Italian Wingback Three-Seater Sofa, Italy ca 1950s
Italian Wingback Three-Seater Sofa, Italy ca 1950s
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
This elegant three-seater sofa is a quintessential example of mid-century Italian design. Visually, it represents modernism by rejecting the common design choices of the past, such as heavy ornamentation and the prioritisation of form over function.
The design elements of this sofa - from the curved lines, to the dark wood and luxurious upholstery - not only create an intimate gathering place, but also define the look of a room whilst keeping the warmth and cosiness that is often associated with mid-century design. The piece aims to maximise comfort while putting an emphasis on elegance and refinement. With its high winged-backrest the sofa combines both form and function. Originally intended to shield the sitters from drafts, the wingback design also contributes to the stately silhouette. The understated tone of the upholstery allows the sculptural lines of the sofa to stand out, while still offering a neutral look that will integrate seamlessly into both contemporary and vintage interiors. The seat cushion is generously padded, providing a balance of comfort and support. Further adding to the stability are the tapered wooden legs that the piece rests on, the dark tone of the wood subtly elevates the design and reflects the minimalist aesthetic of the era. Free from unnecessary decoration, the aesthetic of this sofa is sleek, elegant, and modern. With its interesting shape, it is perfect to break the rigour of any space, keeping an elegant appearance elevated by the light 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 this sofa highly sought after.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has 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:
77.55 in W x 36.22 in D x 36.41 in H; Seat height 20.07 in; Seat depth 20.66 in; Arm height 22.44 in
197 cm W x 92 cm D x 92.5 cm H; Seat height 51 cm; Seat depth 52.5 cm; Arm height 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.