About Edward J Wormley
„Modernism means freedom –
Freedom to mix, to choose, to change,
To embrace the new
But to hold fast to what’s good.“
1907-1995 EDWARD J WORMLEY
Edward J Wormley was a master of modern design with the creative ability to integrate international design philosophies into the American lifestyle. Wormley’s significant personal contribution to modern design has earned him a position among noted contemporaries like Charles Eames, Harry Bertoia, George Nelson, Florence Knoll, Arne Jacobsen, Eero Saarinen, Finn Juhl and Hans Wegner.
After attending the Art Institute of Chicago, Wormley travelled to Paris in 1930 where he met Le Corbusier, the architect, and Emile-Jacques Ruhlman, the Art Deco designer. The Paris meetings inspired Wormley to develop a personal style that emphasized simplified silhouettes and plain surfaces.
After returning from Europe, Wormley agreed to join DUNBAR Furniture. A life long student of design and furniture history, Wormley strongly lobbied DUNBAR management to refocus the design direction of the company. Edward urged DUNBAR to embrace the style of European modernists and Art Deco furniture by Jean-Michel Frank of Paris and Richard Riemerschmid of Munich. Working closely with DUNBAR for over 30 years, Wormley developed an ingenious ability to understand the American market and tailor his designs to match the appropriate proportions and styling. His passion for handcrafted quality and for using only the finest materials was well known among his supporters in the Interior Design community.
The cover story of the Playboy magazine of July 1961 about contemporary design celebrities shows Edward J Wormley among his fellow designers (second from left)
Wormley designs exhibit a subtle level of charisma, yet are often subdued in contrast to competing furniture pieces that are often designed as a ‘self-expression’ of the artist. Wormley actively provided commentary on his thoughts and philosophies regarding modern design, once writing, “Modernism means freedom – freedom to mix, to choose, to change, to embrace the new but to hold fast to what is good.”
Although designing for DUNBAR required significant energy, Wormley found time to collaborate with other designers and to share his talent. He collaborated with Jack Lenor Larsen to create an extensive surface material collection to complement the DUNBAR furniture forms. Wormley also found time to serve as an instructor at the Parsons School of Design. His accomplishments did not go unrecognized, in addition to being a past recipient of the Elsie de Wolfe award, Wormley was honoured by The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) with the Designer of Distinction award.