Ezio Longhi Pair of Ribbed-Back Lounge Chairs for ELAM, Italy 1960s (sold)














Ezio Longhi Pair of Ribbed-Back Lounge Chairs for ELAM, Italy 1960s (sold)
Like the 1958 Mitzi armchair, this model belongs to the most well-known chair designs of Italian designer, Ezio Longhi. This pair of lounge chairs takes one back to post-war Italy, when the now world-famous free form designs of the 1950s and 60s started emerging.
This pair of ribbed-back chairs has a fantastic retro feel and look to it, enhanced by the colour scheme and materials. The wood is elegant, timeless, natural, and strong. Yet, it still offers plenty of durability and in this case, defines the curves of the armrests and backs beautifully. The gently bent back, the ribbed seat and back cushions, and the widening armrests are all in service of the ergonomic design, which was evidently of utmost importance to Longhi. Every single line is well-thought-out, and the joinery is seamless. This does not come as a surprise, since the Lombardian designer was a trained cabinetmaker and architect, and the son of a woodcarver. This pair embodies the classical elegance of Italian mid-century furniture, and the artistry and craftsmanship of Ezio Longhi, who was the founder of the Elam (acronym for Ezio Longhi Arredamenti Moderni) furniture brand.
These chairs are much rarer than the Mitzi, which is why they have become a collector’s item. Longhi’s book, ‘The Diary of a Carpenter’, ends with a quote from Giorgio Bocca: “Until yesterday I believed that making furniture in Brianza was a matter of glue, of wood, of paints, of money, but then I met the Busnellis, the Longhi, the Cassina, and now I think I know it's something else entirely”. This pair certainly helps to make sense of this quote.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Small scratches and marks on the wood. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in 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:
23.62 in W x 32.28 in D x 35.43 in H; Seat height 14.17 in; Arm height 23.62 in
60 cm W x 82 cm D x 90 cm H; Seat height 36 cm; Arm height 60 cm
Literature:
Rivista dell' Arredamento 45 (September 1958), p. 41.
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Art Deco, the glamorous and influential design movement that emerged in France during the early 20th century, left an indelible mark on the world of furniture design. Characterised by its bold geometric shapes, rich materials, and luxurious aesthetics, Art Deco transformed the way we perceive interior spaces. It was a testament to the fusion of form and function, and this ethos is beautifully exemplified in this pair of exquisite Art Deco armchairs.
This timeless pair of European Art Deco club chairs boasts a beautiful, almost sculptural frame with generous curves evoking the high-end craftsmanship of the movement that is steeped in old-school luxury and glamour. These armchairs are a true embodiment of the Art Deco style. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, their geometrically inspired frames are constructed from rich, stained birchwood that exudes opulence through its rich and versatile patterns and colours. The upholstery is equally striking, featuring sumptuous velour fabric in an earthly and elegant brown tone. The streamlined, round armrests and similarly rounded backs showcase the movement's commitment to modernity. The "fauteuil de style", also known as the armchair. In France, the history of furniture closely follows the history of kings, Furniture like armchairs could only be found in the rich homes of the high nobility, closely linked to the reigning monarch whose taste dictated fashion. This is why we talk about Louis XIII, Louis XIV, Régence, Louis XV, Louis XVI, Directory, Empire armchairs… To live up to the seating style’s rich history rooted in style and comfort, this pair has thick seat cushions, sides, and backs fully upholstered. Instead of traditional tapered legs, these chairs stand on rectangular wooden feet with an especially rich grain, that give them extra personality while also highlighting the curve of the arms.
Like club chairs, armchairs - perhaps the most quintessential pieces of furniture - were embraced during the Art Deco era for their comfort and timeless appeal. They were favoured in upscale clubs and lounges across Europe, providing an inviting haven for relaxation and socialising. These chairs symbolise an era of sophistication and luxury, and their enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring allure of Art Deco design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in a premium brown velour 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:
25 in W x 33.07 in D x 30.7 in H; Seat height 17.32 in; Arm height 24.8 in
63.5 cm W x 84 cm D x 78 cm H; Seat height 44 cm; Arm height 63 cm