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What is the history of Martinsville furniture?
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The history of Martinsville furniture starts with the founding of the company in Martinsville, Virginia, in 1906 by Ancil Witten and Charles Keesee, a pair of former tobacco farmers. They launched their business with $30,000 in capital and began to manufacture bedroom furniture under the name American Furniture Company. In the 1920s, American Furniture Company expanded its offerings from bedroom furnishings with a range of dining room sets. By the 1950s, the company’s name had been changed to American of Martinsville, and it had gained a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship as well as a variety of furniture styles. Inspired by designers like George Nakashima and Paul László, the brand innovated with wood. Merton Gershun was one of the company's most prolific designers, and he was responsible for some of its most successful modern furniture lines using the richer, darker woods that would become emblematic of mid-century furniture. Gershun's most popular line was Dania, with its sleek walnut credenzas fitted with stylish brass accents and large drawers. Today, American of Martinsville specializes in furniture for the healthcare and hospitality industries. Find a variety of American of Martinsville furniture on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
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Shop for American of Martinsville Furniture on 1stDibs
Newly Refinished -American of Martinsville “Accord” Side Table by Merton Gershun
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Steel
Mid Century American Martinsville Dania Dresser by Merton Gershun circa 1950/60s
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in New York, NY
Iconic mid century dresser, designed by Merton Gershun, for American of Martinsville, as part of the classic Dania series, circa 1950/60's. The chest features a bank of three louvere...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Merton Gershun Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Campaign Nightstands, Refinished
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Campaign style three-drawer nightstands, bedside chests, or end tables
By Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville
USA, C...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Materials
Brass
Pair of American of Martinsville Walnut 2-Drawer Nightstands or End Tables 1960s
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Probably designed by Merton Gershun, this pair of nightstands features a minimalist, almost brutalist look, with a rectangular body, and squared off drawers. The look is softened by ...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Pair of Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Nightstands or End Tabls
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This handsome pair of nightstands or end tables was designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville in the late 1960s. Made of beautifully grained walnut, these two-drawered ...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Chinoiserie Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage desig...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
