Woodard Furniture Co.
American
Woodard Furniture Company’s diverse offerings have included everything from pine caskets to premium patio furniture over the years.
Lyman E. Woodward founded the family business Woodard Brothers (he dropped the second w for his venture’s name), later Woodard Furniture Co., in Owosso, Michigan, in 1866.
Woodard Furniture produced wood furniture such as birch and oak bedroom pieces, window and door blinds and even pine caskets. Demand for the latter increased during the spread of the Spanish flu in America, and Woodard’s casket business — a new company called Owosso Casket Company — thrived, becoming the largest casket manufacturer in the world throughout the 1920s. Two U.S. presidents, William McKinley and Benjamin Harrison, were buried in Owosso caskets.
On the furniture side, Lyman’s son Lee Woodard spun off his own business as Lee L. Woodard and Sons, opening a shop with his sons, Joseph, Lyman II and Russell Woodard.
During the 1930s, the new company explored the use of metal in furniture-making and introduced a wrought-iron set of patio dining furniture featuring ornate grillwork inspired by French design called Orleans in 1940. The line became a best seller and kick-started the company’s international reputation as a patio-furniture maker, even as the Woodard factory subsequently shifted toward supporting the wartime efforts in manufacturing parts for trucks and military equipment. After World War II, the business returned to making furniture.
Over the years, Woodard and Sons would go on to master metallurgy in furniture making, developing expertise in wrought iron, cast aluminum and tubular aluminum for both indoor and outdoor pieces. While the business started with more traditional styles of furnishings, the company would go on to embrace mid-century modernism. In fact, one of Woodard’s most famous pieces is 1956’s Sculptura chair, variously credited over the years to Russell and/or Joseph.
The Sculptura was reportedly the first sculpted chair made without molds. Not unlike Harry Bertoia’s elegant steel-wire Side chair (also a mid-century darling) in its undulating form, the Sculptura chair, which is composed entirely of enameled woven wrought-iron wire, bears similarity to Eero Saarinen’s Womb chair and Charles and Ray Eames’s DAX chair.
The beloved Sculptura chair was added to the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum’s permanent collection in 1994.
While the Woodard business is no longer in family hands, the company continues to produce fine patio furniture today and even reintroduced the Sculptura chair in 2015 as nostalgia for mid-century modernism gained steam again.
Find vintage Woodard wrought-iron patio chairs, spun fiberglass dining tables and more for sale on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Woodard Furniture Co.
Mid-Century Modern Patio Sofa Set by Woodard
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, 3 piece, patio seating set by Lee L Woodard Sons features two, painted wrought iron, 3 seat sofas upholstered in pale pink textured o...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Wrought Iron
Set of Four "Sculptura" Patio Dining Armchairs by Lee Woodard
By Woodard Furniture Co., Russell Woodard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four dining armchairs by Lee Woodard for Woodard Furniture, c.1950s, USA. The armchairs are from Woodard’s “Sculptura” line designe...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Woodard Glass Top Wrought Iron Side Tables
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Woodard glass top tables with wrought iron and mesh steel base. Recently powder coated in matte black finish. New glides added to feet.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Wrought Iron
Set of 4 Mid-Century Danish Modern Woodard Sculptura Mesh Arm Chairs
By Woodard Furniture Co., John Woodard
Located in Wilmington, DE
What a find. Offered is a set of 4 Mid-Century Modern outdoor armchairs designed by John Woodard, circa 1956 for the 'Sculptura' line. Features enameled and woven wrought iron. The c...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pr. Sculptura Chantilly Rose Lounge Chairs
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional pair of Woodard Sculpture Satellite lounge chairs, in turquoise paint finish. Both are in very good condition, clean and ready to use. We offer custom powder coating if you prefer a different finish. Offered and priced as a pair.
Please view our extensive collection of vintage garden, patio, and poolside furniture...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Wrought Iron
Two Woodard Sculptura Round Top Side Tables in Gloss Black
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Ferndale, MI
Two Woodard occasional tables from the sculpture series. 20" diameter tops sit at 19" tall galley surrounding the top adds 2" to height. Both ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pr. Ornate Wrought Iron Patio Garden Dining Chairs by Lee Woodard
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Pair ornate wrought iron dining chairs, with original vinyl seats. Both are in very fine, ready to use condition, retaining Lee Woodard labels. Offered and priced as a pair.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Rococo Revival Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Wrought Iron
Set of 4 Mid Century Danish Modern Woodard Sculptura Low Profile Side Chairs
By Woodard Furniture Co., John Woodard
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a set of 4 mid century Danish modern woodard sculptura side chairs designed by John Woodard, circa 1956 for the 'Sculptura' line. Feat...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Wrought Iron
Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Woodard Outdoor Sculptura Chairs
By Woodard Furniture Co., John Woodard
Located in Wilmington, DE
Set of 4 Mid-Century Danish Modern woodard sculptural arm chairs
Offered is a set of 4 Mid-Century Modern outdoor arm chairs designed by Russell Woodard (circa 1956) for the 'Sculp...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Wrought Iron
Sculptura Lounge
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Mid-century Woodard Sculptura high back lounge chair in very fine condition, clean and ready to use. This is a hard to find form, not often seen on the market.
Currently in an exub...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Wrought Iron
Woodard Sculptura Stool, Ottoman, Footrest in Metal Mesh and Wrought Iron
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Rare Woodard Sculptura ottoman footrest, ottoman, stool, in very good, clean and ready to use condition. This form is sought after, and not o...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Wrought Iron
Completely Restored Woodard Full Size Wrought Iron Couch in Black Powder Coat
By Russell Woodard, Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Ferndale, MI
Wrought iron with steel mesh couch by Woodard. From the sculpture line fresh modernist design. Maybe the best available, finished in gloss black powder coat ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Wrought Iron
Woodard Sculptura Armchairs
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of original Woodard Sculptura armchairs. A versatile option for outdoor entertaining, this set is dining chair height so can be used with a pati...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Iron
Russell Woodard Mid-Century Modern White Mesh Sculptura High Back Lounge Chair
By Russell Woodard, Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Russell Woodard for Woodard mesh Sculptura high back lounge chair. Older white paint, shows some wear, loss to paint. Can be sandblasted, dipped in rust-prohibitor...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Iron
Set of 4 Wrought Iron Dining Chairs by Lee Woodard
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Stylish set of wrought iron patio, garden wrought iron dining chairs by Lee Woodard. These chairs have wrought iron frames with upholstered vinyl seats, all are structurally sound an...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Wrought Iron
Vintage Russell Woodard Woven Spun Fiberglass Swivel Rolling Club Lounge Chairs
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Russell Woodard woven spun fiberglass swivel rolling club lounge chairs and ottoman. Item features woven spun fiberglass frames, (2) swivel rolling club chairs...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Fiberglass
Midcentury Rocking Chair by Lee Woodard
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautifully designed sculptural rocker by Lee Woodard, with tufted leather body and brass railing.
(Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer)...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Brass
Russell Woodard Round Table and Four Chairs
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Aluminum Russell woodard black tinted glass top table and chairs by Lee L. Woodard & Sons. Table is 42" diameter x 28.5" H. chairs are black...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Metal
Round Metal Mesh Top Garden Table
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Metal dining height garden table. Mesh top on tubular structure frame, suitable for indoor/ outdoor use.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Rocking Chair by Lee Woodard
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This sculpted metal frame rocking chair with tufted vinyl upholstery makes a stylish and comfortable addition to any seating area. The scrolled metal rockers...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Metal
Regency Side Chairs with Bronze Accents by Russel Woodard, Set
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Elegant Mid-century set of four iron Regency style side chairs with bronze scrollwork accents, in curvilinear dynamic form and tufted gold velvet cushions.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Bronze, Iron
Modernist Woodard Iron Dining Table
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Circular mesh top patio, garden table. Interesting modernist design, original condition, paint finish shows some wear, top paint shows variation in color, as shown.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Iron
Vintage Woodard Patio Set
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Cumberland, RI
This is a beautiful vintage patio set by Woodard, a renowned brand in outdoor furniture. The 3 person sofa is provides generous seating and is comfortable with cushions added. The 2 ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Wrought Iron
Vintage Woodard Wrought Iron Rose Pattern Springer Patio Arm Chairs - Set of 4
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Woodard Wrought Iron Rose Pattern Springer Patio Arm Chairs - Set of 4. Circa Late 20th to Early 21st Century. Measurements: 39.5" H x 26.5" W...
Category
Late 20th Century Victorian Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Woodard Wrought Iron with Steel Mesh Settees Recently Powder Coated
By Russell Woodard, Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Ferndale, MI
Russell Woodard sculptura series pair of settees. Wrought iron frames support thinner wire mesh seat and back rests. Properly restored finished in gloss black powder coat. New foot g...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Wrought Iron
Russell Woodard Round Black Wrought Iron & Mesh Patio Side Table or Drinks Stand
By Woodard Furniture Co., Russell Woodard
Located in St. Louis, MO
Russell Woodard designed round side or drinks table often see along side his Sculptura line chairs and settees. This table has been blasted, dipped in rust inhibitor and repainted sa...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Wrought Iron
Gloss Black Wrought Iron and Mesh Steel Settee by Russell Lee Woodard Co.
By Woodard Furniture Co., Russell Woodard
Located in Ferndale, MI
A wrought iron and mesh settee by Russell Lee Woodard Co. Properly restored in gloss black powder coat with new foot glides installed.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Woodard Furniture Co.
Materials
Steel, Wrought Iron
Woodard Furniture Co. furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Woodard Furniture Co. furniture 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 Woodard Furniture Co. furniture, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Woodard Furniture Co. 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 furniture by Salterini, Brown Jordan, and Richard Schultz. Prices for Woodard Furniture Co. furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $150 and can go as high as $10,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,800.
Creators Similar to Woodard Furniture Co.
Questions About Woodard Furniture Co.
- Where is Woodard furniture made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Woodard furniture comes from a factory located in Owosso, Michigan. Lyman E. Woodard opened the company there in 1866. Today, the company uses many of the same manufacturing techniques. It takes more than 50 people to build one piece from start to finish. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Woodard furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024To identify vintage Woodard patio furniture, look for the maker's markings. On three-piece sets, you'll typically find paper labels that bear the brand name underneath the cushions. Sofa and chair frames may also feature welded-on metal labels bearing the brand name. For wrought iron pieces, check the frame for an embossed "Woodard" mark. Once you find the markings, you can use trusted online resources to determine a rough idea of the age of your piece. Anything produced more than 20 years ago, but less than a century ago, is vintage. Pieces more than 100 years old are antique, while those made within the last two decades are contemporary. If you're unable to locate any markings, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can assist you with identification and dating. On 1stDibs, explore an assortment of Woodard furniture.
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