Italian Modern Lounge Chairs with Brass Legs by ISA Bergamo, Italy 1950s (sold)
































Italian Modern Lounge Chairs with Brass Legs by ISA Bergamo, Italy 1950s (sold)
This elegant pair of rare lounge chairs was produced by ISA (Industria Salotti e Arredamenti) Bergamo in Italy during the 1950s. The company has worked with many of Italy’s largest names in design, most renowned being Gio Ponti, but even in their impressive repertoire, these chairs stand out.
The main design element immediately stands out: the shell backs are hollow towards the seat cushions. This design feature has a lot of artistic flair that makes this pair truly one-of-a-kind. The sweeping curve of the arms and backs creates dynamism, yet, the aesthetic is still restrained and elegant. The chairs look interesting from every single angle, as almost each reveal a new design element. From the sides, the peculiar crescent shape becomes apparent, while from the back, the seat cushions and the brand label become visible and highlighted. The subtly patterned, light upholstery accentuates these design elements brilliantly, maintaining the design’s impression of elegant modernism. The chairs rest on four gently splayed brass feet that provide material contrast and balance the strong lines and proportions of the chairs. These lounge chairs are focused on elegant and measured proportions, balanced compositions, and refined décor elements including the exclusive materials.
ISA produced furniture models are defined by a unique design, perfect execution, and exclusivity. The designer of this pair was evidently passionate about furniture design, with a faithful to a figurative repertoire of substantial classicism, while not disdaining impulses of authentic modernity.
SOLD
Condition:
In 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 reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
Larger chair:
27.16 in W x 29.52 in D x 30.31 in H; Seat height 13.38 in; Arm height 19.29 in
69 cm W x 75 cm D x 77 cm H; Seat height 34 cm; Arm height 49 cm
Smaller chair:
25.98 in W x 29.13 in D x 30.31 in H; Seat height 12.99 in; Arm height 18.11 in
66 cm W x 74 cm D x 77 cm H; Seat height 33 cm; Arm height 46 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Alain Richard (1926–2017) was a French furniture and interior designer who graduated from the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in 1949, where he studied under René Gabriel. He established his own agency in 1952 and became part of a generation of French designers developing furniture for serial production during the post-war period. His work included furniture for Meubles TV and lighting for Disderot, alongside increasingly large interior and architectural projects. This model “704” armchair from the 1960s shows his interest in clean construction, contrasting materials, and furniture designed around clear functional elements.
Model “704” combines a compact upholstered seat and backrest with exposed wood and metal elements. The thick seat cushion has a rectangular shape with softly rounded corners, while the backrest is slightly inclined to provide a comfortable sitting position. The piece is upholstered in a textured olive-green fabric that gives the chair a warm, tactile appearance. The armrests feature padded horizontal sections that appear almost suspended on either side of the seat. A shaped wooden frame runs beneath the seat and continues upward behind the backrest, its warm tone contrasting with the upholstery. Dark screws remain visible along the side of the wooden seat rail, adding a small technical detail to the construction. Four slender metal legs are splayed outward beneath the body, countering the volume of the upholstered sections and giving the chair a light stance. The combination of upholstery, wood, and metal creates a clear separation between each part of the chair while keeping the overall composition balanced.
Richard received several important distinctions throughout his career, including the Prix René Gabriel in 1964, and this chair is proof of his talent. Its combination of French modernist design and a balanced mix of materials makes it an interesting addition to a living room, study or reading area, particularly for collectors of post-war French furniture.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the chair has some marks, scratches, dents and discolouration. The seat cushion was newly produced and upholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
24.40 in W x 23.62 in D x 32.28 in H; Seat height 19.68 in; Seat depth 16.53 in; Arm height 25.59 in
62 cm W x 60 cm D x 82 cm H; Seat height 50 cm; Seat depth 42 cm; Arm height 65 cm
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
European seating design from the 1940s often sits at the intersection between late Art Deco and the early stages of modernism. While earlier decades favoured more elaborate ornamentation, this period saw a gradual simplification of form, with designers focusing more on proportion, silhouette, and comfort.
This pair of armchairs follow that direction through their restrained yet carefully shaped form. From the rounded backs, to the tapered wooden legs, the elements reflect both the elegance of Art Deco and a move toward more practical, everyday use. In these armchairs, this is evident in the pronounced curve of the wooden arms that define the overall look. Since the arms create a hollow form, the beautiful upholstery is visible from the sides as well, further complementing the gentle curvature. The upholstery, in a deep green tone, gives the pair its visual identity, introducing both colour and a soft texture that contrasts with the sleek and slender wooden legs below. Each chair stands on slender legs that echo the solid construction and frame the upholstered body without distracting from it.
This pair of armchairs exemplifies a tradition of European seating that values both comfort and design, making them a perfect choice for interiors that appreciate material honesty and functional refinement. The pairing of materials give them a distinctive but versatile presence, whether placed in a living room, study, or relaxed seating area.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the items have marks, scratches and discolouration. The chairs have recently been reupholstered in in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
52.59 in W x 34.64 in D x 38.77 in H; Seat height 18.11 in; Seat depth 20.07 in; Arm height 24.60 in
65 cm W x 88 cm D x 98.5 cm H; Seat height 46 cm; Seat depth 51 cm; Arm height 62.5 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This beautiful chair design was crafted by French duo Audoux-Minet. Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet worked together during the mid-20th century, and are known for their innovative use of natural, sustainable materials, including rope, wicker, and bamboo. Their work was heavily influenced by the Modernist movement, which sought to create functional and streamlined designs that were accessible to a wider audience.
Like in Scandinavia, there was an early emphasis on wood in most French mid-century design - it connected everyday objects to nature. These chairs are a perfect example of this sentiment, and the visual benefits of an understated, organic design. The high quality woven papercord makes the pieces an outstanding example of woven furniture. They feature a fairly traditional shape with soft edges and an airy feel. The straightforward shape highlights the understated beauty of the materials, allowing the beautiful woven pattern and the grain of the wood to stand out. The interplay of a simple structure and refined detailing evokes a sense of harmony, aligning with the era’s focus on blending beauty with utility. The organic design makes these pieces stand out with an elemental edge. The colour palette further allows easy adaptation to almost any interior, functioning to either complement a space or to stand out as an accent.
Today, Audoux and Minet's designs are highly sought after by collectors and are considered important examples of mid-century modern design. Furniture pieces like this pair of armchairs stand out through their unique textures, and their materials, as well as their classic charm.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the items have minor marks, scratches, dents and discolouration.
Dimensions:
17.51 in W x 20.86 in D x 32.28 in H; Seat height 17.32 in; Seat depth 17.51 in
44.5 cm W x 53 cm D x 82 cm H; Seat height 44 cm; Seat depth 44.5 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This “Grand Pedro” armchair shows the curviness that defined the design of the 1950s. Hiort af Ornäs developed this model for his own furniture company, Puunveisto Oy.
The “Grand Pedro” model has a soft, sculptural shape paired with an ergonomic construction, which is very representative of the designer’s beliefs. Hiort af Ornäs was very firm about two things regarding his chair designs: the sitting comfort and that the model must look good from every single angle. “Pedro” fulfils these principles, for as even from the bottom, it showcases the elongated, tapered back legs that are visually captivating. The body has a welcoming look, with outward curving armrests and a slightly bent backrest. In service of utmost comfort, the sheepskin upholstery is extremely soft. The light colour and texture of the sheepskin complements the lacquered wood legs beautifully, highlighting their sculptural lines.
The craftsmanship and quality provided by Hiort af Ornäs is very visible in the “Pedro” collection that includes a sofa besides this chair. The seating designs of the architect/designer have been gradually more and more recognized world-wide, which resulted in the recent exhibition titled “Forgotten Ornäs”.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin. 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:
29.13 in W x 28.34 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 17.32 in
74 cm W x 72 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 44 cm
About the designer:
Carl-Gustaf Vilhelm (nicknamed “Nalle”) Hiort of Ornäs was born on 27 February 1911 and lived most of his life in Tapiola/Espoo in Finland and in his later life moved to Spain. He is remembered as a Finnish interior architect and designer known to be uncompromising.
Before the Finnish wars (1939-1944), Hiort af Ornäs spent his time in Pori, working at Björneborgs Mekaniska Verkstad. He studied at the Helsinki University of Technology to become an architect but never graduated. He did, however, become known as an interior designer, and eventually even more known as a furniture designer.
In 1945, Hiort af Ornäs founded the furniture company Puunveisto Oy, for which he developed versatile techniques for shaping plywood. He started the furniture manufacturing shop on Lauttasaari in Helsinki (Veneentekijäntie 14) together with his brother. The wood shop, showroom and office were all located in the same building in Helsinki. Rolf Mesterton was the man in charge of producing the furniture, but there were several other carpenters at work in the woodshop. Hiort af Ornäs’s furniture was exhibited and sold by the shop Nupponen who also distributed Olavi Hänninen’s designs, while Puunveisto’s furniture were also sold by Gösta Westerbergs Möbler in Stockholm, Sweden but, in spite of a good selection of chairs, tables and shelves, did not do too well. Since production costs were high, Hiort af Ornäs faced economic troubles. The company was later sold to Nupponen after which Hiort af Ornäs’s interest in the company waned.
Hiort af Ornäs spent his retirement in Spain, and designed several buildings for Fuengirola’s Los Pacos neighbourhood, which has a large Finnish population. His house that he drew and built in Tapiola, Espoo, Finland, ‘Villa Hiort’, still stands and houses some of the designer’s original drawings. It is a beautiful example of 1950s Modernism and the talent of Hiort af Ornäs that brought him recognition that lasts to this day. ~H.
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Derived from the French "brut", meaning raw, Brutalism describes the architectural style that emerged in the mid-20th century, featuring minimalist constructions that showcase bare materials and structural elements over decorative design. It originated post–World War II, when low-cost housing and government buildings were composed of mainly raw, unrefined materials. Similarly, in furniture design, Brutalism inspired creators to follow the same look of deliberate simplicity, honesty and strength.
This armchair stands as evidence why many European architects succeeded at the craft of furniture design; the precision of the structure and the rush weaving is evident at first glance, showing great geometric order. Driven by function, the designer’s focus was evidently on practicality, structural stability, and construction in favour of these principles. The straight lines and the absence of excess decoration are very typical of the era’s designers, who saw possibilities in the aesthetics of modernist design and materials. This beautiful chair’s simplicity and honest look combined with brutalist influences enhances the exceptional craftsmanship. The woven back and upholstered seat gives the piece an organic and cosy impression, all while staying very functional. It is perfect to bring natural charm to a minimalist space. The oak has a beautiful patina due to its age, feature that enhances even more its charm.
Its bold, unapologetic aesthetic resonates with those seeking a departure from the sleek minimalism of recent years. This armchair serves as both an homage to the past and a testament to the timeless allure of Brutalism.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the wood, the item has marks, and scratches. The arms show discolouration. The seat cushion has recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
25.19 in W x 27.95 in D x 26.77 in H; Seat height 15.74 in; Seat depth 20.86 in; Arm height 23.62 in
64 cm W x 71 cm D x 68 cm H; Seat height 40 cm; Seat depth 53 cm; Arm height 60 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Art Deco pieces, which emerged in the first half of the 20th century, reveal a unique era of craftsmanship and style that remains influential in design to the present day. Characterised by its bold geometric shapes, rich materials, and luxurious aesthetics, Art Deco transformed the way we perceive interior spaces. This testament to the fusion of form and function, and this ethos of opulence, is beautifully exemplified in this armchair.
In the European design world of the 1930s, exceptional seating pieces were created that still embody the elegance of the Art Deco period. This armchair, with its distinctive features, exudes the spirit of the era and remains a stylish example of this influential design movement. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail this chair exudes luxury - the rich, warm wood tones of the overlays on the armrests contrast beautifully with the lighter fabric, enhancing the balanced and sophisticated visual quality of the chair. Moreover, the design aims to maximise comfort while putting an emphasis on elegance and function. This is most visible in the round, welcoming body, enhanced by the fabric and the chair's cushioning. The curved backrest provides ergonomic support and comfort, while the wooden components add structural integrity and reinforce its Art Deco character. Every detail works together, creating a chair that feels deliberate, balanced, and quietly strong.
As a piece, this armchair captures the lasting appeal of Art Deco furniture: comfort shaped by discipline and elegance rooted in form rather than ornament. It works equally well as a statement chair in a living room or as a refined accent in a bedroom or study. Its presence offers visual weight without heaviness and comfort without excess, in true Art Deco fashion.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The armchair has recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the chair has some marks, scratches, dents and discolouration. The chair has recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
25.59 in W x 33.46 in D x 32.67 in H; 16.53 in Seat height; 23.22 in Seat depth; 23.42 in Arm height
65 cm W x 85 cm D x 83 cm H; 42 cm Seat height; 59cm Seat depth; 59.5 cm Arm height
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
The 1950s and 1960s saw brilliant Italian designers working to create furniture of the highest quality that explored truly modern shapes and forms. These designers experimented with new materials and construction methods but, crucially, they kept the elegance inherent in Italian design.
These armchairs were crafted in the manner of Paolo Buffa, an impactful designer who made his mark in the Italian mid-century modern style alongside other renowned creators such as Gio Ponti. Gio Ponti and Paolo Buffa’s influence is clearly visible in these chairs. This pair with the upholstered bodies and polished wooden arms show the general mid-century modern characteristics with an ergonomic and functional design. The characteristic shape of the arms sets the tone of the overall look, creating dynamism. The seats are slightly raised, and the backs tilted, creating an angle that supports the sitter and the lounging experience. The overall design is focused on elegant and measured proportions, balanced compositions, and refined décor elements including the materials. From all angles, these chairs offer beautiful textures and eye-catching forms, combining Italian elegance and modern aesthetics to create a timeless look which is full of modern energy that will endure for generations. This is also thanks to the exceptional visual quality and uncompromising level of craftsmanship.
These chairs encapsulate the essence of Italian mid-century modern design, marrying uniting sophistication with artistry. They are a testament to the enduring allure of this design era, where form meets function, and beauty is eternally intertwined with utility. Whether placed in a contemporary, or a retro-inspired space, this pair is a timeless statement piece.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the items have minor marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chairs have recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
22.44 in W x 32.67 in D x 30.9 in H; Seat Height 15.35 in; Seat Depth 21.06 in; Arm Height 23.81 in
57 cm W x 83 cm D x 78.5 cm H; Seat Height 39 cm; Seat Depth 53.5 cm; Arm Height 60.5 cm
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Price category: 15,000 - 20,000 usd / eur
Swedish architect and furniture designer Axel Einar Hjorth served as the lead designer for Sweden’s Nordiska Kompaniet department store from 1926 to 1938. During this time, Hjorth designed the “Sportstugemöbler” series, (which translates to “sports cabin furnishings”) a collection of wooden furniture designed for country homes. The various models in the sportstugemöbler series took their names from the Stockholm archipelago – including Blidö, Lovö, and famously, Utö.
These Utö chairs were designed in 1932 as part of the collection. Unlike the department store's interiors for floors and villas in the cities, the Utö designs had a simple character with robust and basic shapes in solid pine. Accordingly, the design of these chairs focuses on simple lines and the material itself. Made of pine wood, these chairs are strong, reflecting Hjorth’s principles in which he mixed the ideals of the modernist movement with provincial Swedish traditions. As a result, the design of this set is completely timeless. Each chair demonstrates a conscious construction, where the joinery and fittings related to traditional craftsmanship are emphasized. Dominated by rounded, straight lines, the chairs have spindle backrests and ergonomically carved seats. The form alludes harmony and stability, fitting the summer cabin concept perfectly.
In an international perspective, Hjorth's “sportstugemöbler” series was the forerunner of later pioneering designers such as Charlotte Perriand. It is therefore no surprise that these Utö chairs became part of Swedish and international modernist design history. In their time, the Utö collection may have appeared as pioneering and radical, but today they are viewed as status symbols in interiors of international character.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some marks and stains on the wood. Due to the nature and age of the wood, the items may have scratches and discolouration.
Dimensions:
18.89 in W x 18.3 in D x 31.49 in H; Seat height 16.92 in
48 cm W x 46.5 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 43 cm
Literature:
Christian Bjork, Thomas Ekstrom and Eric Ericson, 'Axel Einar Hjorth: Mobelarkitekt', Stockholm, 2009, p.130
About the designer:
Axel Einar Hjorth was born in a small Swedish village named Krokek, just outside Norrköping, on March 7, 1888. At the age of 20, he moved to Stockholm to study architecture and design at the Högre Konstindustriella Skolan.
Although he never graduated, in the 1920s Hjorth started working as a furniture designer for various manufacturers, such as H. Joop & Co., Myrestedt & Stern, Jonssons, and Nordiska Kompaniet. Hjorth’s designs from this period had neoclassical features combined with Swedish Grace. This romantic national style of Sweden was elegant and refined, yet simple. The anniversary exhibition of 1923 in Gothenburg marked the breakthrough of Swedish decorative arts, and made Axel Einar Hjorth a well-respected artist. From October 1926, Hjorth became the chief designer and architect of Nordiska Kompaniet department store in Stockholm. In the 1930s, Hjorth designed a furniture collection out of pine meant for serial production known as Sportstugemöbler (furniture for holiday houses).
Hjorth’s designs, from the luxury of neoclassicism to the severity of functionalism, are sharply distinctive in style, materials, and character. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Hjorth did not conform to the socially oriented ideas produced by Svensk Form (the Swedish Society of Crafts and Design). He played a significant role in the development of Swedish society as a whole, and particularly in Swedish industrial art
Today Hjorth is often viewed as a precursor to the modern designs popularized by Charlotte Perriand, Jean Royére, Pierre Chapo, or Josef Frank. Recently, there has been a revival of appreciation for his work, showing his genius in a new light. ~H.
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
The mid-20th century saw brilliant European designers working to create furniture that explored modern shapes and forms with innovative techniques, while still maintaining the highest level of quality. Designers experimented with new materials and construction methods, resulting in a harmonious blend of minimalism, organic shapes, and understated elegance. This sculptural wingback armchair is a prime example of European designers' emphasis on beauty and simplicity.
The wingback style is one of the most recognizable forms in European upholstered furniture, with a history dating back to seventeenth-century England. Its characteristic high back and projecting side wings were originally developed to shelter the sitter from drafts and retain warmth near a fireplace. In the case of this piece, the tall back rises from the deep seat, gently widening toward the top before terminating in two rounded wings that curve forward around the sitter. This gives the upper section an enveloping quality, echoed below by the padded armrests that project outward on either side. The seat is generous and cushioned, with softly rounded edges. The entire body is covered in brown upholstery, emphasising the tactile quality of the chair with the soft, cosy material. To complete the design, under this substantial upholstered volume, four short tapered wooden legs provide a simple foundation and lift the body just above the floor, splayed to ensure the stability of the armchair.
The generous seat, high back and embracing wings give the chair a sense of comfort and privacy. Its warm brown upholstery makes the design feel inviting, while the strong silhouette allows it to stand confidently in a space. Positioned beside a fireplace, in a reading corner or alongside a floor lamp, it creates an intimate place to sit while bringing the unmistakable tradition into the twentieth century.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The armchair has recently been reconditioned. The wood has some stains and discolouration. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the chair may have marks and scratches. The chair has recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
33.27 in W x 37.40 in D x 36.61 in H; 18.11 in Seat height; 22.05 in Seat depth; 22.44 in Arm height
84.5 cm W x 95 cm D x 93 cm H; 46 cm Seat height; 56 cm Seat depth; 57 cm Arm height
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
Though most mid-20th century Italian designers may not have the same name recognition as their Scandinavian and American counterparts in the mass market, they were integral in developing a modern aesthetic in Europe. The 1950s marked a particularly important period for Italian furniture design, as postwar modernism encouraged proportion, structure and comfort.
Italian designers combined the clarity of modernist furniture with the country’s strong tradition of craftsmanship, often giving seating a more expressive and elegant character through angled frames, carefully shaped wooden elements and generous upholstery. These armchairs encapsulate these features, bringing together an exposed wooden structure and a beautiful striped fabric. Slender wooden armrests project forward from the angled supports, leaving generous negative space around the upholstered sections and preventing the chairs from appearing heavy. Cream upholstery patterned with fine blue vertical stripes runs across both seat and back, emphasising their angles. Seen together, the chairs achieve much of their character through juxtaposition in terms of construction, materials, and colours.
The pair offers generous seating without creating the visual weight of a club chair, making them an especially attractive expression of 1950s Italian modernism. They embody quality craftsmanship and design tradition in their best form.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The armchairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the items may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chairs have recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
24.02 in W x 31.69 in D x 33.07 in H; Seat height: 13.98 in; Seat depth: 27.76 in; Arm height: 20.28 in
61 cm W x 80.5 cm D x 84 cm H; Seat height 35.5 cm; Seat depth 70.5 cm; Arm height 51.5 cm
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
The principle of Functionalism, or Funkis, by its Swedish name, can be summed up in Louis Sullivan's famous 1893 definition; "form follows function". Its key feature is that practical considerations, such as use, material and structure should determine the shape and look of a piece. Functionalism as an architectural movement can be traced back to the 1920s, a time when movements like Nordic Classicism, the Scandinavian equivalent of the European Art Deco movement, were leaving their mark on the design world.
This pair of armchairs represents a reflection of the Scandinavian design landscape of the 1930s, gracefully combining aesthetic elements into a timelessly elegant look. This transitional piece marries a practical Functionalist silhouette, formed by clean lines and simple decorations, with elements of Nordic Classicism. Each chair features a subtly reclined rectangular back over a deep seat along with elegantly curved armrests framed by the birch wood. The legs allow the cosy design to stand out, enhancing the lounging experience. The thick seat cushions and gently bent backs further contribute to the comfort. Still, the arms are in the focus of the design, with a highly distinctive shape and form in the front. The dark-toned upholstery complements the structure’s individuality. The wood is especially appealing, which is why it is also showcased on the arms; its grain and colour makes it a coveted, yet still rare material in Scandinavian seating.
These chairs illustrate the perfect alliance of geometry and function combined with expert craftsmanship. Perfectly suited for a vintage or contemporary interior, this pair combines artistry and comfort, and is sure to become the focal point of any space.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the wood has some marks, scratches, and discolouration. There is a visible crack on the wood. The chairs have recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
23.82 in W × 29.53 in D × 29.53 in H; Seat height 16.73 in; Seat depth 19.29 in; Arm height 24.41 in
60.5 cm W x 75 cm D x 75 cm H; Seat height 42.5 cm; Seat depth 49 cm; Arm height 62 cm
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Price category: 15,000 - 20,000 usd / eur
Italian Modern furniture is defined by unique design, precise execution and a strong relationship with Italy’s tradition of craftsmanship. This pair of “Bergamo” lounge chairs with matching ottomans by Paolo Buffa is a testament to the distinctive character of mid-century modernism in Italy. Buffa’s design language remains coherent with contemporary developments while retaining a clear connection to traditional furniture making, combining measured proportions, refined decorative details and carefully worked wooden structures.
This pair is focused on elegant proportions, balanced compositions and a rich interplay between geometric and flowing lines. The solid wooden frames are shaped with curved upper edges, slender tapered legs and open sides. The front legs rise effortlessly to form the sweeping armrests, creating a continuous line around the upholstered seats. Two crosses on each side introduce a sharper geometric rhythm, while the backs are formed from a sequence of slender vertical and diagonal wooden elements that give the chairs a striking open appearance both when viewed from behind and from the side. Thick upholstered seat cushions are paired with distinctive round back pillows, leaving much of the wooden back structure visible and enhancing the airy character of the design. The warm, light fabric contrasts with the darker wood and softens the architectural quality of the frames. Each chair is accompanied by a matching ottoman, constructed with the same tapered legs, shaped wooden frame and generously upholstered cushion. Placed together, the ottomans extend the composition of the chairs and reinforce the dialogue between solid upholstery and finely worked wood. The crossed panels, curved armrests, slender back elements and rounded cushions gives the set a dynamic appearance while retaining the elegance inherent in Buffa’s work.
Paolo Buffa was passionate about furniture and product design, an area in which he remained faithful to a figurative repertoire rooted in classicism while embracing impulses of modernity. He was highly active within the Milanese design scene, where traditional craftsmanship and modern ideas were continually brought into dialogue. The “Bergamo” chairs capture that combination particularly well, and the presence of their matching ottomans makes the pair especially complete, creating two inviting lounge settings with a strong decorative presence from every angle.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The set has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the items have marks, scratches, dents and discolouration. The chair and ottoman have been reupholstered recently in premium lambswool. 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:
Chair
25.59 in W x 33.66 in D x 31.10 in H; Seat height 16.73 in; Seat depth 18.11 in; Arm height 22.83 in
65 cm W x 85.5 cm D x 79 cm H; Seat height 42.5 cm; Seat depth 46 cm; Arm height 58 cm
Footstool
20.66 in W x 16.92 in D x 16.53 in H
52.5 cm W x 43 cm D x 42 cm H