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.
Edmond Spence Midcentury Maple Highboy Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edmond Spence Midcentury maple highboy dresser. This highboy measures: 44.25 wide x 18 deep x 45.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had ...
Bronze
Edmond Spence Highboy "Checkerboard" Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Edmond Spence designed midcentury dresser features stunning marquetry combined with carefully sculpted "Checkerboard" front. Four lower drawers offer spacious storage while top ...
Walnut
Edmond Spence Blonde Birch Swedish Cabinet Dresser Chest Drawers MINT!
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Edmond Spence Blonde Birch Swedish Cabinet Dresser Chest Drawers MINT! Hidden set of fitted drawers inside of inlayed front doors and brass hardware.
Birch
Albert Parvin Style Mid Century Walnut Gentlemans Highboy Dresser
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Albert Parvin style mid century walnut gentlemans highboy dresser The dresser measures: 40 wide x 19 deep x 50 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call r...
Walnut
Architectural walnut dresser by Edmond Spence
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Atlanta, GA
A long dresser in walnut designed by Edmond J. Spence and made in Sweden. It features a slightly curved front and three stacks of twelves drawers in total supported by brass-capped f...
Brass
$5,625Sale Price|25% Off
H 31 in W 20 in D 72 in
Swedish Mid Century Modern Walnut Dresser by Edmond J. Spence, c1950s
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Elevate your living space with a touch of timeless elegance courtesy of this exquisite Swedish Mid Century Modern Walnut Dresser by renowned designer Edmond J. Spence, dating back to...
Walnut
Edmond Spence Eight-Drawer Bedroom Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish Scandinavian Modern dresser by Edmond J. Spence features spacious side-by-side storage including drawer and shelf space. Quality vintage construction and unique mid-cent...
Wood
Edmond J Spence, Swedish Modern, Maple, Rare Wave Dresser, 1950s
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Stamford, CT
Edmund J Spence, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Burled Maple, Rare "Wave" Dresser, 1950s Swedish modern double dresser or sideboard designed by Edmond J. Spence and produced in Sweden ...
Maple
$2,150Sale Price|43% Off
H 31.5 in W 72 in D 20 in
Mid-Century Dresser Attributed to Edmond J. Spence in Birch Wood
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Trenton, NJ
Elegance, craftsmanship, and Scandinavian modernism come together in this striking Edmond Spence attributed bedroom dresser. Designed with both form and function in mind, this Swedis...
Wood, Birch
Edmond J. Spence, Dresser, Birch, Sweden, 1950s
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in High Point, NC
A birch dresser designed and produced by American designer Edmond J. Spence and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 32.25"H x 71.75"W x 20.0"D All items ship...
Birch
Mid Century Scandinavian Modern Dresser by Edmond Spence Sweden C1953
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic 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 ...
Aluminum
$3,975
H 32 in W 78 in D 20 in
Mid Century Modern Sculptural Birch 6 Drawer Dresser by Edmond Spence Sweden
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous 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...
Maple, Birch
Edmond J. Spence, Scandinavian Modern Birch Dresser
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian Modern Maple dresser designed by Edmond Spence. Dresser has 6 ample drawers and case features Mid Century Styling. Restored , placement ready. Stamped made in Sweden on ...
Birch
United Diamond Midcentury Walnut Highboy Dresser
By United Furniture Corporation
Located in Franklin Park, IL
United Diamond midcentury walnut highboy dresser. This highboy measures: 72 wide x 19 deep x 31 inches high. All pieces of furniture can be had in what w...
Walnut
High Chest by Edmond Spence
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Chicago, IL
Highboy dresser designed by Edmond Spence. Made in Sweden. Other pieces from this seat are available.
Walnut