Esherick, Wharton (1887-1970)

US woodworker, artist, and sculptor. He was initially a painter and sculptor, but his style emphasized twisted organic forms that seemed to grow naturally, and he turned increasingly to working with wood. Many artist-craftsmen were influenced by his unique designs.

He was born in Philadelphia and studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. He explored the different styles of the early 20th century and was influenced by the theories of Rudolf Steiner and several European artists and designers. In the 1930s he handcrafted his studio and house in Paoli, Pennsylvania. In its individualistic details, it remains a landmark and a museum. As factory-produced furniture was attracting other major designers, he continued to make his one-of-a-kind pieces that featured his unique free-form, sculptural, often asymmetrical designs.