Two-Seater Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofa, Italy circa 1950s (sold)
Two-Seater Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofa, Italy circa 1950s (sold)
Mid-century design is characterised by clean, simple lines, honest use of materials, and a lack of unnecessary decorative embellishments. Italian mid-century designers blended traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics to obtain beautifully timeless pieces, and this sofa is exemplary of the main ideals of the era.
Through its fluid and pleasant shape, the apparent simplicity of this piece serves as an ode to the pursuit of elegant functionality. The enveloping shape of the sofa’s body encourages conversation and interaction, thanks to its cosy and welcoming curvature. This detail sets the piece apart from most sofas, and transforms it into a statement piece which can break the monotony of any space. The burgundy-coloured mohair fabric adds a rich and luxurious look and feel, with the deep, warm hue of the upholstery creating a sense of opulence, making it an ideal choice for an eye-catching interior. The body rests on four symmetrically arranged tapered wooden legs; beyond obvious function, the legs also add visual interest through their conical shape. The curved lines that define the shape of this sofa - from its backrest to its legs and armrests - evoke a sense of inviting comfort, making it the perfect spot to lounge.
The Italian passion and talent for mid-century modern design is evident when looking at this sofa: a product of quality materials and master cabinetmakers. The effect resulting from the combination of design choices is remarkable, a luscious visual treat that makes this two-seater sofa a perfect accent piece.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has been recently reupholstered in a mohair 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:
59.84 in W x 33.85 in D x 31.5 in H; Seat height 18.9 in; Seat depth 22.44 in
152 cm W x 86 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 48 cm; Seat depth 57 cm
REQUEST PRICE HERE
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.