Wendell Castle: Father of the American Studio Furniture Movement
Bridging high art and smart function, Wendell Castle's unforgettable furnishings resonate with collectors and design mavens
For almost five decades, Wendell Castle has been creating unique handmade sculpture and furnishings that meld fantasy and form. He is at the forefront in the field of American studio furniture, earning fame for his exceptional work.
To appreciate Castle's talent, it is important to understand what comprises "studio furniture." Briefly, any furnishings designed and produced by an artisan in his or her studio, under very limited production, qualify — never would they be mass produced in a factory. Usually the design, materials and a high level of originality are essential to the process. But at all times, the piece has to have functionality as well.
The Wendell Castle Collection can be found at various designer showrooms across the country. And as he has been a main fixture in studio furniture design for so long, his vintage pieces are highly coveted. Here are 9 great examples and a taste of his current line.
To appreciate Castle's talent, it is important to understand what comprises "studio furniture." Briefly, any furnishings designed and produced by an artisan in his or her studio, under very limited production, qualify — never would they be mass produced in a factory. Usually the design, materials and a high level of originality are essential to the process. But at all times, the piece has to have functionality as well.
The Wendell Castle Collection can be found at various designer showrooms across the country. And as he has been a main fixture in studio furniture design for so long, his vintage pieces are highly coveted. Here are 9 great examples and a taste of his current line.
Wendell Castle Floor Lamps
This collection of vintage floor lamps designed by Castle, ca. 1969, are incredible sculptural representations of his extraordinary talent. They are all made out of brightly colored gel-coated fiberglass, a material he popularized through his work. Just about all of Castle's designs from the 1960s through the '70s are highly sought after by collectors today.
Castle's fusion of furniture and sculpture and his innovative use of new materials have inspired innumerable designers and artists. His designs have always been reflections of the popular culture of the times.
This year he will celebrate his 80th birthday, and he is still going strong in the creativity department, probably at the height of his career.
This year he will celebrate his 80th birthday, and he is still going strong in the creativity department, probably at the height of his career.
Molar Group Settee
His forms are organic and appear just shaken out of an artist's mold — as if you were to touch them, they might feel wet. His "Molar Group" red settee in bright red gel coating looks as if it might just take a bite out of you when you sit down on it.
The White Edition Cloud Shelf
Here is a design of a shelf from his "White Edition" Molar Group Cloud Shelf, ca. 1969, also constructed out of gel-coated fiberglass. Using pieces that have a foot in the art world totally reinvents the look of a space and helps truly personalize a home.
Wendell Castle Mirror
Castle also is famous for his carved and stacked, laminated wood creations. This unique mirror, ca. 1976, is a perfect example of "organic meets whimsy," with tons of functionality. Plus, it has its own shelf. The mirror inserted within the curvaceous frame is quasi-egg-shaped, not a perfect oval, and the frame exhibits a sense of movement, almost as if it ripples around the mirror.
Wendell Castle Dining Table
This table, designed in 1978, demonstrates Castle's use of stack-laminated ebonized maple for a base that appears to be swirling. The top is composed of bird's-eye maple with a green resin inlay. The fluidity of the design makes the table appear to be in motion.
The Black Edition Big Table
This enormous table is part of "The Black Edition" Big Table. Constructed out of gel-coated, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, it has removable and reversible center sections. The original table was designed in 1970 for an office in Rochester, New York. It is practical yet highly artistic, appearing to undulate when all of the pieces are together.
Sluggo Floor Lamp
Meet the "gel-coated beauty" floor lamp called "Sluggo," all dressed up in blue metallic auto body paint and completed in 1969. The name says it all, and there is not much more to add to its description. Castle has recently reissued eight more of these delightful lighting creatures, so now is the time to purchase one.
Pinkie Floor Lamp
The next two pictures depict more fabulous floor lamps by Castle: "Pinkie," with one single bulb, and "Raquel," with an illuminated spin.
Raquel Floor Lamp
Castle is known for his reinterpretations of the commonplace and the ordinary.
In addition to scouring eBay and auctions, R20thCentury in New York City is a great spot for hunting down vintage Wendell Castle.
In addition to scouring eBay and auctions, R20thCentury in New York City is a great spot for hunting down vintage Wendell Castle.
Sizzle Table, 3 Pod
Insider tip: For those who don't have the pocketbook to purchase a vintage piece, Castle's new designs can be found at designer showrooms across the country. This, his wild and wonderful "Sizzle Table," is one of the most popular pieces in his new collection.