Pair of "MP-97" armchairs by Percival Lafer
About the Item
- Creator:Percival Lafer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 26.38 in (67.01 cm)Width: 32.49 in (82.53 cm)Depth: 29.53 in (75.01 cm)Seat Height: 15 in (38.1 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970
- Condition:Reupholstered. Repaired.
- Seller Location:São Paulo, BR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8505235618252
Percival Lafer
When it comes to mid-century furniture, the innovative work of the Brazilian Modernists has often been overlooked, including the designs of prolific maker Percival Lafer. Lafer studied architecture at São Paulo’s Universidade Mackenzie. After he graduated, his father passed away suddenly, leaving a furniture business that Lafer took over with his brothers.
Taking up the mantle, Lafer made the jump from architecture to furniture design in 1961, putting a focus on thoughtfully designed pieces available at affordable prices. That year, Lafer introduced his supremely popular MP-1 chair, a plush piece of furniture made with iron and wood that he has riffed on throughout his entire career.
The silhouettes of Lafer lounge chairs, armchairs and other seating were distinct from streamlined American and European mid-century modernism, taking on casual, puffed forms thanks to his use of polyurethane layers as padding. He combined such contemporary industrial materials with local natural ones, namely Brazilian hardwoods, which delighted customers around the world as Lafer became one of the country’s leading exporters of furniture.
Lafer has continued to design furniture throughout his career, branching into sofas, tables and lighting. He was at the forefront of mechanical furniture movements, debuting the MP-7 sofa, which could turn into a twin bed, in 1965, the first such piece on the market. One of his most intriguing projects was the MP Lafer, a two-seat fiberglass roadster designed to emulate British sports cars. Some 4,300 units were produced over its 16-year manufacturing run in the ’70s and ’80s, with several ending up in the collections of major car museums.
Still, Lafer’s biggest claim to fame is his seating, which he continues to design, drawing inspiration from modern shapes and local materials. In 2017, a retrospective of his work was organized as part of the São Paulo Design Weekend.
Find vintage Percival Lafer furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Barra Funda, Brazil
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Rare MP-81 Sofa In Original Leather by Percival Lafer, 1970By Percival LaferLocated in São Paulo, BRThis artwork embodies Percival's unique artistic essence. It presents innovative formal and structural solutions, while its symbolic significance seamlessly harmonizes with what can ...Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Fiberglass, Foam, Wood
- Rare MP-81 Lounge Chair and Ottoman In Original Leather by Percival Lafer, 1970By Percival LaferLocated in São Paulo, BRThis artwork embodies Percival's unique artistic essence. It presents innovative formal and structural solutions, while its symbolic significance seamlessly harmonizes with what can ...Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian Lounge Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Foam, Wood
- Rare Forma armchairs by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1955By Carlo Hauner and Martin EislerLocated in São Paulo, BRThis particular piece showcases a rare design crafted by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler for Forma in 1955. Though Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler are primarily known for their well-s...Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsWood
- Satellite Collection - Pony Lounge Chair by Pedro ÁvilaBy Percival LaferLocated in São Paulo, BRThrough a fusion of functional and sculptural objects, Pedro channels the aesthetics of astronomical instruments and the cultural fascination with space exploration. Inspired by his ...Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian Lounge Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Set of six MT 552 by Geraldo de BarrosBy Geraldo de BarrosLocated in São Paulo, BRGeraldo de Barros (1923-1998), a multifaceted artist hailing from Brazil, embodied a diverse range of creative disciplines, including painting, photography, furniture design, and pla...Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Chairs
MaterialsCane, Rosewood
- Set of four "First Chairs" by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1942.By Joaquim TenreiroLocated in São Paulo, BRJoaquim Tenreiro, a renowned Brazilian furniture designer, created The First Chair in 1942. This chair holds significance as one of the earliest examples of modern furniture design i...Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsWood
- Percival Lafer MP-97 ArmchairBy Percival LaferLocated in Washington, DCThe MP-97 armchair from Percival Lafer offers a very distinctive style, yet is also very comfortable. The designer took advantage of newly available technology to create different fo...Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsMetal
- Percival Lafer MP-01 ArmchairBy Percival LaferLocated in Washington, DCThe MP-01 is the first armchair model produced by the world renown Percival Lafer, and set the stage for his unique style and subsequent designs. The sensual curves of the seat are c...Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsMetal
- MP-97 Midcentury Lounge Chair by Percival Lafer, 1970sBy Percival LaferLocated in New York, NYIn his designs, Percival Lafer sought ergonomy and comfort. This pair of MP-97 lounge chairs by Percival Lafer comprises a solid wood structure with a single piece of a loose foam seat. Its unique design and construction make this an authentic statement piece. These pieces are unrestored and will receive wood treatment and new upholsteries according to the customer's taste. The cushions are in very good condition, with the extremely comfortable injectable foam. Móveis Lafer...Category
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsLeather, Cedar
- MP-091 Percival Lafer Lounger/ ArmchairBy Percival LaferLocated in East Hampton, NYAn original MP-091 lounger by Percival Lafer in Brazilian cherry and with original dowels and leather straps. Re-upholstered by previous owner in red ...Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsLeather, Cherry
- Pair of MP-51 Armchairs by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-CenturyBy Percival LaferLocated in Whitstable, GBA rare model of armchair by Percival Lafer, our stunning pair of MP-51 have their structure entirely made out of solid Jatobá wood - Brazilian cherry. The seat base has been redone with new natural leather straps. These straps are part of the overall aesthetics of the piece. The wood on both chairs has been sanded and matt varnished, revealing the beautiful colour and grain of Jatobá. The wood surfaces look stunning. The chairs have a new brown natural leather upholstery, done in Brazil. These MP51 are very comfortable, and ours are in excellent condition. We have two chairs available. A common trait amongst Lafer pieces is that they are very comfortable and also unique: they have a hard-achieved simplicity about them. Lafer studied architecture at São Paulo’s Universidade Mackenzie. After he graduated, his father passed away suddenly, leaving a furniture business that Lafer took over with his brothers. Lafer then made the jump from architecture to furniture design in 1961, putting a focus on thoughtfully designed pieces available at affordable prices. In the same year he introduced the amazing MP-1 chair, a plush piece of furniture made with iron and wood- and since then has had a prolific career. The silhouettes of his lounge chairs, armchairs and other seating were were a step away from the streamlined American and European mid-century modernism being designed at the time, taking on casual, puffed forms thanks to the use of polyurethane layers as padding. He combined such contemporary industrial materials with local natural ones, namely Brazilian hardwoods, which delighted customers around the world as Lafer became one of the country’s leading exporters of furniture. Lafer has continued to design furniture throughout his career, branching into sofas, tables and lighting. He was at the forefront of mechanical furniture movements, debuting the MP-7 sofa...Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsLeather, Hardwood
- Armchair MP-13 by Percival Lafer, Brazilian DesignBy Percival LaferLocated in Sao Paulo, SPWe work with artisans who masterfully restore typical pieces from each period of our history, valuing their different preservation techniques. Teamwork has built this pioneering comp...Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsOther