How do you define a classic? The pure swing of Arnold Palmer. The understated yet elegant suits of Coco Chanel. The powerful, spare words of Carl Sandburg. The clean, strong forms of Frank Lloyd Wright. Those creative expressions were perhaps at their peak of vitality in the 1950s, yet they are just as vibrant today. Perhaps that is one definition of a classic. Established in New York City against the city’s backdrop of creativity, Cumberland Furniture shared a focus on the simple and straightforward, the practical and the beautiful. It began crafting desks, tables, benches, and lobby seating in a style that would come to be known as transitional—a blend of traditional and contemporary appropriate for a wide range of interiors. An obsession with quality, an insistence on attention to detail, and the skillful use of honest materials helped build a solid reputation for Cumberland. The Cumberland name became known among those working in both residential and contract settings alike; its products were coveted, especially for fine homes and executive offices.