to the most integral parts of global design while adding his own modern spin. The designer’s Coronation Group — a series of dressers, cabinets and more in blonde woods that featured decorative birch veneers — was built by artisans in Sweden and imported for sale to postwar homeowners in the United States by Massachusetts furniture company Walpole.
Spence’s “Peineta” chair — a work of mahogany, plywood and woven palm that is demonstrative of Spanish Colonial influences and is part of the Continental-American line — has long been on display in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art while other works are held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. And if Spence hadn’t captured the hearts of Americans by way of Industria Mueblera showrooms and alluring ads in Interiors magazine, some of his furniture was used as set decoration for the widely loved sitcom I Love Lucy.
Find vintage Edmond J. Spence seating, storage and case pieces, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
About the Seller
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