Today I wanted to share with you the work of a designer who happens to be one of my favorite designers of the mid century era, Edward Wormley. He was a master at taking the best of historic and classical design and translating it into a modern vernacular. While he was never at the forefront of Modern design, Wormley’s creations for Dunbar have over time become on par with furniture designed by the likes of Nelson, Bertoia, and Eames. Wormley was able to take the best of Modern design without limiting himself to a single ideology. His pieces beautifully combine historical design with 20th century innovation.

(From left: George Nelson, Edward Wormley, Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia, Charles Eames, and Jens Risom, 1961 Playboy )

 

Wormely’s A Frame Chair is a stroke of genius; its sculptural lines and brass accents are simple but striking. The caned back nods to the designs of 19th century England while still being completely modern.
The Oasis sofa’s curvilinear shape recalls the barrel back bergeres of Louis VI, a perfect sofa for both socializing and curling up with a great book

In this piece for Dunbar, Wormley intentionally plays with the scale of  classical greco-roman motifs to create a console that makes quite a statement.

Look familiar? Wormley seeks inspiration from the iconic Thonet Bentwood rocker–a revolutionary piece of furniture designed at the turn of the century. The Thonet rocker was the first of its kind to utilize industrial means of production as well as the technology of bending wood (hence the term “bentwood”). Wormley’s version, above, streamlines the design in accordance with the clean and simple lines of the mid century aesthetic.

Couldn’t have said it better myself. Thank you, Edward Wormley!