Italian Modular Bench with Upholstered Seats, Italy ca 1950s
Italian Modular Bench with Upholstered Seats, Italy ca 1950s
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
The postwar boom years of the 1950s through to the 1960s were one of the periods of the greatest influence of Italian designers. Design in the 50s paved a way to a more aesthetic approach to products as opposed to more utilitarian predecessors, resulting in exceptional pieces like this piece.
This bench features elegant and measured proportions, balanced compositions, and refined décor elements including the choice of materials. The outline is quite sculptural, with characteristic curved shapes. The details set the piece apart from most benches and sofas, and transforms it into a statement piece which can break the monotony of any space. The seats are upholstered in a high-quality fabric that exudes both comfort and luxury, with a soft textural feel that invites relaxation. The stained dark colour stands out beautifully against the upholstery and emphasizes the slim shape of the backrest. With a clear preoccupation with geometry, this model’s outstanding architectural frame speaks of the mastery of the designer and of the producer. All the decorative elements are in service of the piece’s functionality. Moreover, the smooth, tapered legs typical of the period, contribute to both a sense of lightness and sturdiness. The Italian craftsmanship that went into creating this piece is nothing short of exceptional. Each part of the bench was carefully crafted, the joinery is also exemplary of the skill of the artisans who meticulously shaped the wood frames to fit seamlessly together.
Though many mid-century Italian designers may not have the same 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 modular bench highly sought after.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. This bench comes with its original upholstery or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
72.44 in W x 56.29 in D x 37.79 in H; Seat height 21.06 in; Seat depth 16.93 in
184 cm W x 143 cm D x 96 cm H; Seat height 53.5 cm; Seat depth 43 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.