Italian Leather Sofa by Roche Bobois, Italy 1960s (sold)
Italian Leather Sofa by Roche Bobois, Italy 1960s (sold)
This distinctive Italian sofa shows just how versatile mid-century design was. European, and thus, Italian furniture making traditions and therefore design left much room for individuality, which is clear in the diverse shapes and forms of this stylish sofa.
What sets Italian mid-century furniture pieces apart from the rest of the world is that it in Italy good design was generally being produced by and for the upper class. Though the advent of new materials like plastic, foam, and fibreglass revolutionized the production process, Italian designers still valued craft over industrialization. At the same time, many elements emblematic of mid-century design are also apparent in this sofa: sleek lines, an open layout, and the impeccable quality of the materials and craftsmanship. The design is defined by the large proportions all dressed in green leather. There is no strictness to the design, but laid back cosiness and style Italy is still coveted for. The most distinct elements of the structure are the layered cushions. The arms add a third layer in the front, resting on the seat cushions. In the absence of ornamentation, this sofa is entirely about its fabric with beautiful patina. This shall come as no surprise, as Roche Bobois specialized in leather seating, working together with some of the most renowned designers of the era.
Though mid-century Italian designers may not have the name recognition as some of their Scandinavian and American counterparts in the mass market, they were evidently integral in developing a modern aesthetic in Europe. This is evidence by this timelessly stylish sofa, sure to command the space it is placed in.
SOLD
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. The leather has beautiful patina with some marks and scratches. 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:
80.31 in W x 35.43 in D x 31.49 in H; Seat height 16.14 in; Arm height 18.89 in
204 cm W x 90 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 41 cm; Arm height 48 cm
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
The Italian architect, painter and furniture designer, Guglielmo Ulrich, descended from a noble family with Danish origins. He quickly became a very influential figure in modern Italian design and his models are real delicacies today.
As this pair of 1950s lounge chairs show, Ulrich’s work is elegant and rich in detail. Although his work does not quite conform with the strict norms of simplicity of the time, it fits the prevalent aesthetics of Modernism. In the case of these chairs, the fully upholstered bodies show the general mid-century modern characteristics with an ergonomic and functional design. The seats are slightly raised, and the backs tilted, creating an angle that supports the sitter and the lounging experience. The wooden arms transcending to form the back legs however, truly stand out. The sharp curvature of the armrests and front legs define the look and create an interesting effect, as if the upholstered seats and backs were connected to them without joinery. The carved, dark wood and soft upholstery make them even more pronounced. There are more, subtler features to these chairs, including the wider armrests and the curved backrests, both in service of comfortable lounging. Thanks to the quality of his furnishings, that Ulrich designed and made personally, he became the trusted architects of many upper-class Milanese families. He participates in the furnishing of the most prestigious Italian ships: Cristoforo Colombo, Raffaello, etc.
“A nobleman of yesteryear, with sudden jokes and twists, such as a pipe with an egg in his mouth and a very concrete sense of doing” is how he was often described. This pair of chairs is much like this description with a playful, elegant design completed by quality materials and craftsmanship.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. 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:
24.4 in W x 31.69 in D x 31.49 in H; Seat height 14.17 in; Arm height 23.42 in
62 cm W x 80.5 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 36 cm; Arm height 59.5 cm
About the designer:
Guglielmo Ulrich (born 1904, Milan–died 1977) was an Italian architect, furniture designer, and painter. He was born to a notable family of Danish origin. In 1924, Ulrich enrolled in the Scuola Speciale di Architettura at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera. He finished his studies at Politecnico di Milano in 1927 and soon became a very influential figure in modern Italian design.
In 1930, along with Scaglia and Wild, Guglielmo Ulrich founded and became head designer of home furnishing company Arca (Arredamento casa, or Home Furnishing), a company engaged in the creation of high-quality furnishing accessories characterized by craftsmanship and the use of premium materials. In the 1950s, he participated in several editions of the Triennale di Milano and concentrated on designing buildings, offices, and retail shops throughout Italy.
Most of Ulrich’s furniture designs from this era, and especially his chairs and chaise lounges, resemble simplified and streamlined design versions of late 19th century pieces and do not necessarily conform to modern designs prevalent in Northern Europe and the U.S. in the 1950s. In the 1960s, Ulrich focused his work toward industrial design and was able to create original and impactful objects. His talent was rewarded on many occasions. In 1961, he won the Fiera di Trieste award for his Trieste chair, produced by furniture maker Saffa.