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Elevate your collection with one of the most elusive and refined designs in mid-century modern furniture: the Mr. dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Designed in the 1950s and produced in extremely limited quantities, this sculptural piece stands as a pinnacle of Wormley’s mature work—where understated elegance meets architectural ingenuity.
Why This Piece Matters
Edward Wormley is a foundational figure in American design history, known for bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modernist principles. As the longtime design director for Dunbar Furniture, Wormley created pieces that challenged the rigid binaries of modernism—favoring fluid lines, luxurious materials, and exceptional attention to detail.
The Mr. dresser, with its undulating tambour doors, bentwood hairpin legs, and impeccably crafted sixteen-drawer interior, is among the rarest and most celebrated of his designs. Few were ever made, and even fewer survive in such pristine condition. This dresser is not merely furniture—it is a museum-worthy expression of postwar American design, imbued with a poetic sense of proportion and motion.
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Architectural Tambour Front – The undulating façade isn’t just decorative—it’s a masterstroke in cabinetmaking, combining function and artistry with seamless precision.
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Sculptural Bentwood Legs – These expressive hairpin legs lend the substantial form an unexpected lightness, a hallmark of Wormley’s talent for visual balance.
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Impeccable Craftsmanship – Sixteen drawers with curved interiors showcase Dunbar’s exacting construction standards and Wormley’s attention to tactile detail.
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Dunbar Burn Mark – Authenticity is confirmed with the original Dunbar branding beneath the top drawer.
Specifications:
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Designer: Edward Wormley
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Maker: Dunbar Furniture
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Date: 1950s
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Origin: USA
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Dimensions: 48" W x 21.5" D x 36" H
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Materials: Mahogany, bentwood, bentwood curved hardware
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Condition: Fully restored in-house by Hobbs Modern to collector-grade standards
Why It's Rare
Unlike many Dunbar case pieces, the Mr. dresser was produced in extremely limited numbers and rarely comes to market—particularly in such exceptional, investment-grade condition. Its asymmetrical tambour design and tiered drawer layout make it instantly recognizable to serious collectors, yet it remains underrepresented in both the secondary market and design literature—making ownership all the more exclusive.
For the Discerning Collector
At Hobbs Modern, we specialize in historically significant, design-forward vintage furniture restored to uncompromising standards. This Mr. dresser represents the apex of Wormley’s design language and is a crown jewel for any advanced collector of American or international modernism.
Pair with our selection of Edward Wormley seating for a complete Dunbar collection.
Shipping: Available for global delivery and local San Diego pickup.
*Matching Mrs Dresser available too* Price is for one dresser
Dimensions: 48 W x 21.5 D x 36 H
-
Elevate your collection with one of the most elusive and refined designs in mid-century modern furniture: the Mr. dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Designed in the 1950s and produced in extremely limited quantities, this sculptural piece stands as a pinnacle of Wormley’s mature work—where understated elegance meets architectural ingenuity.
Why This Piece Matters
Edward Wormley is a foundational figure in American design history, known for bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modernist principles. As the longtime design director for Dunbar Furniture, Wormley created pieces that challenged the rigid binaries of modernism—favoring fluid lines, luxurious materials, and exceptional attention to detail.
The Mr. dresser, with its undulating tambour doors, bentwood hairpin legs, and impeccably crafted sixteen-drawer interior, is among the rarest and most celebrated of his designs. Few were ever made, and even fewer survive in such pristine condition. This dresser is not merely furniture—it is a museum-worthy expression of postwar American design, imbued with a poetic sense of proportion and motion.
-
Architectural Tambour Front – The undulating façade isn’t just decorative—it’s a masterstroke in cabinetmaking, combining function and artistry with seamless precision.
-
Sculptural Bentwood Legs – These expressive hairpin legs lend the substantial form an unexpected lightness, a hallmark of Wormley’s talent for visual balance.
-
Impeccable Craftsmanship – Sixteen drawers with curved interiors showcase Dunbar’s exacting construction standards and Wormley’s attention to tactile detail.
-
Dunbar Burn Mark – Authenticity is confirmed with the original Dunbar branding beneath the top drawer.
Specifications:
-
Designer: Edward Wormley
-
Maker: Dunbar Furniture
-
Date: 1950s
-
Origin: USA
-
Dimensions: 48" W x 21.5" D x 36" H
-
Materials: Mahogany, bentwood, bentwood curved hardware
-
Condition: Fully restored in-house by Hobbs Modern to collector-grade standards
Why It's Rare
Unlike many Dunbar case pieces, the Mr. dresser was produced in extremely limited numbers and rarely comes to market—particularly in such exceptional, investment-grade condition. Its asymmetrical tambour design and tiered drawer layout make it instantly recognizable to serious collectors, yet it remains underrepresented in both the secondary market and design literature—making ownership all the more exclusive.
For the Discerning Collector
At Hobbs Modern, we specialize in historically significant, design-forward vintage furniture restored to uncompromising standards. This Mr. dresser represents the apex of Wormley’s design language and is a crown jewel for any advanced collector of American or international modernism.
Pair with our selection of Edward Wormley seating for a complete Dunbar collection.
Shipping: Available for global delivery and local San Diego pickup.
*Matching Mrs Dresser available too* Price is for one dresser
Dimensions: 48 W x 21.5 D x 36 H
See why our clients trust Hobbs Modern:
Wood Care
Keep the furniture in a cool, dry place
Avoid furniture's direct exposure to rain, sun or wind
Avoid placing hot objects directly on the piece to prevent undesirable marks or permanent circles.
Avoid placing objects that may cause scratches to the surface
Clean using water only in small quantities and apply it with soft, damp cloth
After damp cloth wipe with a soft, dry cloth
You can use other liquids that are especially for cleaning wood furniture. Take into account the type of wood and follow the manufacturer's instructions
Upholstery Care
Do not expose directly to sunlight to provide greater durability colors
Exchange both side pads, the seat and backrest, to obtain uniform wear
Shake the cushions regularly to remove dust and to maintain the stability of the form
Clean regularly with a vacuum cleaner in good condition
Use a textile fabric cleaning substance according to and following the manufacturer's instructions
Sell your mid-century piece