When discussing Edward Wormley, a master of mid century modern design, the words timeless, elegant, and refined often come into play. Rooted in tradition, his decidedly modern designs boast an understated aesthetic, seamless integration of classic elements, and singular twists, which give each piece a unique identity. According to Fred Shaw of Assemblage Ltd. in Chicago, Illinois, “His pieces have a certain je ne sais quoi that I’ve come to call ‘Country Club Modern.’ By that I mean it was built for affluent mid-century people who had rejected traditional furniture designs as boring but were not yet ready for the spare modernity of Eames et al.  It was unimpeachable good taste.”

Born outside of Chicago in 1907, Wormley spent a couple of years studying at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago before a lack of funds forced him to abandon his collegiate career. In 1928, he took a job in the interior design studio at the Marshall Field & Company department store.

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