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An exceptionally elegant Alexandria armchair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, crafted in beautifully figured walnut with a black leather seat cushion. The chair is a particularly refined example of Wormley’s ability to combine the sophistication of traditional furniture with the fluid, simplified vocabulary of American modernism.
What immediately distinguishes the Alexandria chair is its extraordinary sculptural walnut frame. Viewed from the side, the arm rises from the front leg in one long, uninterrupted curve, gently dipping and sweeping upward toward the back. The rear legs echo this movement with their subtle outward flare, giving the chair a graceful, almost calligraphic profile. There are virtually no heavy or static elements—the entire structure feels light, fluid, and remarkably well balanced.
The arms continue upward to support a gently curved walnut backrest, which appears almost suspended between the slender uprights. The open space beneath the back emphasizes the architecture of the frame and allows the chair to remain visually light from every angle. It is particularly beautiful from the rear, where the exposed construction and rich walnut grain become part of the design.
A black leather cushion with button tufting provides a rich contrast against the warmth of the walnut. Its generous, rounded form softens the precise wooden framework and gives the otherwise delicate chair a sense of comfort and luxury.
The Alexandria chair demonstrates why Edward Wormley’s work for Dunbar occupies such an important position in postwar American design. Wormley was a modernist, but he was never restricted by the severe geometry associated with some of his contemporaries. His furniture frequently incorporated references to historical forms, exceptional cabinetmaking, luxurious materials, and graceful curves, creating pieces that were modern without sacrificing warmth or refinement.
This chair embodies that philosophy beautifully. Its slender proportions and sweeping arms have an almost classical elegance, while the open construction, floating backrest, and reduction of the frame to a series of flowing lines make it unmistakably modern.
Produced by Dunbar Furniture, whose exacting craftsmanship helped bring many of Wormley’s most celebrated designs to life, the Alexandria armchair is as much an exercise in woodworking and proportion as it is a functional piece of furniture.
A sophisticated and highly collectible example of vintage Edward Wormley furniture for Dunbar, equally compelling as an occasional chair, desk chair, or sculptural accent within a thoughtfully curated interior.
Designer: Edward Wormley
Manufacturer: Dunbar Furniture
Model: Alexandria Armchair
Country: United States
Period: Mid-Century Modern
Materials: Walnut, leather
Upholstery: Black leather button-tufted cushionDimensions: Height: 33 in x Width: 22.75 in x Depth: 24 in
Seat Height: 19.5 in
An exceptionally elegant Alexandria armchair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, crafted in beautifully figured walnut with a black leather seat cushion. The chair is a particularly refined example of Wormley’s ability to combine the sophistication of traditional furniture with the fluid, simplified vocabulary of American modernism.
What immediately distinguishes the Alexandria chair is its extraordinary sculptural walnut frame. Viewed from the side, the arm rises from the front leg in one long, uninterrupted curve, gently dipping and sweeping upward toward the back. The rear legs echo this movement with their subtle outward flare, giving the chair a graceful, almost calligraphic profile. There are virtually no heavy or static elements—the entire structure feels light, fluid, and remarkably well balanced.
The arms continue upward to support a gently curved walnut backrest, which appears almost suspended between the slender uprights. The open space beneath the back emphasizes the architecture of the frame and allows the chair to remain visually light from every angle. It is particularly beautiful from the rear, where the exposed construction and rich walnut grain become part of the design.
A black leather cushion with button tufting provides a rich contrast against the warmth of the walnut. Its generous, rounded form softens the precise wooden framework and gives the otherwise delicate chair a sense of comfort and luxury.
The Alexandria chair demonstrates why Edward Wormley’s work for Dunbar occupies such an important position in postwar American design. Wormley was a modernist, but he was never restricted by the severe geometry associated with some of his contemporaries. His furniture frequently incorporated references to historical forms, exceptional cabinetmaking, luxurious materials, and graceful curves, creating pieces that were modern without sacrificing warmth or refinement.
This chair embodies that philosophy beautifully. Its slender proportions and sweeping arms have an almost classical elegance, while the open construction, floating backrest, and reduction of the frame to a series of flowing lines make it unmistakably modern.
Produced by Dunbar Furniture, whose exacting craftsmanship helped bring many of Wormley’s most celebrated designs to life, the Alexandria armchair is as much an exercise in woodworking and proportion as it is a functional piece of furniture.
A sophisticated and highly collectible example of vintage Edward Wormley furniture for Dunbar, equally compelling as an occasional chair, desk chair, or sculptural accent within a thoughtfully curated interior.
Designer: Edward Wormley
Manufacturer: Dunbar Furniture
Model: Alexandria Armchair
Country: United States
Period: Mid-Century Modern
Materials: Walnut, leather
Upholstery: Black leather button-tufted cushion
Dimensions: Height: 33 in x Width: 22.75 in x Depth: 24 in
Seat Height: 19.5 in
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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
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