Edward Wormley for Dunbar Three-Bay Walnut & Brass Shelving System, 1952
Wall-mounted modular shelving system designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1952, executed in walnut with adjustable brass standards, finished wood edges, and brass shelf supports.
The expansive three-bay composition includes 12 adjustable walnut shelves, comprising ten narrower shelves and two deeper shelves, together with an angled magazine display shelf and two case elements. One case features a drop-front panel opening to a laminate writing surface, while the second is fitted with two interior compartments and an adjustable/removable shelf.
The original Dunbar catalog identifies the shelving as Model 5237, describing ¾-inch walnut shelves with adjustable brass shelf supports and standards. The magazine shelf corresponds to Model 5237C, described in the catalog as a walnut magazine shelf with adjustable brackets.
The modular construction allows the shelves and case elements to be positioned at varying heights, giving the system considerable flexibility. The combination of long horizontal walnut shelves, slender brass standards, and floating casework is a particularly strong example of Wormley’s sophisticated approach to American modernism, integrating storage, display, and a writing surface into one unified architectural composition.
Configuration: Three bays; 12 adjustable shelves; magazine display shelf; drop-front writing cabinet; two-compartment storage cabinet; six vertical wall standards with extension sections
Marks: Dunbar, Berne, Indiana label to interior of cabinet
Overall Dimensions: 108 W × 71 H in
Each Bay: 36 W in
Wall Standards:
6 standards, each 65 in long
6 extension sections, each 12 in long
The extension sections allow additional height and flexibility in configuring the installation.
Component Dimensions:
Storage cabinet: 36 W × 15 D × 15 H in
Drop-front writing cabinet: 36 W × 10 D × 13½ H in; 22 D in with writing surface open
10 narrow shelves: 36 W × 10 D × ¾ thick in
4 deep shelves: 36 W × 14 D × ¾ thick in; two pictured, two additional included
Magazine display shelf: 36 W × 14 D × ¾ thick in with approximately 1 in front display lip
Condition: Good original vintage condition with wear consistent with age and use. Walnut retains a warm, rich patina. Brass standards and hardware show appropriate age-related oxidation and wear. Shelves and case elements remain adjustable and removable.
