Saturday, April 6, 2013

Russel Wright at Michael Thomas

Russel Wright (1904-1976) was an American Industrial designer who revolutionized the way people lived.  He believed design started with the dinner table, which is the center of the home, and then should work outward to furnishings, interiors, architecture and landscaping.  Wright, throughout his long and very successful career, designed everything from table ware and appliances to textiles and furniture.  He worked with great manufacturers like Steubenville Pottery and Conant Ball Furniture to produce his designs.   He and his wife Mary, with whom  he partnered professionally, wrote several books on "living" including "Guide to Easier Living" in which they wrote "Good informal living substitutes a little head work for a lot of legwork. It doesn't need wealth, but it does take thought, some ingenuity and resourcefulness, and more than a little loving care to create a home that is really your own."  They are widely credited with inventing lifestyle marketing. 

We are pleased to currently be presenting a number of Russel Wright pieces at Michael Thomas.  All of the pieces were manufactured by Conant Ball.  Brand new to the shop are a handsome set of four modern Windsor style chairs.  While researching Wright and his designs recently, we discovered that one of our sofas that resembled designs of Robsjohn Gibbings was actually designed by Wright and produced by Conant Ball.  This wonderful sofa was out of the shop for a bit but is back.  We had it completely reconditioned, reupholstered and the springs all tightened up. Another great piece by Wright currently at Michael Thomas is  a credenza from his "American Modern" line.  All SOLD