Pair of Federico Munari (Attr.) Armchairs with Tapered Legs, Italy 1950s (sold)
Pair of Federico Munari (Attr.) Armchairs with Tapered Legs, Italy 1950s (sold)
The 1950s saw brilliant Italian designers working to create furniture of the highest quality, exploring truly modern shapes and forms. These designers experimented with new materials and construction methods but, crucially, they kept the elegance Italian design is known for. This beautiful pair of armchairs showcases how successful these experiments in modernity were.
These chairs reflect the mid-century Italian furniture style that was defined by unique design, perfect execution, and exclusivity. This delightfully eccentric pair is quite simplistic in its form, featuring a combination of round and curved shapes, and slender, tapered wooden legs. The defining feature of these chairs is their curved backrest, which creates a sense of cosy intimacy and warmth. The soft lines not only evoke a sense of inviting comfort but also serve a practical purpose: the curvature conforms to the natural contours of the human body, making them the perfect spot to engage in leisurely conversation. Mid-century modern design has a penchant for curved lines and organic forms, and these armchairs are no exception. The preference for such design elements arises from their ability to soften the angles of a room, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Still, the outline of the design is crisp, further enhanced by the earthy-toned upholstery.
Though many mid-century Italian designers may not have the name recognition as some of their Scandinavian counterparts, they were integral to developing a modern aesthetic in Europe. The appreciation for their contribution is still growing today, making outstanding Italian pieces like these chairs highly sought after.
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 re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
35.63 in W x 29.13 in D x 32.28 in H; Seat height 15.94 in; Seat depth 18.90 in; Arm height 24.21 in
90.5 cm W x 74 cm D x 82 cm H; Seat height 40.5 cm; Seat depth 48 cm; Arm height 61.5 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.