Posted 14 years ago
jonhartz
(6 items)
We found this smaller chair (31" tall, 22" wide, 22" deep) at a local antique mall. It is made of what appears to be oak and red-dyed leather. A plate underneath has "California--Sherman/Bertram". There is not much on the internet for this company, apparently making furniture in California in the mid-20th century. The springs are S-type.
The chairs were made in my father's factory located in Culver City, CA. circa 1952. I worked in his factory in numerous positions as a "bosses son". He (Jerry Bertram) and his partner (Jack Sherman) were leaders in what was known as "California Contemporary" which was way ahead of the rest of the country. The wood is alder (from northern Oregon & southern Washington) and probably covered in vinyl, that was developed for the auto industry after WWII.
Mr. Bertram, how delightful to hear from you! We love the chair, we had a local fine furniture worker redo the undercover black mesh which was missing, and repair a spring holder. We consider it fully restored now. We now haunt the shops looking for another. Please tell us what became of the partners, thanks.
Regards,
Jon and Armida Hartz
My father Jerry passed 12 years ago. I don't know what happened to Jack. They went their separate ways when my father bought Jack out in 1959. My father sold the company in 1966 and it closed in 1968. I found your listing when on a whim I search the name Sherman/Bertram. I was surprise to find other listings, including a couch being sold for $5,500. My father and Jack were real innovators and brought contemporary upholstery to popularity in the 50's. He and I began a new company, Landmark Furniture that continued his contemporary design flare. We sold it in 1986 and he retired. I began Charter Furniture in 1988 to specialize in hospitality upholstery and sold it to Brown Jordan Co. in 2001. If you stay in a 4 or 5 star hotel, look under the cushion. So my father’s legacy endured.
Wow, what history! Especially finding someone who's father made this chair. Awesome!! :o)
Dear Bertram, we are sorry to hear that Mr. Bertram is no longer with us, and gratified to hear that his legacy continues. We know this chair was special when we first saw it, and your information make it all the more so. As we do travel, we will be sure to lift cushions!
Regards
Jon & Armida Hartz
Arroyo Grande, California
Dear Arnold,
I have another Sherman Bertram chair and I'm very interested in learning a little more about your fathers company. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a way to contact you directly through this forum. -Would you mind contacting me? This is my email address:
alexgrejer <a> gmail.com
(replace the <a>)
Regards,
Alex
WOW. what a find to discover this conversation. i just purchased an AMAZING sherman/bertram couch today, and went online to see what other pieces or info i could find on this company. It is an amazing PINK pull out bed/ vinyl couch, and we are now the second owners. We bought it from a family that had so many amazing stories with this couch and said their parents bought it around 1958 or so. How amazing to hear a bit of history and info! thank you for that Mr.Bertram! It is always a wonderful thing for me to find retro modern pieces that they just do not seem to make the same anymore. I think you should continue this wonderful legacy!
Cannot wait to have this in my home and make memories!
My belated thanks to all who contributed information, particularly Mr. Bertram, whose personal provenance was remarkable.
Hi...purchased a 36” round upholstered coffee table with 4 stools that slide inside/underneath. Metal label underneath says Sherman/Bertram. Reupholstered in turquoise marine vinyl.
Wondered if you might know anything about the set .
Thanks
Vivi