Pair of mid-century one-strand two-tier Double Arch rattan side tables with Mahogany tops part of the "Tropitan" furniture line by the Ritts company. The table features unique copper joints with unique bent-pressed legs. The Ritts Company benefited from the popularity of rattan furniture during the post-World War II era. Herb Ritts acted as the company's furniture designer, and Shirley was in charge of sales and marketing.
The couple had four children whom they raised in a 27-room, Spanish-style house in Brentwood, California. Ritts assisted with the set design on Elvis Presley's 1961 film Blue Hawaii, in which she used rattan furniture and Polynesian design. Ritts often traveled extensively once her company introduced a line of high-end Lucite furniture. Signed "Ritts Tropitan Los Angels"
Measurements: 21" x 35" x 13.75"
United States, 1950
We only purchase and sell only the best and finest rattan furniture made by the best and most well-known American designers and manufacturers including Ritts Company. (Herb Sr. and Shirley Ritts) Tropitan Seven Seas Rattan Paul Frankl Tropical Sun Rattan These designers and companies helped to popularize rattan furniture in the United States during the 1930s thru the 1960s.
Shirley Ritts was the mother of the photographer and music video director Herb Ritts Jr. Shirley Ritts was born in Baltimore, Maryland on October 28, 1920. Herb Ritts Sr. also invented the "S springs" under the cushions in the early 50s and replaced the wrapping with preformed plastic.
Paul Frankl came from New York just before the Depression after a great run designing his renowned Skyscraper furniture line. He designed and decorated the homes of Hollywood’s top stars and producers from his Beverly Hills shop.
Paul Laszló was a Hungarian-born architect and interior designer whose work spanned eight decades and many countries. László built his reputation while designing interiors for houses in the 1950s to 60s, including rattan furniture in his own style.
C.W. Fishbeck started Tropical Sun Rattan of Pasadena in 1905. Tropical Sun produced top quality real rattan furniture in the Philippines where most of the above designers also had their designs made. He had showrooms across the country.
We have in stock at this time a vast array of rattan from all of these designers, decorators, and architects; their sofas, chairs, and tables, and just about all their designed products from the 40s through the 60s.
We would be happy to make you Custom cushions in C.O.M. (Customer's Own Material) are available, for a small fee. Simply supply the fabric and we will have the cushions made for you before delivery. If you need help sourcing fabric, we can help! Also small fee. All rattan, bamboo, and wicker furniture has been painstakingly refurbished to the highest standards with the best materials.
All refinishing is done by rattan workers with over 30 years of experience. Every wrapping and joint has been inspected by “The Rattan Man” Harvey Schwartz to guarantee you the finest product available, to enjoy for years to come in your home or office. Harvey Schwartz is the leading expert in vintage rattan and the author of "Rattan Furniture: Tropical Comfort Throughout the Home." Signed copies are available on request for $39.99 USD. The hardbound 160-page full-color book details the fascinating History of rattan with photos of wonderful vintage and modern-day tropical décors and rattan. The book is great for any newcomer to rattan wanting to learn as well as a top resource for dealers and designers alike.