Phyllis Morris

A fabulous pair of American mid-century sculptural paint decorated wooden console tables by the iconic luxury designer Phyllis Morris (United States; 1925-1988) Executed in timeless mid-20th century glitz and glam Hollywood Regency Moderne taste, the rare, possibly custom one-of-a-kind design, having a demi-lune red lacquered top, over conforming fluted apron, rising on elegant carved figural swan form legs, terminating in claw and ball feet, finished in parcel gilt antiqued cream paint finish. Bold, large scale, statement pieces, these extraordinary tables are sure to add a touch of sophisticated whimsical elegance, warmth, opulence, and comfort to any space! circa 1970 Signed, "Phyllis Morris" to the rear support in typical stylized font (under later metal wall mount brackets) Provenance / Acquisition: From an important Guadalajara, Mexico Estate Acquired from highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas. Dimensions: (approx) 31" High, 49" Wide, 24.75" Deep (each) Phyllis Morris was one of the design industry’s first multitaskers. She wore many hats: furniture designer, businesswoman, civic leader, legendary hostess, humanitarian, wife and mother. Phyllis Morris is known for them all, but mostly that last one. The legendary interior designer of the 1950s and ’60s wrote her own rules and lived a life as large and colorful as the designs she favored. Morris began her design career in 1953 in Los Angeles, California by creating the "Poodle Lamp," a sculpture of her own poodle topped with a little flared shade. Dubbed “The Marilyn Monroe of the furniture industry” — she took charge of her destiny with her famous poodle lamp. After sculpting the original, based on her own pink-dyed pup, Morris left it on consignment in a Beverly Hills shop. She had friends place orders for it; the shop asked for a dozen models, and Morris was in business. “I knew I was not a homemaker,” she said. What transformed Morris from lamp designer to “designer to the stars” may have been her instinct for publicity. She reportedly delivered two of the lamps to Liberace, her first big-name customer, in a pink Cadillac convertible, while wearing a mink cape. Morris was a pro at offering provocative quips or outrageous photo-ops, which often made headlines around the globe. “My mom was a marketing genius,” says Morris’ daughter Jamie Adler, who now runs the brand and reintroduced the poodle lamp for Currey & Company last year. “She understood branding and how to get press. She was so brave and fearless as a woman in a male-dominated industry.” At a time when most women stayed home, Morris was a furniture designer, businesswoman, civic leader, legendary hostess, humanitarian, wife and mother. “She was multitasking long before the word was invented,” Adler says. With her colorful and eclectic interiors and over-the-top furnishings, Morris turned the interior design world upside-down, and celebrities came calling. She designed hotel suites frequented by Frank Sinatra, Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Elvis. Her opulent canopied beds became a status symbol for the likes of Cher and Sonny Bono, the Who’s Keith Moon, Gladys Knight and Jerry Vale, according to a 1978 People magazine story. A typical Morris room setting during the mid-1960s would find Pop art accessories...

Phyllis Morris original poodle table lamp, signed, Blue, 1952 Hollywood Regency. Iconic American Pop Design. Signed. Rare custom blue poodle. With original harp and lace shade. From the 1950s to her passing in 1988, Phyllis created hundreds of designs blending the Hollywood Regency and California eclectic styles with her interpretation of Baroque-meets-Fantasy. Phyllis Morris’ first and most iconic design was the Poodle Lamp...

This professionally restored cast bronze piece, with its enchanting aquatic theme and intricate details, was originally purchased from the iconic Phyllis Morris showroom in Los Angel...

Functional art is the best way to describe this incredible table by Beverly Hills design icon Phyllis Morris. Black lacquer over hand-carved wood in a deco foliate design. Inset with...

Pair of Venetian style carved wood and ivory glazed grotto chairs with pierced backs and stylized laurel leaf carved legs. Seats covered in a black and gold striped...

Massive 6 foot long wall-mounted sideboard or console table with matching mirror by Beverly Hills designer Phyllis Morris. Circa 1960's. Wood construction top with plaster legs...

Phyllis Morris original poodle table lamp, signed, Iconic Hollywood Regency American Pop Design, 1953. Signed. Rare custom silver poodle.. From the 1950s...

A complete set of six dining chairs designed by Phyllis Morris circa 1960's. These feature cast aluminum framing, swivel bases and upholstered seat cushions. Seat upholstery was poor...