Pair of Bonino Armchairs Upholstered in Light Cowhide, Italy 1960s (sold)
Pair of Bonino Armchairs Upholstered in Light Cowhide, Italy 1960s (sold)
The postwar boom years of the 1950s through to the 1960s were one of the periods of greatest influence of Italian designers. Design in the 60s paved a way to a more aesthetic approach to products as opposed to its utilitarian predecessors, resulting in exceptional pieces like these armchairs.
This pair of chairs showcases the mastery and skill of Italian craftsmanship. The lines of their bodies are crisp and elegant, aiding to the stability, comfort and ergonomic design of the pair. Due to the well-chosen proportions and upholstered bodies, these chairs offer comfort in addition to aesthetics. The invisible, smooth joinery, the raised seat and the precise wooden structure are especially expressive of the mastery of the cabinetmaker. The main visual element however, remains the upholstery. The light cowhide is very textural, which stands out against the smoothness of the wood. The choice of cowhide not only speaks to the preference for organic materials in mid-century design, but also enhances the chair’s luxurious feel and quality. Despite the lush fabric, the bodies remain clear-cut, which can be observed in the angular and geometric shape of the arms and legs.
From all angles, these armchairs 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.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. These armchairs have been reupholstered recently in premium cowhide. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
27.16 in W x 29.92 in D x 30.90 in H; Seat height 14.17 in; Seat depth 20.07 in; Arm height 21.65 in
69 cm W x 76 cm D x 78.5 cm H; Seat height 36 cm; Seat depth 51 cm; Arm height 55 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.