This “Reversivel” (Reversible) chair is without a doubt a Brazilian design icon. It is considered to be one of the most emblematic armchairs of Brazilian Modern Design. Martin Eisler designed this sculptural armchair in 1955.

The uniqueness of this armchair lies in several qualities, including the form itself, which is architectural and geometric. The use of the tubular metal is characteristic of the two designers, which is perhaps most evident in this model. At the same time, - despite structure and material - Eisler also paid careful attention to the user experience. The vanguard value of the design is clearly visible in the big moving seat rest in an iron frame structure that combines visual lightness and stability, complemented by the little brass feet that are minimally touching the ground.

This chair can be adjusted by lifting the curved seat and placing it in the desired position and angle on its conforming base. The “Reversivel” bears witness to the soft, sensuality of Brazilian mid-century design, a combination of tradition and creativity, folk craft and visionary innovation. The reupholstered body in a premium bouclé fabric further heightens the unique, masterful design of the frame. The one of a kind upholstery’s fabric is by the world famous French atelier, Toyine Sellers.

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SOLD

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Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium bouclé fabric by the world famous Toyine Sellers. We suspect the feet have been replaced in the past. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

43.70 in W x 20.31 in D x 26.37 in H; Seat height 14.65 in

111 cm W x 77 cm D x 67 cm H; Seat height 37 cm

Literature:

Catalogue of the exhibition 'Modernity of Brazilian design from 1950 to 1980', from September 6 to October 31, 2018, Galerie Chastel-Maréchal, Paris, our armchair reproduced pp. 28-31.

Model Moderno Brasileiro, Marcelo Vasconcellos et al., Ed. Olhares, Sao Paulo, 2017, pp. 228-229.

Desenho de utopia - mobiliario moderno brasileiro, Ruy Teixeira & Jayme Vargas, ed. Olhares, Sao Paulo, 2016, p. 87.

Movel Brasileiro moderno, Marcelo Vasconcellos & al., Ed. Aeroplano / FGV Projetos, Sao Paulo, 2012, p. 207.

Revista GIZ, São Paulo, 2016, p. 348/349.

Interni Magazine, Milano, 2017, p. 68.

About the designer:

Born in 1913 in Vienna, Austria, Martin Eisler received his architecture degree in 1936. However, as in the life of so many Brazilian designers, it was the looming thundercloud of the second world war that made him move just after his studies where finished. First to Czechoslovakia (where his parents lived) and later, in 1938, to Argentina. Here Eisler began to exercise his profession as an architect and interior designer and opened up his interior design firm, later named Interieur Forma. In the early 1950’s he decided to move to Brazil.

Born in Brescia in 1927, Carlo Hauner studied technical drawing and drawing at the Brera Academy in Milan, Italy. In 1948 he successfully participated in the Venice Biennale after which he moved to Brazil, where he dedicated himself to the design of textile, ceramics, furniture and architecture. In only a very short time he founded a furniture production company and purchased a factory from Lino Bo Bardi and her husband Pietro Bardi, renaming it to Móveis Artesanal.

In 1953 Hauner met Martin Eisler and the rest is history. The two connected and opened Galeria Artesanal on a busy street in São Paulo. Móvies Artesanal later changed into Forma and together with Oca, it became one of the biggest names in Brazilian furniture production.

Hauner and Eisler’s designs are characterized by the use of Brazilian woods, thin tubular frames and range from furniture, to ceramics and textiles. Forma prospered during the 60’s and 70’s. Although Hauner and Eisler designed and produced many pieces, the depth and quality of their work that is reaching the waterfront is still only the tip of the iceberg. We are sure many more interesting pieces will find the spotlight during the coming years. ~H.