UMBO Modular Bookcase by Kay Leroy Ruggles for Directional
View Similar Items
UMBO Modular Bookcase by Kay Leroy Ruggles for Directional
About the Item
- Creator:Directional (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 33 in (83.82 cm)Width: 34 in (86.36 cm)Depth: 12 in (30.48 cm)
- Style:Space Age (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:Plastic,Molded
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970's
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Used vintage condition with uneven discoloration from light exposure. Minor, age appapropriate imperfections (see pics).
- Seller Location:Chattanooga, TN
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2255335781632
Directional
A brand known to vintage mid-century modern furniture collectors everywhere, Directional Furniture opened its doors after American furniture designer Paul McCobb created the high-end Directional Modern line of sofas distributed by the New York–based Modernage Company.
In his pivotal introduction of postwar modernism to the mass market, the revered Massachusetts-born McCobb had established several lines, from the affordable and refined Planner Group for Winchendon to the swooping and unexpected arms of the Symmetric Group for Widdicomb, a Shaker-inspired collection that included a sofa and a lounge chair. Like all of McCobb’s designs, the Directional pieces for Modernage are defined by a sleek aesthetic in which the focus is on elegant functionality, frequently using fine materials such as brass and walnut. In 1949, in partnership with New York furniture salesman B.G. Mesberg, McCobb set up the Directional Furniture Company.
The pair’s first pieces were upholstered chairs, intended to harmonize with the modular Multiplex pieces designed by Martin Feinman. McCobb then designed an array of furniture including storage, dining, seating, desks and other pieces with details such as leather tops, wood finishes and Roman Travertine surfaces. While Directional stopped production of McCobb’s work in the early 1960s, it still released numerous pieces by leading designers manufactured by a variety of companies.
Designer Paul Evans led the factory for a time after joining in 1964. His provocative work for the company often reflected his understanding of materials from his early training as a silversmith, such as the popular Cityscape series — a milestone in brutalist design — with its blocky forms accented with brass and chrome. At his shop in Lambertville, New Jersey, he collaborated with a design team to clad furniture pieces in metallic surfaces, like the Argente line that began production in 1968 and involved an acetylene torch to give its aluminum material a textural quality. He also worked on the Sculpted Bronze series with hand-formed resin shaped over plywood or steel that was then coated with atomized bronze.
Other Directional designers included Vladimir Kagan, who contributed biomorphic sofas and swivel chairs; Milo Baughman, who created tables and dressers inspired by Scandinavian modernism; and Jack Lenor Larsen, who covered sofas in dynamically patterned fabric.
Find authentic Directional Furniture seating, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets from top sellers around the world on 1stDibs.
- Restored Heywood Wakefield Wheat Finish M326 Cabinet BookcaseBy Heywood-Wakefield Co.Located in Chattanooga, TNThis listing is for ONE cabinet. There are TWO cabinets available. Contact us if you want to buy two. We can give you a custom combined price and shipping quote. Versatility abounds with this Heywood Wakefield M326 bookcase cabinet. Coffee bar, book case, or entryway console are just a few ideas. As a dry bar, the adjustable / removable shelf will allow you to keep that whiskey collection cozy. Buy both cabinets and flank your bed for the ultimate nightstand experience. These shallow (11″ deep) gems will fit practically anywhere. 36” Wide x 11” Deep x 32.75” High Collectors know that it is difficult to find original Heywood in good condition. The fair color wood typically shows all the flaws of half century of use. You’ll be delighted to know that this pair of cabinets has been mostly restored. The Heywood finishes are among the most challenging to replicate. We are pleased to say that we have achieved a a near perfect muted grain and color match to the the original Heywood Wakefield wheat...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsMaple
- Pair of Vintage Restored Solid Maple Heywood Wakefield Wheat Bookcase CabinetsBy Heywood-Wakefield Co.Located in Chattanooga, TNVersatility abounds with this Pair of Heywood Wakefield cabinets. Coffee bar, book case, or entryway console are just a few ideas. As a dry bar, the adjustable / removable shelf will allow you to keep that whiskey collection cozy. Flank your bed for the ultimate nightstand experience. These shallow (11" deep) gems will fit practically anywhere. Collectors know that it is difficult to find original Heywood in good condition. The fair color wood typically shows all the flaws of half century of use. You’ll be delighted to know that this pair of cabinets has been mostly restored. The Heywood finishes are among the most challenging to replicate. We are pleased to say that we have achieved a a near perfect muted grain and color match to the the original Heywood Wakefield wheat...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsMaple
- Heywood Wakefield Wheat Finish Bookcase Media Cabinet Dry Bar on Hairpin LegsBy Heywood-Wakefield Co.Located in Chattanooga, TNOur shop elevated (literally) this Incredibly versatile Heywood Wakefield display hutch bar with a sleek set of 12" metal hairpin legs. Instead of using only screws, we opted to inst...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Edward Wormley for Dunbar 4-Piece Black Lacquer Asian Modern Modular CredenzaBy Renzo Rutili, Edward Wormley, John Stuart Inc., Dunbar FurnitureLocated in Chattanooga, TNAt 8' 4" long, this modular credenza by Dunbar is a sight to behold. The fusion of British Colonial, Far East, Regency and Modern create a distinctive harmony, rarely found in such ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
- Star Trek TNG Paul Boulva for Artopex Ten Forward Modular Sofa Lounge Chair SetBy Jan Ekselius, Paul Boulva, Don Chadwick, Florence KnollLocated in Chattanooga, TNWe can neither confirm nor deny that these Paul Boulva modular seating group has seen screen time on Start Trek: The Next Generation, but the teal color resemblance to the Ten Forwar...Category
Vintage 1980s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Faux Leather
- Restored Laurits M Larsen Modular Danish Teak Coffee Table End Table SetBy Laurits M. LarsenLocated in Chattanooga, TNPair of refinished Danish teak modular table set by Laurits M Larsen. These triangular tables are super versatile! Join them in any orientation to create a coffee table. The pieces a...Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsTeak
- Umbo Modular Shelving, Kay Leroy Ruggles, 1970By Kay Leroy RugglesLocated in Las Vegas, NVBrown modular Umbo storage by Kay Leroy Ruggles for Directional, 1970s. Total of 13 pieces+endcap. Can be set up in a multitude of configurations depending on the space. Physically a...Category
Vintage 1970s American Space Age Shelves
MaterialsPlastic
$3,360 Sale Price20% Off - Modular Bookcase by Carlo de Carli for FiarmBy Carlo De CarliLocated in Beverly Hills, CAItalian modular bookcase by Carlo de Carli for Fiarm - Italy, 1970s Comprised of 5 rectangular shapes and 3 square shaped modules - Bookcase is connected with brass hardware and one ...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Bookcases
MaterialsWood
- Italian Modular Bookcase for Longato, 1971Located in London, GBItalian modular bookcase for longato, made in 1971. Dimension: W 96 x D 32 x H 78 cm.Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsPlastic
- Modular Chestnut BookcaseBy Erbanisteria Roberto GambellaLocated in Milan, ITThis meticulously handcrafted modern bookcase showcases the warmth of solid chestnut wood grain, here offered in a nontoxic, walnut stain variant enhanced with beeswax. Concealed lev...Category
2010s Italian Modern Bookcases
MaterialsWood
$13,625 / item - "Tecnica Library" Modular Shelving Bookcase by Jaume Tresserra for Dessie'By Dessie Studio, Jaime TresserraLocated in Brooklyn, NY"Tecnica Library" is a shelving bookcase unit, designed by Jaume Tresserra and manufactured by Dessie', featuring six modules with antique nickel finis...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
MaterialsMetal, Nickel
- Modular bookcase. created by Raoul GilioliBy Raoul GilioliLocated in Torino, ITModular is a bookcase composed of aluminum modules covered with recycled wood and inside with mirror. Raouò Gilioli crewed Modular using very light and technical materials to create ...Category
2010s Italian Minimalist Bookcases
MaterialsAluminum
Price Upon Request