Over the coming months I will be working on expanding the available knowledge base on this truly remarkable american designer.
Hope you enjoy the show!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Who is Arthur Umanoff?
Over the coming months I will be working on expanding the available knowledge base on this truly remarkable american designer.
Hope you enjoy the show!
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I am a huge fan of umanoff's work. My family is also from Ardsley. Is there any information about him that you have? I also collect some of his work.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Frank
There's tons more information that I have on Arthur Umanoff. I'll be expanding the information on here over the weeks to come (whenever I find the free time).
ReplyDeleteI just bought 4 barstools that look to me to be Umanoff classic slatted barstools except for the fact that the base the chair is sitting on is wooden rather than metal. I've been looking online to see if I can find any info about authenticating the stools, but as yet have come up short. The base and the seat appear to be the same age as the wood grain is similar and have aged to roughly the same color. I'd be happy to send pictures if you'd like a look. I don't see any markings on any of the chairs with the exception of a partial stamp on the bottom of one that says made in the USA. Any ideas? If you don't know would you be so kind as to direct me to someone who might? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have a bar set with two stools I'm sure are Umanoffs. The stools are the slat back and seat design but the stand up bar is sort of a cross between the bar carts I've seen with a stand up bar. It's about 42" h x 48" w, and has 3 different color panels on the front instead of the 3" slats. I haven't seen anything else like it. Do these pieces have manufacturers markings in any particular place? I'd like to positively identify it thus set so I can price it for sale. I have pics and I can email them. Are there any old catalogs or other ads that might show them? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeletePlease send em some photos and I will see what i can do to help you out. There's an email link in my complete profile.
ReplyDeleteThey're on their way. Thanks Jonathan.
ReplyDeleteDid you get the photos I emailed you yesterday Jonathan?
ReplyDeleteYes I did Mark and e-mailed you a response earlier this AM. I would say your bar is a 1960's variation by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard. Take a look at the e-mail I sent for more detailed information.
ReplyDeleteArt Umanoff was the main designer for Madison Furniture Industries, Canton, Mississippi. He lived in Dobbs Ferry, NY along the Hudson River.
ReplyDeleteI visited him in his office in Downtown NYC and at this residence.
Madison was acquired by Shelby Williams Industries in 1966, and I retired from Madison in 1973 and now live in Madison, MS
Lou Shornick Age 93
The Umanoffs lived in Ardsley, the village East of Dobbs Ferry.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThanks I love Umanoff and am looking forward to more info. Thanks for the old ads more inspired than ever to time travel
ReplyDeleteMy business partner used to work with Arthur Umanoff and can probably give you some insight. Send me a message if you would like to get in contact.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteHello Maxwell
DeleteI'm afraid there is no way to contact you directly via blogger. I can only hope that you pop in to read the comments here. Please drop me a line at straylight dot wandering at gmail dot com.
He also designed a number of clocks for Howard Miller - but nowadays most seem to be attributed to George Nelson. Do you have any info on on his work for Howard Miller?
ReplyDeleteI have a wooden bowl (leaf shape) with label on bottom "Sculptured Mahogany by Umanoff" distributed by Raymor. Wondering what value it may have. It's been in our home as long as I can remember. I think my parents bought it when they were running a furniture store in Waco Texas. My husband & I love it.
ReplyDeleteIf you love it then it's priceless Diane.
ReplyDeleteHi. Arthur was my grandfathers brother. I don't remember him but I know something's about his life and certainly know people who would know more. I am also interested in his professional life. I would love to know more or help if I can. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteDo all of the Aurthur Umanoff slat wood bar stools have solid backs? I have a pair of bar stools that have slat wood seats and backs and black metal legs. All the photos of the Umanoff bar stools have solid backs.
ReplyDeleteGoodOldDaysTreasures: If you do a Google image search for Arthur Umanoff stools, you'll see that there are a few different styles of bar stools: some slatted, some solid, and some with rush backs...
ReplyDeleteWhich leads to my question for Jonathan, if you can get this specific- do you know if the bar stools with rush backs originally used rush fiber or real cattail rush? I recently found a pair of stools in sad shape with their backs missing. I'd like to re-rush them and would prefer to use the materials that were originally on them. Thanks for any insight!
Catastrophe: According to the earliest catalog I have for the Umanoff/Shaver Howard production (1954) the chairs had "hand-woven fibre rush back".
DeleteEverything the I have ever seen and examined has always utilized what I would call "twisted paper cord" which I suppose is more correctly referred to as "fiber rush"… This material was lightly lacquered with a clear semi gloss lacquer over once in place.
Thank you Catastrophe. The only ones I found with both slatted backs and seats were on eBay or Etsy. I wondered if the sellers were correct in saying they were Umanoff. I couldn't find these listed anywhere other than sellers listings. I also sell at an antique mall and on Etsy. I plan to list these, however I don't want to misrepresent them if they are reproductions. Is there any way to tell the real thing from a reproduction?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
GoodOldDaysTreasures: There are to the best of my knowledge no modern day reproductions of Arthur Umanoff's designs. There were however several period copies dating to the 50's and 60's that I have identified. The most common being a tubular steel version of the wood slat back stools. Also a wooden base version of the slat back chairs.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Very helpful info!
DeleteSo most likely a stool with a wooden base would be a reproduction?
ReplyDeleteAs a Christmas gift, in 1962, I was given a child's table and two chairs. My parents bought the set at a furniture store. As best as my Mom can remember, it was $50. I still have this complete set! My children used it and now my granddaughter uses it. If you'd like to see a picture, I'd be happy to send you one.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your research and passing the information on to others who are interested in Umanoff's designs.
Would you be willing to look at a photo of a dining table and chairs I have to let me know if you believe it to be Umanoff? I have been eating at this table for years and have not known the designer and would love to know. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHello looking for some basic info on Raymore lines of furniture whats the history or backround of that?
ReplyDeleteI think I found some really beautiful Umanoff stools-- these are the rattan stools-- the ones I found though have brown and black weave in the rattan; whereas most pictures I found of these stools have all brown. Any thoughts?
ReplyDeleteHi, We recently bought some Umanoff (esque?) bar stools and were wondering how we can authenticate them. They have : slatted wood backs and seats with black tubular legs and back supports, a chrome foot rest "ring", and a swivel mechanism in black metal. I can send pictures if that would help.
ReplyDeleteI have a patio set I have came by I believe to be Authur Umanoff..but it's 3 chairs and the round glass table. Was wondering if there was a way to authenticate them? Thanks
ReplyDelete~Connie
I have a bar that looks to be by Umanoff. We are interested in selling it. What is the best way? It has a turquoise formica top. Can I send you a picture? Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI have 6 slat bar stools looks to be Umanoff from 1954, can I send a picture Linda
ReplyDeleteI have 6 slat bar stools looks to be Umanoff from 1954, can I send a picture Linda
ReplyDeleteI have dining set and two hutches... They look like the could be umanoff but not sure. My mom thinks she bought them in the 70's... Anyone able to help?
ReplyDeleteHi Jonathan,
ReplyDeleteI have 4 Med. Century bar stools
they have the manufactured label on them.
wood back and orange sets
can I send you photos to see what the going price is.
Thanks
Sue
Did he do any designs for Madison Furniture company?
ReplyDeleteWhat were the colors of the triangle nesting tables.
ReplyDeleteI am looking for parts for my arthur umanoff grenada barstools. 2 of the black ball caps are missing. Please please let me know if you have a source where I can replace them. Thanks, Leslie
ReplyDeleteHi Jonathan,
ReplyDeleteMy partner has a wine cage that was left to her it looks to be an Arthur Umanoff: early 1950's 45 bottle lockable weathered fordge wrought iron wine rack" produced by: post modern ltd. Out of New York. How do we tell if it's truly this or reproduction? I can take pictures tomorrow if that helps?
Thank you, look forward to hearing from you on this.
Tina and Jewel
The earliest Wine Rack’s by Umanoff date to the late 1960’s and were produced by Shaver Howard. Any lockable wine racks (by any manufacturer or designer) would not have been produced until the 1970’s or later.
DeletePost Modern Ltd never produced a wine rack of any kind.
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ReplyDeleteI purchased a little swiveling stool today that I think might possibly be an Arthur Umanoff piece. If I send a picture, is there someone who could confirm for me whether or not this is authentic?
ReplyDeleteSorry, last question was from me. Kathy Courtney
DeleteJoin the Arthur Umanoff Facebook group Kathy
DeleteHi! My mom purchased some wooden slat chairs that she believes are Umanoff. They are wooden slat with a metal base with wooden legs. There are no markings identifying what they are. Would you know by looking at a photo perhaps?
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley,
DeleteHave your Mom join the Arthur Umanoff group on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ArthurUmanoff/
She can post pictures there
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI just put in a request to join the Arthur Umanoff Facebook group! I am trying to determine if a MCM rattan chair I purchased from an estate sale is Arthur Umanoff. Look forward to being approved so I can post some pics!
Thanks!
Katie G.
I am trying to figure out how to send you an email. The link does not seem to work on your profile. Do you have any information of Arthur Umanoff working for Madison Furniture out of Canton Mississippi? I have a cool three seat waiting room grouping made by them and I have seen some pieces by Madison attributed to him
ReplyDeleteI have a double bench made by Washington Wood Products, Washington, New Jersey. Similar to John Stuart's design, however I've seen some attributed to Umanoff. Grateful for your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThe benches sold by John Stuart are the Umanoff benches. John Stuart was not a furniture designer, he was a former Widdicomb employee who struck out on his own and created an independent Showroom and catalog sales operation.
DeleteI have an Arthur Umanoff solid sculptured mahogany serving dish. It’s gorgeous, stamped and with the original label. Light wear, a couple surface scratches. Hand crafted in Haiti. What could this piece be worth?
ReplyDeleteHello! I have a wrought iron and leather wine rack with a butcher block on the top that I am curious if it is an authentic Arthur him enough piece. I have looked all around the Internet and I’m struggling finding someone who can determine authenticity. Is anyone on here available to help?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your help!
Hi- I am very close to purchasing a set of 4 chairs that I am hoping to find a way to confirm are real.They are listed as buy Umanoff for Shaver Howard. I'll be emailing some images if that is alright!
ReplyDeleteI have a newspaper/magazine/record rack that i'm fairly sure is teak. it has been in my husbands family since the 60's. I'd like to know if it is a real Umanoff or a copy. How can I tell?
ReplyDeleteI HAVE WHAT I BELEIE TO BE AN UMANOFF DININT SET WITH 6 CHAIRS AND AN OCTAGONAL TABLE THAT WERE REUPHOLSTERED CHAIRS WHICH WERE LEFT OUTSIDE NAD THE WOOD LOOKS WORN OUT. I WAS THINKING OF PAINTING THE STEELS AND REUPHOLSTERING. WOULD IT LOSE VALUE IF I REPLACE THE WOOD IN THE SEAT. THEY HAVE THE LABEL WHICH INDICATES ITS SHAVER HOWARD.
ReplyDeleteI recently found Umanoff bar stools and the paper cord is very dirty. What advice can you give me on how to properly clean the wicker.
ReplyDeleteThank you