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Rare “Mrs.” Dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar – A Sculptural Icon of American Modernism
Elevate your collection with one of the most elusive and refined designs in mid-century modern furniture: the Mrs. 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 a modern take on traditional lines, luxurious materials, and exceptional attention to detail.
The Mrs. 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.
Design Highlights
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 legs and bent wood hardware
Condition: Fully restored in-house by Hobbs Modern to collector-grade standards
Why It's Rare
Unlike many Dunbar case pieces, the Mrs. 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 Mrs. dresser represents the apex of Wormley’s design language and is a crown jewel for any advanced collector of American or international modernism.
*Matching Mr Dresser is also avalible* Price is for one dresser
Dimensions: 48 W x 21.5 D x 36 H
