Extraordinary 1970s Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Aluminium Desk by Stow Davis
About the Item
- Creator:Stow Davis (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29 in (73.66 cm)Width: 60 in (152.4 cm)Depth: 30 in (76.2 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Early 1970s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Lafayette, IN
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2680313024432
Stow Davis
There was something for everyone in Stow Davis's offerings during its heyday. Known for its period revival designs — as well as its wood-and-steel framework desks and other Streamline Moderne-inspired works of the late 1920s and '30s — the American manufacturer created sleek and innovative modern office furniture during the mid-century years, too.
Before the company was Stow Davis, it was the Stow and Haight Furniture Company, formed by the partnership of Russell Stow and Thomas Haight in 1880. It produced kitchen and dining extension tables in a workshop in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 1885, businessman George A. Davis purchased Haight’s interest in the firm, and its name was changed to Stow Davis.
The company later turned its attention to manufacturing office furniture, producing its first boardroom table in 1889. By the 1890s, Stow Davis had established itself as a major supplier of furniture for libraries and offices. By 1916, it was supplying banks with furniture such as its sturdy wood Colonial Revival-style conference tables, leather-upholstered executive and swivel chairs and traditional desks in oak and mahogany.
The Great Depression forced the reorganization of Stow Davis, and, during World War II, the company was commissioned to manufacture wooden desks, chairs and bunk beds for United States Navy vessels.
During the 1950s and ’60s, amid the rise of what we now call mid-century modernism, Stow Davis endeavored to innovate, collaborating with several notable designers to produce inspired new collections.
While it continued to offer traditional furniture styles influenced by English design, Stow Davis began to incorporate curved lines, rounded edges and sleek finishes into its offerings during the postwar years. Its mid-century modern furniture included pieces like Bert England’s stainless steel frame office chairs, walnut and bronzed steel conference tables by Italian designer Osvaldo Borsani and sophisticated credenzas by Giacomo Buzzitta, an award-winning alum of the John Widdicomb Company.
In 1985, the Grand Rapids manufacturer Steelcase acquired Stow Davis.
Find vintage Stow Davis seating, case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and more on 1stDibs.
You May Also Like
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Chrome
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks
Teak
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Milk Glass, Wood, Walnut
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Chrome
Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Desks
Brass
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks
Teak
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks
Walnut
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks
Metal
More From This Seller
View AllVintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Steel, Aluminum
Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Walnut
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Oak
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Silver
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Aluminum
