"Edward Wormley for Drexel, Precedent" Desk/ Dressing Table and Chair

Edward Wormley was an American designer at the forefront of introducing Modernism to the American public.  His furniture was shown in the early fifties at the Good Design Exhibitions put on by the Museum of Modern Art.  The Exhibitions showcased top cutting edge designers of the period including Eames, Nelson and Bertoia.  This desk or dressing table and coordinating chair were designed for the Drexel Precedent Collection.  There was a twenty page spread for the Precedent Collection in the August 1947 issue of House and Garden.  Below are some favorite images from the spread.  As you can see, the collection is "flexible, blendable, livable and mixable" amongst other "bles".  These ads are fantastic, and artfully and beautifully illustrated.  It is interesting to see how they were mixing modern with more classic/ traditional at the time.  Also, they highlight the importance of designs that are mixable and flexible, and easily transition from one room to another.  This piece showcases the flexible nature of the collection.  It functions well as a desk or a dressing table.  It is made of beautiful, golden toned silver elm and has a curved top with three drawers.  Below, one cabinet has a compartment with a stationary shelf and two removable caddies.  The other has two sliding shelves.  The coordinating chair which was also designed by Wormley swivels and has an upholstered seat.  Desk, 59" l., 20 1/2" w., 28" h.  American, c. 1947  SOLD