New Book on Studio Furniture: Modern Americana: Studio Furniture from High Craft to High Glam

The New York Sun reviews Modern Americana: Studio Furniture from High Craft to High Glam, edited by Todd Merril and Julie Iovine and published by Rizzoli will available in October or November.

The Sun article states Modern American "hits shelves at a time of renewed interest in American studio furniture among auction houses, galleries, museums, and collectors." The article continues ""Modern Americana" follows the movement from its beginning at the 1940 New York World's Fair, when furniture maker Wharton Esherick (1887-1970) exhibited a startlingly Cubist-like, heavy timber spiral staircase he had built a decade earlier at his home in Paoli, Pa. Esherick's staircase is considered one of the masterpieces of studio craft."

As appraisers we are aware of the growing interest in Studio furniture, especially from Esherick and Nakashima, but there are other mid century studio furniture artisans who are very collectible and sell in the six figures, such as Paul Evans' metal cabinet which recently sold at Sotheby's for $157,000.00.

Personal property appraisers need to be acutely aware of trends in the various markets for both fine and decorative arts. Mid century decorative arts, including studio furniture has shown an enormous amount of growth, collectiblity and interest over the past several years. As such, appraisers need to be familiar with more than only Nakashima and Escherick when it comes to knowledge of studio furniture. Modern American details and reviews the studio movement from the conceptual beginning at the NY Worlds Fair in 1940, and includes information on 26 furniture makers, artisans, designers and decorators.

To read the NY Sun article click HERE.

You can also pre-order the book from Amazon (stating availability of Oct 14th) by clicking HERE.