Expertly Restored Broyhill Brasilia Sculpted Walnut Dresser or Gentleman's Chest

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About the Item

This exceptional dresser or gentleman’s chest was designed and made in the 1960s. Taking inspiration from gothic architecture, the chest design cues like sculptured walnut door pulls, reminiscent of gothic arches that reach into the sky, and arched drawer pulls and a arched base. However, this dresser is Mid-Century at its core, with the main body of the dresser being composed of two rectangular shapes. The doors on top open to reveal shelving on the left and 4 drawers on the right, and bottom features drawers that span the entire width of the piece, each sporting two solid brass arched pulls. This unit is set on a base with crossbars bridging between them to bring a sturdy feel to the design.

This example has been restored inside and out. The old and damaged finish was removed first with chemical stripper, then followed up by hand-sanding, with special attention paid to the sculptured components. After desired smoothness was reached, new finish was applied, then followed up with two coats of satin clear lacquer to seal it in. Finish and lacquer were applied smoothly with automotive grade machinery. Drawer pulls and any brass accents were polished to like-new condition. An extraordinary piece in wonderful condition.Creator: Broyhill (Manufacturer)Dimensions: Height: 49.75 in (126.37 cm)Width: 44 in (111.76 cm)Depth: 19 in (48.26 cm)Style: Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)Materials and Techniques: Brass,WalnutPlace of Origin: United StatesPeriod: 1960-1969Date of Manufacture: circa 1960sCondition: GoodRefinished.Seller Location: Philadelphia, PAReference Number: Seller: JYA1stDibs: LU1273242215432Shop All Broyhill

Broyhill

Founded during the 1920s, the Broyhill Furniture Company was one of the stalwart North Carolina makers of mid-priced, traditional wooden furnishings, and it served American families well. The Colonial Revival style chairs with turned legs, beds with split pediment headboards had always been the companys stock in trade. But the vintage Broyhill bedroom furniture, dressers and cabinets of the postwar era are quite popular with todays fans of mid-century modern design particularly those who enjoy more flamboyant stylings, such as those of Adrian Pearsall.

For collectors of a certain type, Broyhill is most admired for its brief foray into the contemporary furnishings of the late 1950s and 60s. In 1957, responding to changing tastes, the firm launched its Broyhill Premier line with the Sculptra series.

Sculptra pieces featured decorative molding with a square-within-a-square motif and horizontal cats eye-shaped drawer pulls. Five years later, Broyhill introduced the Brasilia furniture group, inspired by the Oscar Niemeyer architecture for the brand-new Brazilian capital. The collection made its debut at the Seattle Worlds Fair.

The cabinet door fronts of vintage Broyhill Brasilia pieces feature moldings based on the sweeping colonnades and parabolic curves of such buildings as the Palcio da Alvorada (Palace of the Dawn), the presidential residence. As you will see on 1stDibs, Broyhill created a striking and spirited line of furnishings that will make a happy keynote in any Atomic Age-inspired interior.

Ohio retailer Big Lots acquired the rights to the Broyhill name and related trademarks in 2019.

Find vintage Broyhill tables, credenzas, seating and other items on 1stDibs.