Dunbar Furniture

Classic Modern at it's Best

Dunbar Furniture, an American furniture company, was founded in 1910 in Berne, Indiana, and quickly earned a reputation for producing high-quality, handcrafted furniture. The brand focused on creating modern designs that incorporated traditional craftsmanship. Edward Wormley became the company's head designer in 1931, and under his leadership, Dunbar Furniture began to establish itself as a leader in modern furniture design. Clean lines, elegant proportions, and a fusion of modernist principles with classical elements characterized Wormley's designs. This unique blend of styles made Dunbar Furniture's products stand out in the market, appealing to traditional and contemporary tastes. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Dunbar Furniture enjoyed considerable success and expanded its product range to include residential and commercial furniture. The company collaborated with several prominent designers, such as T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Roger Sprunger, and Tom Lopinski. Many of these partnerships resulted in iconic furniture designs that are still sought after today, such as the Janus Collection, the Edward Wormley Sofa, and the Dunbar Executive Desk. In the 1960s, as tastes shifted towards more affordable and mass-produced furniture, Dunbar Furniture faced increasing competition from other brands. Despite this, the company continued to produce high-quality, handcrafted furniture that prioritized timeless design and craftsmanship. By the late 20th century, Dunbar Furniture's commitment to quality and innovation had earned it a dedicated following among collectors and design enthusiasts. The company faced challenges adapting to the changing market, but it maintained its reputation for exceptional design and craftsmanship. Although Dunbar Furniture is no longer in operation, its legacy continues to influence the design world. The company's commitment to quality, innovation, and timeless aesthetics has made its pieces highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Moreover, Dunbar Furniture is an integral part of the history of American furniture design and is remembered for its significant contributions to the field.

Mid Century Modern Furniture Designer

Edward Wormley (American, December 31, 1907–November 3, 1995) was a noted furniture designer. Wormley began his education at the New York School of Interior Design through correspondence while he was still in high school. He went on to attend the Art Institute of Chicago from 1926 to 1928. In 1931, after studying at the institute, and taking a tour through Europe, Wormley was an interior designer at the Marshall Fields & Company department store. Soon thereafter, he left Marshall Fields to work for the Dunbar Furniture Company in Berne, IN, where he designed both traditional and modern furniture. In 1944, he was placed at the forefront of Dunbar's efforts to modernize its furniture lines. Wormley's modernization efforts incorporated design elements from a variety of European and Scandinavian sources, updating classic designs with modern innovations.