Few had their finger on the pulse of American furniture like importer and distributor Raymor. Founder Irving Richards first had his eyes opened to the world of furniture while attending the 1928 Salon d’Automne art and design fair in Paris. He joined Lightolier two years later and developed its business relationships, including with designer Russel Wright.
Wright and Richards met in 1935 and Russel Wright, Inc. was formed in 1936. Its American Modern ceramic tableware, produced under the name Wright Accessories in 1938, was a notably lucrative collaboration. Following the early success of American Modern, Richards obtained the majority share of Wright Accessories and changed its name to Raymor Mfg Division Inc. in 1941.
By 1952, the exclusivity over American Modern had ended (the line was initially produced by Wright Associates and later manufactured by Steubenville for two decades). To keep up with American markets, Raymor worked with prominent designers such as George Nelson, Arthur Umanoff, Ray and Charles Eames, and Hans J. Wegner.
The company’s imports expanded to Denmark, which contributed to the rise of Scandinavian modern designs in the American market. Throughout the 1950s, Richards established relationships with factories in Scandinavia, Italy and Germany, as well as with the influential tastemaker and importer Charles Stendig.
The furniture company Simmons bought Raymor in 1963 and changed its name to Raymor Richards, Morgenthau Inc. in 1969. During that time, Raymor’s Omnibus range of Scandinavian-style wall units became widely popular, along with Italian glass and pottery like Bitossi ceramics designed by Aldo Londi and Bagni ceramics by Alvino Bagni.
Shifting styles coupled with rising competition, and the departure of Richards from the company, ended Raymor. By the late 1970s, Raymor faced a wave of international factories able to produce similar products of lesser quality for a lower cost. Buyers were eager to frequently change their interior styles, limiting the need for high-end, durable furniture, which Raymor had been importing.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Raymor ceramics, lamps, decorative objects and more.
Mid Century Iron and Brass Valet Stand 1950s
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid Century iron and brass valet stand. Designed to hang jackets and pants, USA. 1950s
Brass, Iron
Mid-Century Tony Paul Design Iron Magazine Rack for Woodlin-Hall
By Woodlin-Hall, Tony Paul
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredibly stylish Tony Paul wrought iron and wood magazine rack for Woodlin-Hall. Beautifully crafted as a skeletal iron frame with ball feet ...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Danish Modern Staved Teak Magazine Holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice and hard to find Danish modern staved teak magazine holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The piece is 18" W x 17.25" D x ...
Teak
American Mid Century Atomic Age Rare Small Desk Iron & Laminate
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Super cool and rare vintage iron desk with hairpin legs and formica top , featured in Elton John record cover same desk , Pacific design school ...
Iron
Perforated Metal Catch All Floor Ashtray by Richard Galef, USA, 1950s Design
By Richard Galef
Located in San Diego, CA
Floor Ashtray or Catch all by Richard Galef for Ravenware. Perforated metal, USA, 1950s.
Metal
Vintage Mid-Century Tulip Base Plant Stand
By Milo Baughman, Jonathan Adler
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible tulip based vintage planter . This piece is sculptural and epic. A tulip style base holds a planter base that is sculpturally created of wood rods. The end result is a ...
Wood
