Rare Early Michael Coffey Seafarer Credenza or Wall Cabinet
View Similar Items
Rare Early Michael Coffey Seafarer Credenza or Wall Cabinet
About the Item
- Creator:Michael Coffey (Cabinetmaker)
- Dimensions:Height: 31 in (78.74 cm)Width: 72 in (182.88 cm)Depth: 24 in (60.96 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1972
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. All joints sturdy & tight. Each door opens & closes smoothly, All drawers open & close smoothly. Wear at the bottom interior from the ball socket door catches (not visible when doors are closed).
- Seller Location:Kensington, MD
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU87051835932
Michael Coffey
While he may not be as well known as the designers who influenced him, master woodworker Michael Coffey creates tables, case pieces and other hand-carved furnishings that are wholly sculptural and characterized by striking, unexpected forms — they’re provocative statement pieces in any interior.
Born in 1928 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania — where like-minded designers Paul Evans, George Nakashima and Phillip Lloyd Powell shared a studio — Coffey loved working with his hands as a child. However, a sense of youthful idealism led him to pursue a master’s degree in social group work before he endeavored to design on a full-time basis. It wasn't until 1966, at the age of 38, that he started teaching himself woodworking. Coffey was inspired by innovative artisans in the furniture-making field such as Nakashima, Wharton Esherick and Wendell Castle, all of whom are credited as pioneers in the world of art furniture.
In 1972, Coffey earned his first major design commission in the form of a collection for Directional Furniture, a manufacturer that forged an enduring partnership with Paul Evans and a favorite brand of mid-century modern enthusiasts. He continued to collaborate with Directional, working in mahogany and rare Mozambique woods, and integrating abstract carving motifs in his cabinet fronts and table pedestals. Soon afterward, Coffey established a woodworking school and apprenticeships at his Vermont farm. In 1986, he moved to Massachusetts, and, in 1991, he founded a second woodworking school, this one much larger.
Coffey sold his successful Massachusetts school to his staff in 1997 in order to focus on his furniture, as his reputation and client base had grown considerably. His profile reached greater heights in 2003, when a rocking chair called Aphrodite that Coffey had designed more than two decades earlier sold at auction for nearly $50,000. The sale sparked the interest of buyers and collectors worldwide and resulted in a slew of new commissions. Today Coffey continues to make sculptural furniture with a team of woodworkers in his Massachusetts studio.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Michael Coffey tables, seating, bookcases and more.
- Michael Coffey, Ebbtide I, Wall-Mounted Cabinet, United States, 2020By Michael CoffeyLocated in New York, NYA sculptural cabinet carved in solid Mozambique. Coffey debuted this style of carving at Directional Furniture in New York, in 1972. In the 90’s he revived it, ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Cabinets
MaterialsWalnut
- Harvey Probber Two-Part Cabinet or CredenzaBy Harvey ProbberLocated in Atlanta, GAElegant two-part cabinet or credenza, designed by Harvey Probber, circa 1960s. This piece is a versatile size and can be used as a vitrine, display cabinet, credenza, bar, or bookshe...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsMetal, Brass
$4,500 Sale Price33% Off - Mid-Century Modern Burl Credenza or Cabinet after Milo BaughmanBy Pierre Cardin, Milo BaughmanLocated in Philadelphia, PAA handsome looking 4-door credenza in the manner of Milo Baughman or Pierre Cardin, circa 1970s. It features a glossy chocolate brown case with beautiful contrasting olive burl doors.Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsLaminate, Burl
- Paul McCobb Planner Group Credenza or Media Cabinet, Newly RefinishedBy Paul McCobbLocated in South Bend, INA rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern solid birch credenza or media cabinet Designed by Paul McCobb for his Planner Group line for Winchendon Furniture USA, 1950s Solid ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
- Kittinger American Chippendale Mahogany Credenza or Bar Cabinet, RefinishedBy KittingerLocated in South Bend, INA gorgeous American Chippendale style compact credenza or bar cabinet By Kittinger USA, Mid-20th century Mahogany, with original brass hardware. Cabinet locks, and key is in...Category
Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- Italian 18th century neoclassical Cabinet or Large CredenzaLocated in Troy, NYLarge Italian 18th Century Credenza or Cabinet with beautiful Palladian lines and light color. The two doors opening to an interior with a narrow top shelf including drawers. the low...Category
Antique 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Cabinets
MaterialsElm
