Mid 20th Century Mid Century Modern Edward Wormley Dunbar Walnut Corner Bookcase

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Mid century modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture corner cabinet bookcase or record console. Made of walnut featuring modular cubist … Read more Mid century modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture corner cabinet bookcase or record console. Made of walnut featuring modular cubist "L" shape form with five tapered metal legs.

Founded in 1910, Dunbar Furniture established a reputation for providing quality handcrafted products. The original Dunbar products were fine horse drawn buggies but with the invention of the automobile the company transformed into creating fine furnishings for the home. In 1931, Edward J. Wormley joined Dunbar as a young designer. Wormley's knowledge of furniture history and his global perspective became key in Dunbar's success over the next three decades. By the middle of the 20th century, Dunbar and Wormley had become true icons of American furniture design. The company participated in the 1950 Good Design exhibit with the Museum of Modern Art and dominated for the next three years. Dunbar and Wormley's legacy remain today as the company continues to produce for a growing international audience. Vintage Dunbar Furniture Chairs Tables & Cabinets remain popular worldwide.

Edward Wormley 1907–1995

Born in rural Illinois in 1907, Edward Wormley’s interest in design originated early in life and led him to later study at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Due to financial reasons, Wormley dropped out after 2 years and began his first job in an interior design studio before joining the Indiana-based Dunbar Furniture Company where he served as director of design for nearly 40 years.

Following World War II, Wormley became an independent consultant branching out to design textiles, globe stands, and showrooms. He designed award winning collections for Drexel Furniture Company and was included in the Good Design shows of the Museum of Modern Art, New York. Characteristic of his design elements were functional engineering, decorative laminated plywood, and unconventional upholstery.

Wormley characteristically honored aesthetic qualities, following influences of Scandinavian modernism, while maintaining utilitarian qualities and “designing for the needs” of others. His work is timeless and of the highest quality. Wormley died in 1995, but his legacy is celebrated in collections including the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and the Museum of Decorative Arts in Montreal." See less