First Circle started cutting wood in 1991, but has a
history steeped in original thinking and design.
The company’s roots go back to Warren Ramsey,
a long time and well-loved Oklahoma City interior
decorator. He was at the top of his field for over
50 years, finishing his last major job at age 81.
One innovation Warren Ramsey made was to
bring into his operation all the trades necessary
to run a large design job. His company employed
seamstresses, upholsterers, and furniture makers
– all producing just for his projects. This collection
of trades, simply known as the shop, is the
antecedent of the First Circle.
Two years after Ramsey’s death in 1985, his
grandson John Chapline took over the business
with a handful of loyal original employees. A few
years later the shop took on the name of First
Circle, from John’s favorite jazz album by guitarist
Pat Metheny.
Not unlike a jazz guitarist, First Circle
experimented with and refined its style over the
years. Today, the line of furniture includes “jazz”
interpretations of classic Ramsey designs, as well
as new compositions from the creative members of
First Circle.
First Circle has quietly grown from a quartet to
an ensemble. Like any great collection of songs
or furniture, the First Circle line is the expression
of gifted craftsmen working together. Recent
releases and favorite pieces can be experienced in
showrooms across the country.
