Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs with Teak Wood Frames, Italy 1960s (sold)
Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs with Teak Wood Frames, Italy 1960s (sold)
In the realm of mid-century modern design, the 1960s marked a remarkable era for furniture innovation, and this pair of lounge chairs made of teak wood frames from Italy embodies the essence of this period. The period halfway through the 1900s was perhaps the most fertile breeding ground for innovation since the industrial revolution. Italian design in particular encompasses the functional craftsmanship, and the outstanding aesthetic dimension of the mid-century Golden Age while still keeping the traditional elegance of Italian design.
What immediately sets this pair part is their main design element: their solid wood frames, meticulously crafted with a half-moon shape that constitutes both their seats and backs. This crescent shape creates an eye-catching dynamic flow that highlights the reclined angle that is perfect for lounging. This is further fostered by the upholstered seats and backs in a similar shape and rounded edges that contribute to the outstanding sitting experience. The light fabric has a highly textured look that complements the rich grain and colour variety of the teak wood. The choice of teak wood for these lounge chairs is also a clear evidence of the discerning taste of the era’s cabinetmakers and designers. Teak, a prized tropical hardwood, was a favoured material among designers for its durability, rich colour, and natural resistance to the elements. The wood's exquisite grain patterns and warm, golden hue lend these chairs an aesthetic quality that has only deepened with time. The defining feature of these chairs, the crescent moon shape, is an ingenious design element that melds form and function seamlessly. The curve of the backrest not only cradles the sitter comfortably but also serves as an artistic statement, evoking a sense of organic fluidity and harmonious balance. The concave seat, too, conforms to the body's contours, ensuring hours of relaxation without sacrificing style.
The Italian craftsmanship that went into creating these lounge chairs is nothing short of exceptional. Each chair was carefully crafted, the joinery is also exemplary of the skill of the artisans who meticulously shaped and assembled the teak wood frames. While these chairs are quintessential of the 1960s design ethos, they transcend mere nostalgia. Their enduring appeal lies in their timeless design and the quality of materials and craftsmanship that went into their creation.
SOLD
Condition:
In very good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have 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:
24.6 in W x 31.88 in D x 31.49 in H ; Seat height 15.35 in; Arm height 23.42 in
62.5 cm W x 81 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height: 39 cm; Arm height 59.5 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.