Essential Design 
9 January 2025
Essential Design 
177

Edward Wormley

Drop-leaf writing table, model 5311

Dunbar
USA, c. 1957
mahogany, enameled steel, lacquered wood, brass 26 h × 20 w × 28 d in (66 × 51 × 71 cm)
estimate: $1,000–1,500
result: $1,270
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Table features four drawers and a drop-leaf; tabletop measures 38 inches when fully extended. Green metal manufacturer's label to one drawer 'Dunbar'.
provenance: Wright, Modern Design, 16 March 2003, Lot 421 | Private Collection
literature: Dunbar: Fine Furniture of the 1950s, Piña, ppg. 162, 197

This work will ship from Chicago, Illinois.

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Modernism means freedom–freedom to mix, to choose, to change, to embrace the new, but to hold fast to what is good.

Edward Wormley

Edward Wormley 1907–1995

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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.

Auction Results Edward Wormley

Edward Wormley

Important slide archive from the estate of Edward Wormley

estimate: $20,000–30,000

result: $38,400

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Rare bench, model 4871

estimate: $20,000–30,000

result: $35,000

Edward Wormley

Sectional sofas, model 5945A and model 5947L

estimate: $9,000–12,000

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Edward Wormley

Alexandria chairs model 6004, set of six

estimate: $15,000–20,000

result: $28,800

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