Pair of Italian Mid-Century Upholstered Armchairs, Italy 1960s
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Upholstered Armchairs, Italy 1960s
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
Italian mid-century design is celebrated for its effortless balance between refined elegance and inviting comfort. In the 1960s, Italian designers explored new forms and materials, creating furniture that felt modern yet timeless. Clean lines, sculptural volumes, and a sensitivity to luxurious textures defined this era, leaving behind iconic pieces that continue to impress today.
This striking pair of upholstered armchairs beautifully illustrates the sophistication of that period. The chairs feature a sleek, angular silhouette with crisp proportions that lend them a modern architectural presence. The broad, gently sloped armrests not only enhance the inviting profile but also encourages a relaxed posture, making these armchairs ideal for both conversation and lounging. While the plush cushions and generous seat ensure exceptional comfort, the squared form of the chairs’ bodies set them apart from most models. The deep, rich burgundy upholstery adds a dramatic sense of luxury and deepens the textile dimension of the pieces. The robust body is balanced out by slim black metal legs that elevate the design, giving the chairs a light, airy stance and ensuring stability. Brass feet punctuate the base, introducing a refined detail that embodies the Italian appreciation for subtle glamour.
These armchairs showcase the Italian mid-century approach to living spaces as places of both beauty and ease. With their bold color, elegant structure, and comfortable embrace, they serve as timeless statement pieces that can elevate any interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. These chairs have been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
30.71 in W x 29.92 in D x 30.91 in H; Seat height 18.31 in; Seat depth 19.29 in; Arm height 22.24 in
78 cm W x 76 cm D x 78.5 cm H; Seat height 46.5 cm; Seat depth 49 cm; Arm height 56.5 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.