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Century House Furniture Annex, Company
In 1948, Jane and Max Howell began The Century House as a pottery studio in an old, circa 1850s sandstone building on Madison's west side. They specialized in producing personalized dishes, wedding plates, coffee mugs and baby sets. For 15 years they created and designed special pieces for their loyal customers. We have collected and proudly display some of these early creations, some of which we have "bought back" on e-Bay!!
In the early 60s growth and expansion led Max and Jane to offer a wider variety of gifts, artwork, and home accessories. Slowly they began to use imported Scandinavian tables and sideboards to display their products. This furniture found its own market in a customer base that appreciated quality and unique, contemporary design. Their path was clear, and a larger commitment to the Scandinavian furniture industry was born.
Evolution...
Importing furniture in 1960 was a new venture. Pieces were individually crated and shipped from Denmark through an importer in Racine, Wisconsin. Tables, chairs, sofas, buffets and desks in teak and rosewood were among the first items offered. The Howells expanded their building and acquired adjacent properties over the next 30 years to accommodate business growth.
Today, container loads of furniture from throughout Europe are shipped from Denmark and delivered to our on-site warehouse. Buying trips, both domestic and foreign keep us in touch with new designs from over 150 vendors. True to tradition, we still sell a J.L. Mollers dining chair today, that has been produced since 1945, and a rocking chair designed by Hans Wegner from 1944. Good design is surely timeless.