Well, HELLO THERE beautiful bench!!!! This is a very handsome Chinoiserie or Ming style bench by Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture comprised of a sultry black lacquered base with Ming horseshoe feet, and a white fabric seat cushion that has seen better days!! It has several stubborn stains and unfortunate snags so we know it will need a “facelift” with a fabulous, fresh new fabric! We never look at reupholstering as a negative… Think of all the INCREDIBLE fabric choices you could do!! Maybe a marvelous Mohair, or a spicy red velvet, or keep it simple with something more traditional if that’s your favored choice. The marvelous black lacquered base makes it pretty easy to be as versatile as you want! It will be wonderful at the base of your bed, in the entry for a spectacular space to remove your shoes, extra seating in the living or family room, against a wall or float it in a dressing area, or maybe next to a large window as a cozy seating nook. This bench bears a classic style, versatility, and a timeless presence you are sure to love for years to come!
Raymond Karl Sobota (1914-2010) is an award-winning American furniture designer. He attended and obtained his degree in design from Kendall College of Art and Design in his native home of Grand Rapids, Michigan. After graduating in 1946 Sobota apprenticed with his namesake and uncle, a furniture designer as well, Karl Schmidt, who designed for Berkey and Gay Furniture Company. He apprenticed for seven years leading to his designing for Grand Rapids Bookcase and Chair Co., the Mt. Airy Furniture Co., Hekman Furniture and finally Century Furniture for whom he designed from 1952 until 1995. He designed all the company’s wood furniture during that time, in total, over 150 collections. The most notable being Citation, Chin Hua, Claridge, and the Henry Ford Museum and the British National Trust collections. Sobota is credited for helping to make Century Furniture the industry leader it is today.
Century Furniture Company, one of the world’s largest privately owned upper-end residential furniture manufacturers, was founded in 1947 by Harley Ferguson Shuford, Sr. When first formed Century Furniture was a selling agent for local upholstery lines. But as soon as a year later Shuford had built a case goods plant in Hickory, North Carolina and that started it all. Harley Shuford along with his siblings and children acquired company after company expanding into upholstered furniture, chair manufacturing, and even a leather division. Century has made it through feast and famine in the furniture business and today retains their long-standing role as a leading force in the American home furnishings market.
This marvelous vintage bench by Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture is EXACTLY what the designer ordered!! We love it and surely you do too… Don’t wait, make it YOURS!!!
