![]() The Creation of Drexel HeritageĪ major turning point came in 1955, when the Drexel Furniture Company was officially incorporated, merging three yearslater,r in 1958 with the Heritage Furniture Company to form Drexel Heritage Furniture Company. ![]() As a well-established manufacturer, Drexel was poised to scale up production during this period. A larger manufacturing facility opened in 1935 to meet growing demand.ĭrexel took advantage of America’s post-war economic boom in the 1950s, which fueled growth in the housing and furniture markets. As the company continued to expand over the next decades, it widened its product lineup to include upholstered seating and occasional furniture. Expanding Production and Offeringsīy the 1920s, Drexel was gaining acclaim for its bedroom and dining room collections. George Drexel implemented modern production techniques and emphasized skilled craftsmanship. Drexel and his son George Drexel, who took over in 1916, set the course for Drexel’s future growth and reputation for finely made furnishings. Drexel chose to initially focus on producing high-quality bedroom suites to establish the new company. Valdese proved an ideal location with its ready access to lumber and transport routes. ![]() The Drexel Furniture Company was founded in 1903 by A.J. Their evolution as a company closely mirrors wider trends in 20th-century furniture styles. The story of Drexel Heritage Furniture Company spans over nine decades of American furniture manufacturing and includes major expansions, mergers, changing styles, and eventual decline. History of Drexel Heritage Furniture Company Practical advice on proper care and restoration is also included to help cherish these vintage pieces for generations to come. For buyers and collectors, the article provides insider tips on where to hunt for treasures, assessing condition and value, and keys to building an investment-worthy Drexel Heritage collection. It explores in detail how to identify authentic Drexel Heritage pieces, from construction and materials to distinguishing marks. This in-depth guide takes a look at the rich history of this important vintage furniture brand. Their designs helped define mid-century modern aesthetics in America. Over its nine-decade history, Drexel produced many classic furniture collections that are highly sought after today by vintage furniture lovers, interior designers, and collectors. Founded in 1903 in Valdese, North Carolina, Drexel Heritage Furniture Company (originally Drexel Furniture Company) rose to become one of the largest manufacturers of high-quality household furnishings in the United States by the 1950s and 60s. ![]() Tip: Click on an actual thumbnail – it will open quite large, and you can continue the slide show from there.Drexel Heritage Furniture: The Epitome of American Mid-Century Design and Craftsmanshipĭrexel Heritage is one of the most iconic names in vintage and antique American furniture. Femme1 owns the walnut dining table and chairs #K40, and the round extension table, with #K62, the side chairs. He also is well known for designing silver for Towle, particularly the Contour design his particular attention to the drawer pulls and other hardware on Profile pieces is noted in the catalog. Van Koert started out as a jewelry designer for Harry Winston after WWII and later branched into industrial design. The Drexel Profile furniture collection was designed by John Van Koert, and it was in production from 1955 to 1961. I’ve now started a stand-alone page on the line, which you can check out anytime.Ĭlick thru here for info on the designer John Van Koert and a 23-photo catalog from 1960…and check back on the Profile Page anytime for future updates. Thanks to Femme1 for obtaining a first solid dose of info and history on the Drexel Profile line – including this complete 1960 catalog, courtesy of the excellent customer service at Drexel Heritage. Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021 these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.
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