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
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
Modern Morris Chair
estimate: $2,000–3,000
result: $1,792
Edward Wormley
lounge chairs model 7211, pair
estimate: $2,500–3,500
result: $2,500
Edward Wormley
sofa, model 5125
estimate: $3,000–5,000
Edward Wormley
sofa, model 6133
estimate: $7,000–9,000
result: $6,400
Edward Wormley
Long John coffee table, model 4699
estimate: $1,500–2,000
result: $1,250
Edward Wormley
sofa
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $5,000
Edward Wormley
sofa, model 495
estimate: $2,000–3,000
result: $1,875
Edward Wormley
custom drop-front table, model 6338
estimate: $2,000–3,000
result: $4,225
Edward Wormley
dining chairs, set of eight
estimate: $7,000–9,000
Edward Wormley
lounge chairs model 5000, pair
estimate: $1,500–2,000
result: $625
Edward Wormley
lounge chairs model 5000, pair and side table
estimate: $800–1,000
result: $1,105
Edward Wormley
lounge chair, model 5124 and ottoman
estimate: $2,000–3,000
Edward Wormley
cabinet, model 4579
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $8,125
Edward Wormley
lounge chairs model 5609, set of two
estimate: $800–1,000
result: $260
Edward Wormley
Shell console, model 3050
estimate: $2,000–3,000
result: $4,688
Edward Wormley
coffee table, model 5219
estimate: $600–800
result: $1,500
Edward Wormley
Cosmopolitan Globe
estimate: $1,000–1,500
result: $1,000
Edward Wormley
Riemerschmid chairs model 4797, pair
estimate: $1,200–1,600
result: $1,500
Edward Wormley
chest of drawers, set of two
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $2,860
Edward Wormley
Janus occasional table, model 6047
estimate: $5,000–7,000
result: $18,750
Edward Wormley
sofa, model 4907R
estimate: $4,000–6,000
result: $7,500
Edward Wormley
Cabinet (model 5666)
estimate: $2,500–3,500
result: $1,750
Edward Wormley
Cabinet (model 5666)
estimate: $2,500–3,500
result: $1,750
Edward Wormley
Sofa (model 5407)
estimate: $4,000–6,000
result: $4,375