Woodard Furniture Company’s diverse offerings have included everything from pine caskets to premium patio and garden furniture over the years.
Lyman E. Woodward founded the family business Woodard Brothers (he dropped the second w for his venture’s name), later Woodard Furniture Co., in Owosso, Michigan, in 1866. Woodard Furniture produced wood furniture such as birch and oak bedroom pieces, window and door blinds and even pine caskets. Demand for the latter increased during the spread of the Spanish flu in America, and Woodard’s casket business — a new company called Owosso Casket Company — thrived, becoming the largest casket manufacturer in the world throughout the 1920s. Two U.S. presidents, William McKinley and Benjamin Harrison, were buried in Owosso caskets.
On the furniture side, Lyman’s son Lee Woodard spun off his own business as Lee L. Woodard and Sons, opening a shop with his sons, Joseph, Lyman II and Russell Woodard. During the 1930s, the new company explored the use of metal in furniture-making and introduced a wrought-iron set of patio dining furniture featuring ornate grillwork inspired by French design called Orleans in 1940. The line became a best seller and kick-started the company’s international reputation as a patio-furniture maker, even as the Woodard factory subsequently shifted toward supporting the wartime efforts in manufacturing parts for trucks and military equipment. After World War II, the business returned to making furniture. Over the years, Woodard and Sons would go on to master metallurgy in furniture making, developing expertise in wrought iron, cast aluminum and tubular aluminum for both indoor and outdoor pieces. In colder regions, wrought iron, which can be left outdoors all year round, was the material of choice in outdoor furniture designs for the Atomic Age, and vintage Woodard outdoor furniture is widely coveted by collectors today.
While the business started with more traditional styles of furnishings, the company would go on to embrace mid-century modernism. In fact, one of Woodard’s most famous pieces is 1956’s Sculptura chair, variously credited over the years to Russell and/or Joseph. The Sculptura was reportedly the first sculpted chair made without molds. Not unlike Harry Bertoia’s elegant steel-wire Side chair (also a mid-century darling) in its undulating form, the Sculptura chair, which is composed entirely of enameled woven wrought-iron wire, bears similarity to Eero Saarinen’s Womb chair for Knoll and Charles and Ray Eames’s DAX chair. The beloved Woodard chair was added to the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum’s permanent collection in 1994.
While the Woodard business is no longer in family hands, the company continues to produce fine patio furniture today and even reintroduced the Sculptura chair in 2015 as nostalgia for mid-century modernism gained steam again.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Russell Woodard lounge chairs, dining chairs and patio furniture today.
Set of 4 Russell Woodard Sculptura Wrought Iron Patio Chairs
By Russell Woodard
Located in Toledo, OH
Set of 4 Russell Woodard Sculptura wrought iron coated chairs. These beautiful chairs have been recently recoated in a cheerful turquoise shade that will add a splash of color to you...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Satin Nickel Lounge Chairs by Russell Woodard
By Russell Woodard
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous pair of satin nickel lounge chairs, design in the 1960s by Russell Woodard. The chairs have been newly replated and the seats recovered in a gray cowhide. Dimensions: 26...
Nickel
Vintage Russell Woodard Spun Fiberglass Peacock Chair
By Russell Woodard, Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring home garden furniture that is truly fit for a king or queen with this fantastic peacock throne chair designed by Russell Woodard. A spun fiberglass construction gives this sea...
Fiberglass
$1,250 / item
"Sculptura" Patio Armchair by Russell Woodard
By Woodard Furniture Co., Russell Woodard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Armchair by Russell Woodard for Woodard Furniture, c.1950s. The armchair is from Russell Woodard’s “Sculptura” line designed in 1956. The chair has a molded mesh frame that sits atop...
Wrought Iron
Russel Woodard Spun Fiber Glass Resin Set of 4 Outdoors Bar Stools
By Russell Woodard
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern set of four Russel Woodard bar stools.
Fiberglass
Mid-Century Modern Wrought Iron Bistro Set by Russell Woodard, USA
By Russell Woodard
Located in Cumberland, RI
This 3 piece bistro style outdoor set is an excellent choice for any balcony, patio, or garden. The two matching arm chairs are made of wrought iron and the folding table makes it ea...
Wrought Iron
Vintage Spun Fiberglass Peacock Chairs by Russell Woodard - a Pair
By Russell Woodard
Located in Raleigh, NC
Two peacock chairs by Russell Woodard, circa 1950s. Made from spun fiberglass in a neutral off-white coloration. Durable for both indoor and outdoor patio use, due to the fiberglass ...
Fiberglass
Russell Woodard Spun Fiber Bar Stool
By Russell Woodard
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Vintage Russell Woodard spun fiber barstool. Only one. In wonderful condition.
Fiberglass
Near Pair of Woodard Sculptura Lounge Armchairs Restored
By Russell Woodard
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Restored near pair of Sculptura armchair lounge chairs. Totally cleaned down and powder coated silver with new plastic floor glides. Sold as a set (2) One chair is slightly smaller ...
Iron
Set of 2 Purple Cielo Bar Stool by Sebastian Herkner
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 purple Cielo bar stool by Sebastian Herkner Materials: Galvanized and powder-coated tubular steel. PVC strings are made from recycled plastic. Technique: Made from recycle...
Steel
Set of Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning set of four vintage modern bar stools feature a backless seat and a chrome base with a footrest. The two-tone vinyl is sure to complement a...
Chrome
Mid-century Modern Shovel Chairs by Lee Woodard
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Combining wrought iron frames with sculpted wood seats and backs. Uncommon black finish go well with the sturdy black frames for a sleek modern look. Lee Woodard...
$19,719Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 28 in W 25.2 in D 19.7 in
Set of 5 Contemporary Sculptural Bar Stool Brass Metal & Tobacco Leather
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary barstool is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility of the double 3.5 ...
Steel
Set of 4 Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Bar Stools
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A complete set of four teak barstools made in Denmark circa 70's or 80'd. The stools feature sculptural teak frames with the black naugahyde cushions. Seats were poorly recovered and...
Naugahyde, Teak
Vintage Wrought Iron Patio Outdoor Chairs
By Mario Papperzini, Brown Jordan, Salterini
Located in Cumberland, RI
Available now for your enjoyment and ready to ship is a Vintage Wrought Iron Patio Lounge Chairs attributed to Mario Papperzini This lovely Wrought Iron Pair of Arm Chairs are the perfect addition to any garden, terrace, or veranda. Enjoy a glass of lemonade in the late afternoon sun, or your favorite cocktail at dusk and lounge into relaxation. This sustainable Wrought Iron Patio Set will last decades to come being made out of heavy wrought iron. The Rocker Arm Chair features beautifully designed and detailed flower motif on the top of the backrest and arms to give it the ultimate vintage garden look. The distressed antique ivory will coordinate well with any style patio or have us refinish using our 3 step Prep, Prime, and Paint process prior to delivery. Our convenient and hassle free shipping using our in-house shippers will save you time arranging your own. You’ll benefit from having your set hand delivered to your door within 2-4 weeks. We will update you throughout the entire transaction on shipping and rest assured your piece/set, will be delivered safely. Not only is shopping vintage trending in 2024, vintage wrought iron furniture...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Mid Century Sabre Leg Lounge Chairs by Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Rare and Iconic pair of Mid Century Sabre Leg Lounge Chairs by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb. These chairs are authentic, classic mid century beauties. I'm not sure that the...
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage MCM Wrought Iron Chaise Lounge After Russell Woodard
By Russell Woodard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your outdoor or indoor lounging experience with this stunning vintage mid-century modern wrought iron chaise lounge, crafted in the iconic style of Russell Woodard. Showcasin...
Wrought Iron
Woodard Wrought Iron Outdoor Patio Furniture
By Russell Woodard
Located in Cumberland, RI
Upgrade your outdoor living space with this Vintage Woodard Wrought Iron Outdoor Patio Furniture Set. This set features a deep seated loveseat measurin...
Wrought Iron
Woodard Orleans Wrought Iron Bounce Rocker Chair
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
1940s Woodard Orleans pattern bounce rocker chair. Original verdigris powder coated finish. Seat without cushions, 12.5" H. Chair is stamped Woodard on...
Wrought Iron
$520Sale Price / set|52% Off
H 40 in W 29 in D 18 in
Midcentury Russell Woodard Spun Fiberglass Swivel Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Russell Woodard
Located in Esperance, NY
Midcentury Russell Woodard spun fiberglass swivel lounge chair and ottoman.
Fiberglass
Russall Woodard 'Sculptura' Set of Four Red Patio Chairs
By Russell Woodard
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Russell Woodard 'Sculptura' patio chairs in wrought iron and red lacquer, United States, 1950s. These 'Sculptura' patio chairs, which can be used as dining chairs as well, are in i...
Iron
Pair Of Reversible Cushion Patio Chairs In The Style Of Russel Woodard
By Russell Woodard
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A sculptural take on classic outdoor seating, this pair of patio chairs in the style of Russell Woodard showcases graceful lines and airy construction. Each chair features a flowing ...
Metal
Vintage Spun Fiberglass Chairs by Russell Woodard - Set of Four
By Russell Woodard
Located in Raleigh, NC
Set of four mid-century fiberglass chairs by Russell Woodard. This set of four is made from spun fiberglass which makes it a durable option for both indoor and outdoor use. Off-white...
Fiberglass
Sold
H 30.5 in W 28 in D 25 in
Mid Century Modern Aluminum and Leather Swivel Chairs by Herbert Saiger Woodard
By Herbert Saiger, Russell Woodard
Located in West Hartford, CT
Iconic pair of mid century aluminum and leather scoop chairs by Herbert Saiger for Russell Woodard, circa early 1970's. The pair swivel 360 degre...
Aluminum
Sold
H 30.5 in W 28 in D 25 in
Mid Century Aluminum&Leather Set Herbert Saiger Russell Woodard Swivel Chairs
By Herbert Saiger, Russell Woodard
Located in West Hartford, CT
Iconic mid century modern pierced aluminum scoop chairs with 360 degree swivel and original black leather upholstery which is still in great condition thanks to the the one and origi...
Aluminum
Mid Century Russell Woodard Sculptura Mesh Sculpted low Patio Armchair
By Woodard Furniture Co., Russell Woodard
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid century Russell Woodard sculptura mesh organically sculpted low Patio armchair. Very Iconic Designed outdoor Patio Chairs. All chairs are original Circa 1960 - they have been rep...
Steel
Sold
H 32 in W 28 in D 23 in
Set of '8' Mid Century Russell Woodard Sculptura Mesh Sculpted Patio Armchairs
By Woodard Furniture Co., Russell Woodard
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Set of (8) mid century Russell Woodard sculptura mesh organically sculpted Patio armchairs. Very Iconic Designed outdoor Patio Chairs. All chairs are original Circa 1960 - they have ...
Steel
Set of Eight Russell Woodard "Sculptura" Black Dining Side Chairs, 1950s
By Russell Woodard
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Original Set of 8 Russell Woodard "Sculptura" Iron & Mesh dining side chairs. Featuring handcrafted wrought iron frames with ergonomic expanded wire mesh seats and back detailed with...
Wrought Iron, Wire
Russell Woodard 'Sculptura' white outdoor armless chairs - 6 available
By Russell Woodard
Located in Asheville, NC
1950s Russell Woodard Sculptura set. Freshly painted in white gloss enamel. No bends or breaks in the wire mesh in five of them. One with one small piece of mesh missing. 19ʺW × 23ʺ...
Iron
Sold
H 32.5 in W 23.5 in D 22.5 in
Mid Century vintage green Russell Woodard Sculptura mesh dining armchairs - 4
By Russell Woodard
Located in Asheville, NC
Set of 4 authentic vintage 1960's Mid Century Modern Russell Woodard green 'Sculptura' wire mesh patio arm chairs. Very good pre-owned vintage condition, presenting original green p...
Iron
Sold
H 32 in W 28 in D 23 in
Pair Mid-Century Russell Woodard Sculptura Mesh Sculpted Patio Armchairs Black
By Woodard Furniture Co., Russell Woodard
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of mid-century Russell Woodard sculptura mesh organically sculpted Patio armchairs. Very Iconic Designed outdoor Patio Chairs. All chairs are original Circa 1960 - they have bee...
Steel
‘Sculptura’ Patio Chairs by Russell Woodard
By Russell Woodard
Located in Surbiton, GB
Two sculptural, white powder coated, iron mesh chairs designed by Russell Woodard for his Woodard Furniture in the 1950's. There are 2 chairs availa...
Steel