This article forms part of the Decorative and Applied Arts Encyclopedia, a master reference hub providing a structured overview of design history, materials, movements, and practitioners.
Edward Wormley was an American designer of modern furniture. From 1928 to 31, he worked in the design studio of the Marshall Field department store in Chicago.
Work for Dunbar
He worked as a designer for Dunbar Furniture of Indiana in New York from 1931 to 1941, improving the company’s variety of wood and upholstered furniture to appeal to a wide range of interests. He established his own office in New York in 1945, continuing to work with Dunbar on furniture, Alexander Smith on carpets, and others on textiles. Scandinavian and Italian styles influenced his postwar work. The Listen to Me chaise for Dunbar in 1947 was one of his most well-known designs.
Good Design Exhibitions
Between 1950 and 1955, Wormley’s presence in the Good Design Exhibitions organised by the Museum of Modern Art and the Merchandise Mart catapulted him to a respectable position alongside more cutting-edge designers such as Bertoia, Nelson, and Eames. Wormley was well-versed in the fundamentals of Modernism, yet he never confined himself to a single worldview. His furniture embodied a synthesis of historical design and twentieth-century innovation that appealed to today’s collectors.
Wormley’s tables
Wormley’s occasional tables for Dunbar include the tile-topped tables he designed for the Janus series in 1957, which were a collaboration between the Modern production design aesthetic and Tiffany and Otto Natzler’s tile traditions. Dunbar’s dining, stacking, and occasional tables have all been popular at auction. Still, none have achieved the same level of success as these examples.
Sources
Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing. https://amzn.to/3ElmSlL
Wikipedia contributors. (2019, June 17). Edward Wormley. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 23:27, September 17, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edward_Wormley&oldid=902187039
More on American Furniture Design
Warren McArthur: A Pioneer of Modern Furniture Design
Warren McArthur was a pioneering designer who transformed furniture design through innovative use of tubular metals and modular systems, influencing modernist design despite being undervalued.
The Evolution of American Design Principles
The American Design Ethic combines functionality, innovation, and aesthetics, evolving from colonial craftsmanship to modern streamlined objects, reflecting societal values and cultural integration throughout history.
Key Features of Stickley Furniture Design
Gustav Stickley, a key figure in the Arts and Crafts movement, pioneered simplistic, functional furniture design, merging craftsmanship with natural materials to influence modern aesthetics and sustainability.
John Houshmand: Blending Nature and Artistry in Furniture Design
American furniture maker John Houshmand combines nature’s raw beauty with contemporary design to create unique, functional pieces. Influenced by a diverse background, his bespoke creations emphasize sustainability, customization, and the interplay of art and functionality.
Classic Comfort: The Timeless Allure of Adirondack Chairs
The Adirondack chair, originating from early 1900s New York, is admired for its iconic, comfortable design and versatile adaptability. This timeless piece epitomizes outdoor relaxation, continues to inspire designers, and remains popular globally.
Yves Béhar: A Visionary Fusion of Function and Aesthetics
Famed designer Yves Béhar employs a unique blend of aesthetics and functionality in public office landscapes. Discover his inspiring journey.
Angaraib: An Avant-Garde Masterpiece by Danny Lane
‘Angaraib’ is a groundbreaking chaise longue by Danny Lane, blending technology, artistry, and conservation. It features glass, wood, and steel, defying traditional design and merging art with utility.
No. 22 Diamond Chair by Harry Bertoia
No. 22 Diamond Chair by Harry Bertoia. Many would argue that this is more of a sculpture than a chair. READ MORE
Charles Eames: A Distinguished American Designer and Architect
Charles Eames, a renowned American designer, collaborated with his wife, Ray, and architect Eero Saarinen, creating iconic furniture and influential multimedia.
George Nelson (1907 – 1986) American Voice on Design
George Nelson was an influential American industrial designer, known for innovative furniture like the Marshmallow sofa and the Storagewall system, significantly impacting modern office design.
Gustav Stickley (1858 – 1942) American Furniture Designer
Gustav Stickley (1858-1942) was a key figure in the Mission Furniture movement, founding his own sustainable community and emphasizing craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Billy Wilder Chaise Lounge by Charles and Ray Eames
The Wilder Chaise 1968 Lounge is a masterpiece of design created by Charles and Ray Eames, featuring a nylon-coated cast aluminium frame and base with a leather-covered polyurethane foam upholstered seating section. It is functional and adds elegance to any living space.
Richard Schultz (1930 – 2021) American Sculptor and Furniture designer
Richard Schultz (1930 – 2021), an American sculptor and furniture designer, created iconic pieces for Knoll, earning recognition for his work.
Russel Wright (1904 – 1976) American Industrial Designer
Russel Wright, an influential American Industrial Designer, shaped mid-century living with versatile furniture, ceramics, and plastics, emphasizing functionality and informal living.
Winsome Pulman Extension Table Review: Space-Saving Elegance
An extension table is a table whose length can be increased by inserting a leaf or leaves. The Pulman Extension Table is made of durable solid wood and can be used in various settings.
Lisa Krohn American Industrial Designer
Lisa Krohn studied three-dimensional form with Rowena Reed Kostello, New York, between 1985 and 1986. From 1985 to 1985, she studied art history and visual arts at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. From 1988 to 1988, she was a student at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Mission Furniture – Design Dictionary Term
Mission-style furniture, inspired by a church chair found by Joseph McHugh, emerged from the Arts and Crafts movement, emphasizing utility and simplicity against Victorian excess.
Tracy Fong (b.1975) American Furniture Designer
Tracy Fong, a San Francisco-based furniture designer, combines traditional Asian styles with modern materials, creating unique pieces showcased internationally since 1988.
Related Articles
❤️ Receive our newsletter
[mc4wp_form id=”783503″]
Discover more from Encyclopedia of Design
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.