Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

American, 1917-2003

Ward Bennett created everything from interiors and furniture to textiles and flatware. The unsung New York City-born modernist designer drew on the work of Le Corbusier and Auguste Rodin, studied art with the likes of Abstract Expressionist painter Hans Hofmann and counted legendary American luxury house Tiffany & Co. among his clients. For decades, Bennett created and filled spaces that were elegant, minimalist and deeply appealed to everyone who laid eyes on them.

Bennett left home and school at the young age of 13. He found work in Manhattan’s Garment District, and within a few years, Bennett traveled to Europe on behalf of a clothing manufacturer to gather ideas for modern garments. He lived abroad as a young man, and when he returned to New York, during the early 1940s, he assisted fashion entrepreneur Hattie Carnegie as a window dresser.

Bennett would also go on to share a sculpture studio with artist Louise Nevelson. He ventured into the world of jewelry design, creating necklaces, bracelets and other pieces with Richard Pousette-Dart. The Whitney Museum of American Art exhibited his sculptures, and it wouldn’t be long before the Museum of Modern Art included Bennett’s personal adornments with accessories by the likes of Alexander Calder, Harry Bertoia and Anni Albers in its 1946 “Modern Handmade Jewelry” show.

Bennett didn’t take the plunge into interior design work until he was 30 years old — his inaugural project was an apartment in Manhattan and his clients were family members. He had no formal training in architecture or decorating — and would ultimately design a mere handful of houses in his life — so for his inviting leather office chairs, marble-topped tables and sleek storage cabinets, Bennett relied only on what he learned in the fashion world. Soon, every time he redecorated his own home — an elaborate apartment comprising former maids’ quarters in New York City’s magnificent Dakota building — it earned splashy coverage in the newspapers.

Bennett’s client list eventually included David Rockefeller and Chase Manhattan Bank, Tiffany & Co., Sasaki, Italian industrialist Gianni Agnelli, and others, and during the 1970s he became in-house designer for Brickel Associates, a role that would endure for more than two decades. His work is on permanent view at the Museum of Modern Art and the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York.

On 1stDibs, find vintage Ward Bennett seating, decorative objects and more.

Creator: Ward Bennett

Compatible Set Two Mid Century Ward Bennett For Brickel Assoc. Caned Desk Chairs

$2,800 / set

Compatible Set Two Mid Century Ward Bennett For Brickel Assoc. Caned Desk Chairs

By Ward Bennett

Located in Bridgeport, CT

The two classic 1970's Brickel Associates desk chairs with exposed wood barrel back frames in different tones with complementary tone caned sides and backs. The lighter chair labeled...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Leather Office Chair by Ward Bennett for Bricket Associates

$1,299

Leather Office Chair by Ward Bennett for Bricket Associates

By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

A classic desk chair in black leather by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates with original 5 star chrome base and rolling casters. Measurements tak...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

9 Swivel Tilt Desk Dining Swivel Tilt Chairs by Ward Bennet for Brickel

$4,800 / item

9 Swivel Tilt Desk Dining Swivel Tilt Chairs by Ward Bennet for Brickel

By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates

Located in New York, NY

Incredible desk, office, or even dining chairs, designed by Ward Bennett, for Brickel Associates, circa 1960's. The chairs features supple leather seats, and backs , with a curvaceou...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

1986 Ward Bennett Brickel Associates Executive Office Chair, Oak & Fabric (4x)

$2,500 / item

1986 Ward Bennett Brickel Associates Executive Office Chair, Oak & Fabric (4x)

By Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is an Executive Office Chair designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates in 1970. These particular examples were produced in 1986 in the United States. The chair features an...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

Ward Bennett for Brickel and Associates Desk Conference Chair

$1,040 / item

Ward Bennett for Brickel and Associates Desk Conference Chair

By Ward Bennett

Located in Pasadena, TX

Bumper desk chair by Ward Bennett for Brickel and Associates Ward Bennett for Brickel and Associates Task Chair Bronze 4-star swivel conference room chair in a green tweed fabric....

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Rare Set of 24 Ward Bennett for Brickel Custom Executive Leather & Brass Chairs

$50,000 / set

Rare Set of 24 Ward Bennett for Brickel Custom Executive Leather & Brass Chairs

By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Designed by American design legend Ward Bennett, these chairs were produced in the mid 1980s by Brickel Associates, known for their American construction and exceptional quality. Not...

Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Brass, Bronze

1969 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Bumper Desk Chair in Leather

$1,950 / item

1969 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Bumper Desk Chair in Leather

By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Listed for sale is a single (multiple chairs are available, though the price listed is for each chair) Bumper bucket desk chair designed by Ward Benn...

Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

One Vintage Midcentury Ward Bennett Brickel Executive Chair

$3,900

One Vintage Midcentury Ward Bennett Brickel Executive Chair

By Ward Bennett

Located in Pasadena, TX

Best known for his interiors, Mr. Bennett`s projects include residence in New York, London, Venice and Rome, as well as his own quarter, a Manhattan apartment atop the Dakota, a coun...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

1984 Ward Bennett Brickel Associates Desk Chair, Leather & Oiled Ash (2x)

$3,000 / item

1984 Ward Bennett Brickel Associates Desk Chair, Leather & Oiled Ash (2x)

By Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is an Executive Office Chair, initially designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates in 1970. These particular examples were produced in 1984 in the United States. The listed...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

1970s Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Model 1081 Walnut Desk Chair

$2,000 / item

1970s Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Model 1081 Walnut Desk Chair

By Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Model 1081 Desk Chair, initially designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates. These particular examples were produced in the 1970s in the United States. Their design fe...

Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Foam, Walnut, Fabric

1991 Ward Bennett Executive Desk Chair for Brickel Associates 12x Available

$3,500 / item

1991 Ward Bennett Executive Desk Chair for Brickel Associates 12x Available

By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates

Located in Philadelphia, PA

These are Executive Bumper Swivel Desk Chairs, initially designed by Ward Bennett in 1969. These were produced by Brickel Associates in 1991 and are all original. The listed price in...

Category

1990s American Modern Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel, Bronze

1980s Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Desk Chair in Leather and Ash Frame

$4,000

1980s Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Desk Chair in Leather and Ash Frame

By Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a desk chair, originally designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates. This particular example was produced in the 1980s. The design features a barrel-back ash wood frame ...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Caned Desk Chair by Ward Bennett

$5,800 / item

Caned Desk Chair by Ward Bennett

By Ward Bennett

Located in Dallas, TX

A caned back tilt / swivel desk chair with Ash frame designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel. Refinished and reupholstered.

Category

1970s Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Ash

Armchair by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates, 1970s

$2,800 / item

Armchair by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates, 1970s

By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates

Located in Sagaponack, NY

An elegant and comfortable armchair having a fluid and bold ash frame seamlessly encasing a seat upholstered in vintage green wool fabric. Upholstery recommended.

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Ash

Desk Chair by Ward Bennett

$4,800

Desk Chair by Ward Bennett

By Ward Bennett

Located in Dallas, TX

A high back, adjustable height, tilting desk chair by Ward Bennett. Refinished Ash frame with new Holly Hunt upholstery.

Category

1970s Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Ash

1984 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Desk Chair in Fabric with Ash Frame

$2,500 / item

1984 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Desk Chair in Fabric with Ash Frame

By Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is an Executive Office Chair, initially designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates in 1970. These particular examples were produced in 1984 in the United States. Their desi...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Sleek Ward Bennett for Lehigh Naugahyde Barrell Back Desk Chairs

$850 / item

Sleek Ward Bennett for Lehigh Naugahyde Barrell Back Desk Chairs

By Lehigh Furniture Company, Ward Bennett

Located in Hudson, NY

Ward Bennett amazingly sleek designed office chair on aluminium star base. 3 available. All good condition with the exception of the naugahyde upholstery. All have some small tears a...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Ward Bennett Upholstered Desk Chair for Brickel Associates

$4,000

Ward Bennett Upholstered Desk Chair for Brickel Associates

By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Ward Bennett upholstered desk chair for Brickel Associates, c.1960s, USA. This chair features a curved frame and all over upholstery. The chair has both a tilt and swivel mechanism a...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

1984 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Desk Chair in Leather with Ash Frame

$2,500 / item

1984 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Desk Chair in Leather with Ash Frame

By Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is an Executive Office Chair, initially designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates in 1970. These particular examples were produced in 1984 in the United States. Their desi...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

1 Ward Bennett for Brickel and Associates Leather Desk Chair

$2,560Sale Price / item|20% Off

1 Ward Bennett for Brickel and Associates Leather Desk Chair

By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates

Located in Pasadena, TX

Ward Bennett for Brickel and Associates Barrel-Back leather desk chair 6 available 4-star anodized bronze base swivel conference room chair...

Category

1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

1980s Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Bronze & Fabric Bucket Desk Chairs 2x

$1,800 / item

1980s Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Bronze & Fabric Bucket Desk Chairs 2x

By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a single sculptural barrel-back desk chair, retaining its original blue fabric upholstered seat, and resting on a bronze 5-point base with Shepherd Profile casters. This chai...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Desk Chair by Ward Bennett

$3,800 / item

Desk Chair by Ward Bennett

By Ward Bennett

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A desk chair with original sage upholstery, on an X-form base. Casters can be added.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

1986 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Executive Office Chair in Oak w/ Fabric

$2,500 / item

1986 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Executive Office Chair in Oak w/ Fabric

By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is an Executive Office Chair designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates in 1970. This particular example was produced in 1986 in the United States. The chair features an oa...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

Barrel-Back Desk Chair by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates

$3,800 / item

Barrel-Back Desk Chair by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates

By Ward Bennett

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A barrel-back desk chair with the original channel-stitched black leather upholstery, on an X-form caster base. Please inquire for upholstery options.

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Ward Bennett Black Lacquered and Chrome Desk Chair on Casters

$2,500 / item

Ward Bennett Black Lacquered and Chrome Desk Chair on Casters

By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett

Located in Palm Springs, CA

1988 Ward Bennett Executive desk chair on casters. The hight is adjustable, 360 swivel and tilt back. The frame is constructed of black lacquered ash wood with a chrome base. Origin...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

1 Ward Bennett for Brickel and Associates Desk Conference Chair

$2,560Sale Price|20% Off

1 Ward Bennett for Brickel and Associates Desk Conference Chair

By Ward Bennett

Located in Pasadena, TX

1 Ward Bennett for Brickel and associates barrel-back leather chair 4-star anodized bronze base swivel conference room chair in a rich brow...

Category

1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Leather Chairs by Ward Bennett for Bricket Associates (Several Available)

$1,299 / item

Leather Chairs by Ward Bennett for Bricket Associates (Several Available)

By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

A classic desk chair in dark midnight blue almost black leather by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates with original 5 star chrome base and rolling ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

1986 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Desk Chair in Fabric from IBM

$2,500 / item

1986 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Desk Chair in Fabric from IBM

By Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is an Executive Office Chair designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates in 1970. These particular examples were produced in 1986 in the United States. The chair features an...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

Ward Bennett Desk Chair

$3,200

Ward Bennett Desk Chair

By Ward Bennett

Located in Dallas, TX

A tilting desk chair with bronze base designed by Ward Bennett. Height adjustable. Reupholstered in a Holly Hunt fabric.

Category

1970s Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Bronze

1986 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Executive Office Chair in Red Fabric

$2,500 / item

1986 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Executive Office Chair in Red Fabric

By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

These are Executive Office Chairs, designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates in ca. 1970. The chairs are framed in Cherry-stained Oak, having coordinating wood trim on their fi...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

Ward Bennett Desk Chair

$3,200

Ward Bennett Desk Chair

By Ward Bennett

Located in Dallas, TX

A tilting desk chair with bronze base designed by Ward Bennett. Height adjustable. Reupholstered in a Holly Hunt fabric.

Category

1970s Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Bronze

1984 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Desk Chair in Fabric with Oak Frame

$2,500 / item

1984 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Desk Chair in Fabric with Oak Frame

By Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is an Executive Office Chair, initially designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates in 1970. These particular examples were produced in 1984 in the United States. Their desi...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

1986 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Executive Office Chair in with Fabric

$2,500 / item

1986 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Executive Office Chair in with Fabric

By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is an Executive Office Chair designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates in 1970. This particular example was produced in 1986 in the United States. The chair features a red...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

Ward Bennett Desk Chair

$3,200

Ward Bennett Desk Chair

By Ward Bennett

Located in Dallas, TX

A tilting desk chair with bronze base designed by Ward Bennett. Height adjustable. Reupholstered in a Holly Hunt fabric.

Category

1970s Vintage Ward Bennett Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Ward Bennett office chairs and desk chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Ward Bennett office chairs and desk chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Ward Bennett office chairs and desk chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original office chairs and desk chairs by Ward Bennett were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider office chairs and desk chairs by Steelcase, Charles Eames, and George Nelson. Prices for Ward Bennett office chairs and desk chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $850 and can go as high as $9,600, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,200.