Pair of Bamboo Armchairs by Gasparucci Italo in Striped Upholstery, Italy circa 1970s (sold)
Pair of Bamboo Armchairs by Gasparucci Italo in Striped Upholstery, Italy circa 1970s (sold)
Throughout the 20th century, and particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, Italian design reached its pinnacle of stylishness. By that point, the phrases "Bel Design" and "Linea Italiana" entered the lexicon of furniture design. The 1970s was a decade of mass production and innovation that signalled the end of the post-war rebuilding programme. However, unique designs and the overflow of creativity were still just as present, giving birth to outstanding pieces such as this pair of chairs. It was in the 1970s that Gasparucci Italo began creating a range of bamboo style designs, including this pair.
This pair of armchairs exemplifies a sophisticated blend of natural materials and mid-century modern design. Crafted with a sturdy bamboo frame, the chairs display the iconic organic aesthetic that was characteristic of Italian design in this period. The bamboo's natural texture is highlighted by the skillful weaving and combination of angles and subtle curvature of the frame, creating a relaxed yet refined silhouette that speaks to the era's appreciation for craftsmanship and the use of sustainable materials. The chairs have been reupholstered in a light, striped fabric, offering a fresh feel to the original design. The soft, cushioned seats and backs enhance comfort, while providing a clean contrast to the earthy bamboo frame. This juxtaposition of quality, durable materials underscores the timeless appeal of the armchairs, making them a versatile addition to both vintage and contemporary interiors.
This pair of armchairs combines Italian elegance and modern aesthetics, resulting in a timeless look which is full of modern energy that will endure for generations. This is also thanks to their exceptional visual quality, and uncompromising level of craftsmanship. Each chair exudes a sense of relaxed elegance, bringing a touch of Italian sophistication and natural beauty to any living space.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor marks and scratches on the wood. 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:
36.22 in W x 33.07 in D x 31.10 in H; Seat height 15.75 in; Seat depth 22.83 in; Arm height 25.20 in
92 cm W x 84 cm D x 79 cm H; Seat height 40 cm; Seat depth 58 cm; Arm height 64 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.