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
Important slide archive from the estate of Edward Wormley
estimate: $20,000–30,000
result: $38,400
Edward Wormley
Rare bench, model 4871
estimate: $20,000–30,000
result: $35,000
Edward Wormley
Alexandria chairs model 6004, set of six
estimate: $15,000–20,000
result: $28,800
Edward Wormley
Janus occasional table, model 6047
estimate: $5,000–7,000
result: $27,500
Edward Wormley
Listen-To-Me chaise, model #4873
estimate: $15,000–20,000
result: $25,200
Edward Wormley
Tete-a-Tete
estimate: $9,000–12,000
result: $24,000
Edward Wormley
Listen-To-Me chaise, model #4873
estimate: $20,000–30,000
result: $22,800
Edward Wormley
dining chairs model 4592, set of sixteen
estimate: $10,000–15,000
result: $22,500
Edward Wormley
Janus occasional table, model 5633
estimate: $9,000–12,000
result: $21,250
Edward Wormley
bookcases model 5264, pair
estimate: $10,000–15,000
result: $20,480
Edward Wormley
sofa
estimate: $5,000–7,000
result: $20,000
Edward Wormley
wall-mounted console
estimate: $5,000–7,000
result: $20,000
Edward Wormley
Janus occasional table, model 6047
estimate: $5,000–7,000
result: $18,750
Edward Wormley
sofa
estimate: $5,000–7,000
result: $18,750
Edward Wormley
sofa
estimate: $5,000–7,000
result: $18,750
Edward Wormley
Janus occasional tables model 5633, pair
estimate: $7,000–9,000
result: $18,750
Edward Wormley
rare bookcases model 5264, pair
estimate: $10,000–15,000
result: $18,750
Edward Wormley
Alexandria chairs model 6004, set of six
estimate: $15,000–20,000
result: $17,500
Edward Wormley
occasional table, model #5633
estimate: $8,000–10,000
result: $16,800
Edward Wormley
Mr. and Mrs. chests, models #4723 and #4724
estimate: $6,000–8,000
result: $16,800
Edward Wormley
Snack tables model 479, pair
estimate: $10,000–15,000
result: $16,800
Edward Wormley
dining chairs, set of eight
estimate: $10,000–15,000
result: $16,250
Edward Wormley
Tête-à-tête sofas, pair
estimate: $10,000–15,000
result: $16,250
Edward Wormley
occasional table, model 5741
estimate: $9,000–12,000
result: $15,600