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Modern Americana

By now you know all about the icons of mass-produced, mid-century modern design — the bentwood creations of Charles and Ray Eames, the playful clocks of George Nelson, and the sculptural seats and tables of Eero Saarinen. But what about the work of modernist craftsmen from the same period? Designers and artisans like Wharton Esherick and Edward Wormley made equally innovative pieces (albeit in limited numbers), but haven't received nearly as much attention as their industrially focused counterparts. Modern Americana (Rizzoli), a new book due out in November, aims to change that situation. Written by Todd Merrill, the owner of Todd Merrill Antiques in New York's NoHo (which counts Lenny Kravitz among its devoted clientele), and journalist Julie V. Iovine, the publication offers an encyclopedic look at studio-based furniture makers who practiced between 1940 and 1990.

"There just wasn't a book out there on the subject," says Merrill, noting that many of the featured designers are already "bringing huge prices at auction." From giants like Vladimir Kagan and Paul Evans, to less familiar names such as Harvey Probber and Jack Rogers Hopkins, the publication profiles more than two dozen designers whose work you're more likely to find at Christie's or Sotheby's than at Design Within Reach. By Tim McKeough

September 2008

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Modern Americana
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Modern Americana (Rizzoli).

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