Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Janus' Sofa in Red Velvet

Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Janus sofa, model '6392', velvet, lacquered wood, United States, design 1957

Conceived in 1957, the Janus sofa is an iconic design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. It exemplifies Wormley's talent for creating modern pieces that honor historical design. The Janus Collection, introduced in 1957, was aptly named after the Roman god of gates, Janus, who looks both to the past and the future. This modern collection comprised nearly seventy pieces and reflected Wormley's historicist inclinations, drawing inspiration from California architects Greene and Greene and other Arts and Crafts influences. The Janus sofa features a sleek, modern shape with rounded contours that add a soothing element to the design. Its refined, open-frame understructure lends an airy quality, making the sofa appear less bulky and more inviting. Despite its delicate appearance, the structure is robust and built to last. The sofa's curved shape fosters intimacy and conversation, allowing people to sit partially facing each other.

Edward Wormley (1907–1995), was born in rural Illinois, United States. As a young man, he was passionate about design and enrolled in the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1926, but left due to financial issues and began working for an interior design company. He later joined the Dunbar Furniture Company in Indiana, where he served as director of design for almost 40 years. Following World War Two, he became an independent design consultant. Wormley passed away in 1995, but his legacy of creating elegant and high-quality furniture lives on. He was a master in combining classical 20th century design with modern innovations.

Kindly note that the fabric is in good, used condition with signs of use, including stains. Reupholstery is possible before shipping by our experienced craftspeople in our own in-house restoration atelier. With high attention for the original, they make sure every piece retains its value and is ready for the many years to come. We kindly ask you to contact our design experts for further information about the endless possibilities our restoration and upholstery atelier has to offer. Of course, a locally organized reupholstery is possible as well.