Title: Mid-Century Modern Angular Footstool / Ottoman in Solid Teak & Leather by Edmond J. Spence, USA, c. 1950s
About: This elegant Mid-Century Modern stool by Edmond J. Spence captures the organic sophistication of 1950s design. Constructed in rich teak, the stool features a warm, tastefully aged patina that enhances the wood’s natural grain, complemented by angled legs and sculptural corner posts that add a refined touch. The seat is crafted from woven black leather strips, also bearing a tasteful patina that speaks to its vintage charm, offering both durability and a tactile allure. The minimalist yet expressive design reflects Spence’s signature style, blending Scandinavian influences with American mid-century aesthetics. Perfect as a standalone accent or functional seating piece, this stool is a timeless addition to any collector’s space or modernist interior, showcasing the enduring craftsmanship of the era.
Designer and manufacturer, Edmond J. Spence (1912–1986) was an American furniture designer renowned for his contributions to the Mid-Century Modern movement. Born in New York, Spence began his career in the 1930s, initially working as a designer for various furniture companies before launching his own firm in the 1940s. He gained prominence in the 1950s for his organic, sculptural designs, often produced in collaboration with manufacturers in Mexico and Sweden, where he utilized local craftsmanship to create pieces in woods like walnut and teak. Spence’s work is characterized by clean lines, elegant proportions, and a blend of Scandinavian and American influences, frequently incorporating materials like leather and woven elements. His designs, including stools, chairs, and case goods, remain highly sought after by collectors for their timeless appeal and quality craftsmanship.
Origin: United States of America
Proof: Ample Provenance - Industry Consensus
Period: 1950s
Material: Teak | Leather
State: As-Is (Patinaed)
Condition Details: This archetypically minimalist footstool designed by the influential Edmund J. Spence is in 100% original, vintage condition. The solid teak frame and legs show character-rich patina with scratches, gouges and nicks throughout (which can be seen in the detail photos and natural light video provided).
The leather straps too show patina and a small tear (shown in the detail photos provided) but all leather straps are intact and weight-bearing. As purists, we strive to leave all of our pieces in as original condition as possible. However we do offer restoration services and a full carpentry shop which can professionally sand and refinish the teak. If this option interests you please message us prior to checkout to discuss options and pricing.
This icon of the 50's is structurally sound and ready for a lifetime more of use. Please view all photos and natural light video provided for details on this footstool's current condition. We're limited on the amount of media we can post so additional photos and videos are available upon request.
Style: Mid-Century Modern | Scandinavian Modern
SKU: AM02545
---Dimensions---
Width: 16 in / 40.64 cm
Depth: 16 in / 40.64 cm
Height: 18.75 in / 47.63 cm
-- Shipping and Handling --
This shipping total in the listing is for local pickup only. If you would like to manage shipping yourself, we have several companies we will gladly recommend. If you prefer to have us manage the shipping process we ship to the US and Canada. Rates vary by location. Please message us prior to payment and checkout as you will receive an additional invoice for shipping, handling, and insurance if we manage the process for you in this transaction.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Do I get the piece(s) in the listing? Yes you can but we also source other pieces and have many others in stock if this isn't the exact piece(s) you were looking for. The piece(s) in this listing are currently available for sale as-is, restored or re-worked and will be noted in the description above. If this isn't the exact piece you are looking for or you would like this piece customized, please send us a private message and we'll do our best to meet your specific needs in sourcing or creating your dream piece(s).
Do you ship overseas? Can I manage shipping myself? Each listing includes shipping information specific to the item being sold. If our shipping service does not include your location or if you would like to manage the shipping process yourself for any other reason please message us prior to checkout to discuss your options.
Why buy ABTModern? We pride ourselves in finding truly amazing, one-of-a-kind pieces and bringing them to you, our clients! We are a small family business and take tremendous pride in doing what we love. Thank you for allowing us to do what we love! Please know we make YOU our NUMBER 1 PRIORITY throughout the entire process. It's our honor to serve you with your furniture and custom design needs.
About: This elegant Mid-Century Modern stool by Edmond J. Spence captures the organic sophistication of 1950s design. Constructed in rich teak, the stool features a warm, tastefully aged patina that enhances the wood’s natural grain, complemented by angled legs and sculptural corner posts that add a refined touch. The seat is crafted from woven black leather strips, also bearing a tasteful patina that speaks to its vintage charm, offering both durability and a tactile allure. The minimalist yet expressive design reflects Spence’s signature style, blending Scandinavian influences with American mid-century aesthetics. Perfect as a standalone accent or functional seating piece, this stool is a timeless addition to any collector’s space or modernist interior, showcasing the enduring craftsmanship of the era.
Designer and manufacturer, Edmond J. Spence (1912–1986) was an American furniture designer renowned for his contributions to the Mid-Century Modern movement. Born in New York, Spence began his career in the 1930s, initially working as a designer for various furniture companies before launching his own firm in the 1940s. He gained prominence in the 1950s for his organic, sculptural designs, often produced in collaboration with manufacturers in Mexico and Sweden, where he utilized local craftsmanship to create pieces in woods like walnut and teak. Spence’s work is characterized by clean lines, elegant proportions, and a blend of Scandinavian and American influences, frequently incorporating materials like leather and woven elements. His designs, including stools, chairs, and case goods, remain highly sought after by collectors for their timeless appeal and quality craftsmanship.
Origin: United States of America
Proof: Ample Provenance - Industry Consensus
Period: 1950s
Material: Teak | Leather
State: As-Is (Patinaed)
Condition Details: This archetypically minimalist footstool designed by the influential Edmund J. Spence is in 100% original, vintage condition. The solid teak frame and legs show character-rich patina with scratches, gouges and nicks throughout (which can be seen in the detail photos and natural light video provided).
The leather straps too show patina and a small tear (shown in the detail photos provided) but all leather straps are intact and weight-bearing. As purists, we strive to leave all of our pieces in as original condition as possible. However we do offer restoration services and a full carpentry shop which can professionally sand and refinish the teak. If this option interests you please message us prior to checkout to discuss options and pricing.
This icon of the 50's is structurally sound and ready for a lifetime more of use. Please view all photos and natural light video provided for details on this footstool's current condition. We're limited on the amount of media we can post so additional photos and videos are available upon request.
Style: Mid-Century Modern | Scandinavian Modern
SKU: AM02545
---Dimensions---
Width: 16 in / 40.64 cm
Depth: 16 in / 40.64 cm
Height: 18.75 in / 47.63 cm
-- Shipping and Handling --
This shipping total in the listing is for local pickup only. If you would like to manage shipping yourself, we have several companies we will gladly recommend. If you prefer to have us manage the shipping process we ship to the US and Canada. Rates vary by location. Please message us prior to payment and checkout as you will receive an additional invoice for shipping, handling, and insurance if we manage the process for you in this transaction.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Do I get the piece(s) in the listing? Yes you can but we also source other pieces and have many others in stock if this isn't the exact piece(s) you were looking for. The piece(s) in this listing are currently available for sale as-is, restored or re-worked and will be noted in the description above. If this isn't the exact piece you are looking for or you would like this piece customized, please send us a private message and we'll do our best to meet your specific needs in sourcing or creating your dream piece(s).
Do you ship overseas? Can I manage shipping myself? Each listing includes shipping information specific to the item being sold. If our shipping service does not include your location or if you would like to manage the shipping process yourself for any other reason please message us prior to checkout to discuss your options.
Why buy ABTModern? We pride ourselves in finding truly amazing, one-of-a-kind pieces and bringing them to you, our clients! We are a small family business and take tremendous pride in doing what we love. Thank you for allowing us to do what we love! Please know we make YOU our NUMBER 1 PRIORITY throughout the entire process. It's our honor to serve you with your furniture and custom design needs.