Bertha Schaefer: Pioneer of Modern Design and Art in New York

Bertha Schaefer (1895–1971) remains one of the most influential figures in mid-20th century American design. As an interior designer, furniture designer, and gallery director, she shaped the aesthetics of modern interiors while promoting contemporary art in New York City. Her career combined creativity, innovation, and leadership, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire designers, collectors, and art enthusiasts worldwide. In this article, we explore the life, education, career, gallery, and iconic designs of Bertha Schaefer, along with her influence on artists such as Ilse Getz Danes.

Early Life and Family

Bertha Schaefer was born in 1895 in Yazoo City, Mississippi. She grew up in a supportive family environment that valued education and the arts. Her father, Emil Schaefer, and mother, Julia (Marx) Schaefer, encouraged her intellectual and artistic pursuits, laying the foundation for her future achievements in design and art. Details of her early life indicate a strong sense of independence, which later translated into her pioneering career as a female designer and gallery director in New York City.

Education and Training

Bertha Schaefer pursued higher education at the Mississippi State College for Women, earning her B.A. in 1914. She continued her studies in design, obtaining a diploma in interior decorating from the Parsons School of Design in New York City. This combination of academic training and practical experience allowed her to blend theory and application effectively.

During her studies, she spent several months in Paris, which exposed her to European modernist trends and the emerging Bauhaus movement. These experiences influenced her approach to interior spaces and furniture design, emphasizing functionality, simplicity, and elegance.

Early Career in Interior Design

In 1924, Schaefer established Bertha Schaefer Interiors in New York. Her design philosophy emphasized economical yet aesthetically pleasing interiors that integrated art and design seamlessly. She became one of the first designers to experiment with fluorescent lighting in residential spaces in the late 1930s, demonstrating her willingness to embrace innovation and modern technology in home design.

Her projects often included modern furniture, wall treatments, lighting, and spatial planning. She collaborated with clients to create interiors that balanced functionality with contemporary artistic sensibilities, earning her a reputation as a forward-thinking designer in the competitive New York market.

Bertha Schaefer Furniture Design

Schaefer extended her design expertise to furniture, collaborating with M. Singer & Sons Furniture Company from 1950 to 1961. Her furniture designs reflected mid-century modern principles, combining simplicity, elegance, and practicality. Some of her most notable pieces include:

Coffee tables and nesting tables: Designed to be both functional and sculpturally appealing, often crafted in walnut or travertine.

Desks and worktables: Designed for efficiency while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

Award-winning designs: In 1952, one of her Singer pieces received a Good Design Award from MoMA, solidifying her reputation in the field.

Her furniture designs are now highly sought after by collectors of mid-century modern pieces, with auction houses and galleries frequently showcasing her works.

Bertha Schaefer Gallery

In 1944, Bertha Schaefer expanded her influence by opening the Bertha Schaefer Gallery of Contemporary Art in New York City. The gallery became a hub for modern and contemporary art, exhibiting both American and European artists.

Schaefer curated exhibitions that highlighted the intersection of art and design, including the notable show “The Modern House Comes Alive” (1947–1948), which emphasized practical, aesthetically pleasing interiors and furnishings. Her gallery helped launch the careers of many artists, including Ilse Getz Danes, providing them with a prominent platform in New York’s competitive art scene.

The gallery also fostered collaboration between artists and designers, bridging the gap between fine art and interior design. Following her death, the gallery continued under her name, preserving her vision and supporting contemporary artistic endeavors.

Contributions to Professional Organizations

Bertha Schaefer was an active participant in professional organizations, demonstrating leadership and commitment to advancing design standards:

President of the Decorators Club of New York (1947–1948, 1955–1957)

Member of the American Institute of Decorators

Involvement with the Art Dealers Association of America and American Federation of the Arts

Her participation in these organizations strengthened her professional network and helped shape New York’s design and gallery scene.

Iconic Designs: Bertha Schaefer Coffee Table

One of her most celebrated contributions to furniture design is the Bertha Schaefer coffee table, which combines elegance with practicality. Notable features include:

Round travertine coffee tables: A sculptural yet functional centerpiece for modern interiors.

Surfboard-top tables: Featuring walnut bases and unique geometric tops.

Nesting tables: Innovative designs allowing multiple tables to fit compactly while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

These pieces exemplify her belief in functional art—design that serves practical purposes while maintaining visual sophistication.

Personal Life and Legacy

Parents: Emil Schaefer and Julia (Marx) Schaefer

Marital Status / Children: Public records indicate she did not marry and had no children. Her professional accomplishments remain her lasting legacy.

Bertha Schaefer’s work continues to influence interior designers and furniture makers. Her archives at the Smithsonian Institution’s Archives of American Art contain exhibition records, client correspondence, and design plans, providing valuable insight into mid-20th-century design practices.

Connection with Ilse Getz Danes

Schaefer’s gallery played a crucial role in supporting artists such as Ilse Getz Danes, a German-American painter. By showcasing contemporary artists alongside innovative interior design, Schaefer created a dynamic space where art and design informed one another.

Her curatorial approach emphasized cross-disciplinary collaboration, which helped elevate the visibility of emerging artists and contributed to the cultural vibrancy of New York in the mid-20th century.

Death and Posthumous Recognition

Bertha Schaefer passed away on May 24, 1971, in New York City. Her legacy endures through:

Her furniture designs: Continuing to appear in auctions, galleries, and collections worldwide.

Bertha Schaefer Gallery: Continuing to support contemporary art.

Archives at the Smithsonian: Providing a detailed record of her professional life, design projects, and contributions to the art and design world.

Schaefer’s work bridged the worlds of design and fine art, establishing her as a pioneering figure in both fields.

Conclusion

Bertha Schaefer was more than an interior designer or gallery director; she was a visionary who integrated modern design, functional furniture, and contemporary art into everyday life. From her iconic coffee tables to her groundbreaking exhibitions and gallery programming, she left an indelible mark on New York’s cultural and artistic landscape.

Her contributions continue to inspire designers, artists, and collectors who seek the perfect balance of form, function, and artistic expression. For more insights into pioneering figures in design and art, visit Thegoted.com.