Marvelous Iron Bench by Mario Papperzini for John Salterini, circa 1950
About the Item
- Creator:Mario Papperzini (Designer),John Salterini (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 26 in (66.04 cm)Width: 60 in (152.4 cm)Depth: 21 in (53.34 cm)Seat Height: 14 in (35.56 cm)
- Style:Organic Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1950
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Original Vintage Condition. The sofa maintains its original finish, with heavy patina. May be professionally painted or powder coated if so desired.
- Seller Location:Atlanta, GA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1152230189852
John Salterini
While John B. Salterini designed ornate wrought-iron garden furniture for patios and lawns, he specifically sought to match the forms of indoor furniture and also advocated the use of his furniture indoors “because it brings into your home the freshness and gaiety of a flowery summer garden” (per his print advertisements).
After emigrating from Italy to New York, Salterini worked in journalism at first, editing a newspaper in Syracuse. When he moved to New York City, he worked in glass manufacturing and then entered into the production of wrought-iron furniture as a partner in Salterini & Gallo. When that company shuttered, he launched his own eponymous firm in 1934, eventually offering some of the most exquisite, high-end outdoor furniture of the mid-century period.
Over the course of his career, Salterini designed a wide range of furniture, from tables and chairs to chaise longues, ottomans and benches. And his influences were equally wide as well. His work is often identified as mid-century modern — the Clamshell line, designed for Salterini’s company by like-minded Italian architect and industrial designer Maurizio Tempestini, boasts soft curves and cocoon-like shells that strike a sharp contrast with the solidity of wrought iron and resemble the zany chair designs emerging during the postwar period from designers like Pierre Paulin and Arne Jacobsen.
The furniture from John B. Salterini Company also combined organic and geometric forms, one of the mid-century design movement’s defining features. But Salterini was equally influenced by the Gothic Revival and Art Deco movements, incorporating their signature flourishes like intricate lace-like patterns, delicate vine leaves and protruding scrolls into his French Provincial Group’s glass-topped tables and chairs. One of his most ornate and ostentatious designs is the Peacock double chaise longue, with its elaborate spokes and arching back.
The postwar boom in prosperity and leisure time led to the expansion of the home to include patios, which needed to be furnished with stylish outdoor furniture. Wrought iron was considered the best material for outdoor use because of its comparative lightness and pliability to other metals. The term “wrought” means made by hand, as opposed to “cast” iron, which was made using molds. Salterini’s high-end handcrafted furniture, with names like Park Avenue Group — promoted for indoor use and photographed as such for the firm’s catalogues — attracted wealthy buyers from across the country. They were drawn to his ability to make a metal like wrought iron look almost ethereal and elegant, and the way he incorporated the popular styles and design principles of the day into his pieces.
That John B. Salterini’s vintage garden furniture — a collection of which can be found on 1stDibs — can be used indoors and look completely natural is a rare feat.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Atlanta, GA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Incomparable Tuxedo Sofa by Mario Papperzini for John Salterini, circa 1950By Mario Papperzini, John SalteriniLocated in Atlanta, GAThis magnificent sofa maintains its original verdigris finish, with heavy patina. The piece may be painted or professionally powder coated if so desired. Finals may be finished in ag...Category
Vintage 1950s American Organic Modern Sofas
MaterialsWrought Iron
- Majestic Restored Pagoda Coffee Table or Bench by John Wisner, circa 1954By John Wisner, Ficks ReedLocated in Atlanta, GAAn exquisite meticulously restored Pagoda form coffee table or bench. Stout expertly constructed rattan frame with a beautiful woven raffia top which produces a fabulous parquet effe...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsCane, Rattan, Hardwood
- Incomparable Set of 12 Montego Dining Chairs by John Salterini, circa 1960By John SalteriniLocated in Atlanta, GAThese magnificent dining chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative, completely installation ready. This large set is unique on the mark...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsWrought Iron
- Majestic Restored Rattan Emperors Seat by Betty Cobonpue, circa 1980By Betty CobonpueLocated in Atlanta, GAA remarkable Emperors seat by the wickedly Talented Betty Cobonpue, circa 1980. Steamed reed rattan with a stunning detail over solid mahogany constructi...Category
Vintage 1980s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsRattan, Mahogany
- Fabulous Restored Sofa by John Wisner for Ficks Reed, circa 1954- Pair AvailableBy Ficks Reed, John WisnerLocated in Atlanta, GAThis magnificent sofa frame is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and ready for upholstery. Expert custom upholstery service is available. A fabulous restored vintage sofa...Category
Vintage 1950s American Organic Modern Sofas
MaterialsBrass
- Superb Set of 8 Rush Rattan Dining Chairs by John Hutton for Donghia, circa 1995By John Hutton, DonghiaLocated in Atlanta, GAThis magnificent unique set of dining chairs is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely ins...Category
1990s Unknown Organic Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Cane, Rattan
- Set of Seven Mario Papperzini for Salterini Garden Lounge Chairs and OttomansBy John Salterini, Mario PapperziniLocated in Rio Vista, CARare set of seven Italian iron patio and garden lounge chairs and ottomans designed by Mario Papperzini for John Salterini. The Mid-Century Modern garden suite consists of three armchairs with adjustable chain reclining backs, two non-reclining back side chairs and two ottomans. One ottoman has tall gilt finials, the other does not. The tall ottoman...Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
MaterialsIron
- Midcentury Mario Papperzini for Salterini Iron Wingback Garden ChairLocated in Rio Vista, CAWhimsical Mid-Century Modern patio and garden wingback armchair made in the manner and style of Mario Papperzini for John Salterini. The armchair features a wrought iron frame with a...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs
MaterialsWrought Iron
- Vintage Salterini Style Outdoor Iron Loveseat/BenchLocated in Wilmington, DEVintage Salterini Style Outdoor Iron Loveseat/Bench Offered is a Vintage Outdoor Metal Loveseat/Bench in the style of Salterini. This bench has been repainted Black. The bench is r...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsIron
- Tree Wrap Iron Garden BenchBy John SalteriniLocated in Sheffield, MAHard to find, Salterini inspired tree hugger bench in white painted cast metal with mesh seat. This garden tree bench will make your outdoor space a special place to sit and reflect on the beauty of nature and enjoy conversation with friends and family. Half tree bench, bench seating around a tree, tree wrap bench...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
MaterialsIron
- Drum Bench for 3 by John Eric ByersBy John Eric ByersLocated in Geneve, CHDrum bench for 3 by John Eric Byers Dimensions: D41 x W122 x H41 cm Materials: carved + blackened + maple All works are individually handmade to order. John Eric Byers creates geom...Category
2010s American Post-Modern Benches
MaterialsOther
- Drum Bench for 4 by John Eric ByersBy John Eric ByersLocated in Geneve, CHDrum bench for 4 by John Eric Byers Dimensions: D41 x W163 x H41 cm Materials: carved + blackened + maple All works are individually handmade to order. John Eric Byers create...Category
2010s American Post-Modern Benches
MaterialsOther