Mid-Century Marvel from Martinsville

The epitome of America mid-century modern design, this incredible credenza or china cabinet contrasts the natural beauty of golden glowing wood with accents of white laminate. American mid-century modern was a significant design movement stretching from 1945 through the 1960s. Influenced by European movements such as the German Bauhaus school and Scandinavian design, mid-century modern is characterized by the simplicity of its style, the extensive use of natural materials, and the lack of unnecessary embellishment, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and clean, uncluttered silhouettes. The combination of natural and man-made materials is also typical of mid-century modern.  With its compact size and stylish lines, this collectable piece of fine furniture would enhance any decor. 

Inside one of the drawer, this striking piece carries the mark of American of Martinsville. 

The back of the piece carries the model number and the designation "China," no doubt meaning it was intended as a hutch or cabinet to display your fine china or treasured trinkets.

American of Martinsville was founded in Martinsville, Virginia by former tobacco producers Ancil Witten and Charles Keesee in 1906. Sensing that the tobacco market was changing as large concerns such as R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company were expanding across the country, the two men turned manufacturing bedroom furniture under the name the American Furniture Company. By the 1920s, the company was offering a wider range of furniture, In the 1950s, now operating as American of Martinsville, it offered a variety of furniture styles, hiring in-house designers to keep up with current trends. The company gained a reputation for fine craftsmanship and sophisticated design.  It also began producing furniture for the hospitality market. 

In 2000, American of Martinsville was purchased by La-Z-Boy Incorporated, which sold it six years later. Today, the company is belongs to the Akin Furniture Group, a family-owned business in Arkansas that specializes in furniture for the hospitality and healthcare industries.  

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

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An Incredible Credenza!

The epitome of both Danish modern design and mid-century modern aesthetics, this beautiful vintage rosewood credenza is attributed to the Danish firm of Skovby Møbelfabrik. Danish modern design actually dates back to after WWI, emphasizing function and the beauty of form and natural woods over ornamentation. In the United States, beginning in the 1950s, the elegant simplicity of Danish modern furniture was a perfect fit with the mid-century modern movement, which also promoted the use of natural materials, the elimination of unnecessary embellishment, and an emphasis on craftsmanship and clean, uncluttered silhouettes. The 1960s saw in big boom in the incorporation of Danish modern furniture in American homes, but, by the end of the decade, changes in American consumer tastes and shopping habits resulted in it falling out of favor. However, once again consumers and collectors have come to appreciate the beauty and versatility of Danish modern furniture and vintage pieces as gorgeous as this example are in high demand.

Demonstrating the Danish modern focus on functionality, there are ample storage options. . .

. . . including these velvet-lined drawers. 

Skovby was founded in 1933 by cabinetmaker Thorvald Rasmussen, creating innovative, sustainable and functional furniture. As his work grew in popularity and the company expanded from a one-man workshop, he was joined by his son, Villy Rasmussen. Today, the family tradition continues under his grandsons,  Preben and Jørgen Rasmussen.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

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You'll Raise a Toast. . .

. . . to this incredible credenza. In a soft golden-brown finish named "champagne," this marvelous mid-century modern buffet was made by the American furniture company Heywood Wakefield. The company was created in 1897 with the merger of the furniture companies Heywood Brothers and Wakefield Company. In the 1920s and 30s, Heywood Wakefield introduced designs based on the art deco and art moderne movements and these sleek streamlined styles remained popular until the factory closed in 1979. The furniture was finely crafted from solid America birch wood and offered in wheat and champagne finishes. 

This model is was called M193 and would have served as a buffet or sideboard in the dining room.  However, this understated versatile style would fit in any room or decor, from a bedroom bureau to a stylish home office.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

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