Swedish Mid-Century Bookshelf by Edmond Spence
View Similar Items
Swedish Mid-Century Bookshelf by Edmond Spence
About the Item
- Creator:Edmond J. Spence (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 33.5 in (85.09 cm)Width: 36 in (91.44 cm)Depth: 12 in (30.48 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950
- Condition:Various nicks, marks, and age-appropriate wear. Bookshelf does not appear to be broken but does have some play in it- it will sway if you push on one side or corner.
- Seller Location:Van Nuys, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: 2014818.21stDibs: LU947427916902
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.
- Swedish Midcentury Bookshelf by Edmond SpenceBy Edmond J. SpenceLocated in Van Nuys, CASwedish-made blonde Mid-Century Modern bookshelf pair with three floating shelves each designed by Edmond Spence for Walpole. Attractive joinery and a v...Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Shelves
MaterialsWood
$3,800 / set - Mid-Century Iron Rod BookshelfLocated in Van Nuys, CAMid-Century black iron storage rack with black block feet. Crafted from sleek black iron, this storage rack channels the industrial era's robustness while embracing postmodern desig...Category
Early 2000s Shelves
MaterialsIron
- Mid Century Book Case & DisplayLocated in Van Nuys, CAThe Mid Century Book Case & Display epitomizes a captivating fusion of industrial pragmatism and postmodern innovation. Crafted from sleek black ...Category
Early 2000s Shelves
MaterialsIron
- Mid Century Book Cases & Display - PairLocated in Van Nuys, CAThe Mid Century Book Cases & Display - Pair represents a captivating blend of practicality and innovation. Crafted from sleek black iron, these s...Category
Early 2000s Shelves
MaterialsIron
$750 / set - Restored Rattan Mid-Century Circular Rattan Wall Shelf W/ Glass ShelvesLocated in Van Nuys, CACircular restored seven-strand rattan wall shelves holding two glass shelves. This stylish round rattan wall shelf adds a touch of tikki-inspired elegance to any space. With two tran...Category
Mid-20th Century Shelves
MaterialsRattan, Glass
- John Keal Wall Unit / Vitrine with Drawers for Brown SaltmanBy John KealLocated in Van Nuys, CAThis versatile Mid-Century Modern vitrine / wall unit designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman features four shelves behind original sliding glass doors atop a sculptural rendered two...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vitrines
MaterialsGlass, Mahogany
- Edmond Spence Swedish Mid-Century Chest of DrawersBy Edmond J. SpenceLocated in Palm Springs, CAVery sculptural chest of drawers in ebonized mahogany by Edmond Spence (often misspelled as "Edmund Spence"), circa 1955. Concave front with hexagonal legs with brass sabot...Category
20th Century Swedish Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass
- Mid Century Modern Sculptural Birch 6 Drawer Dresser by Edmond Spence SwedenBy Edmond J. SpenceLocated in Port Jervis, NYFabulous elegant and a large sculptural piece of furniture by Edmond Spence c1953 from Sweden. In amazing original condition with minimal wear and was just touched up ever so slightl...Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBirch, Maple
- Swedish Mid-century Modern Edmond Spence Credenza with 9-drawersBy Edmond J. SpenceLocated in Miami, FLSwedish Mid-century Modern Edmond Spence Credenza with 9-drawers Offered for sale vintage Swedish Modern Edmond Spence credenza that is substantially created in birch. The credenz...Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBirch
- Mid Century Scandinavian Modern Dresser by Edmond Spence Sweden C1953By Edmond J. SpenceLocated in Port Jervis, NYFantastic simple and elegant 3 drawer dresser with a two door cabinet above. Have the original paperwork from its sale, original and only owners. In excellent vintage condition with ...Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Dressers
MaterialsAluminum
- Stunning Swedish Edmond J. Spence Crucifix Walnut Credenza Mid-Century ModernBy Edmond J. SpenceLocated in Pemberton, NJStunning Edmond J. Spence walnut credenza manufactured in Sweden and features an easily recognisable high-quality construction. The four hinged cabinets open via handles of cut-out c...Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Credenzas
MaterialsMaple, Walnut
- Edmond Spence Mid Century Birch Highboy DresserBy Edmond J. SpenceLocated in Countryside, ILEdmond Spence Mid Century Birch Highboy Dresser This highboy measures: 38.5 wide x 20.25 deep x 47.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBirch
