Willy GUHL - pair of loop chair
By Willy Guhl
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Willy Guhl (1915–2004) Loop Chairs, 1968 Chaises sculpturales formées de rubans continus de ciment
Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Concrete
Willy GUHL - pair of loop chair
By Willy Guhl
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Willy Guhl (1915–2004) Loop Chairs, 1968 Chaises sculpturales formées de rubans continus de ciment
Concrete
Original Loop chair by Willy Guhl for Eternit
By Willy Guhl
Located in London, GB
Original Loop chair by Willy Guhl for Eternit. Dated from the 60’s this piece, features a rare
Concrete
Willy Guhl Loop Chair 1st edition with original wood 1950
By Willy Guhl
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible original from the 50s Loop Chair by Willy Guhl with wood in the base in perfect
Concrete
Willy Guhl Concrete Loop Chairs, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic pair of concrete loop chairs by Willy Guhl. This pair of chairs were designed by Willy Guhl
Cement
Willy Guhl Loop Table
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
height of the Loop Chair pictured here. Willy Guhl's Loop Table quickly became a classic of 20th century
Cement
Willy Guhl Prototype Loop Chairs and Table
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Important set of concrete chairs and matching table. Likely a prototype for the widely known Loop
Cement
Willy Guhl Monumental Chalice Style Concrete Planter 1960s
By Willy Guhl
Located in Meer, VAN
century concrete planter by Willy Guhl. This chalice like design is one of his best - next to the loop
Concrete
$18,708 / set
H 25.6 in W 26.38 in D 21.26 in
Willy Guhl, desipair of Concrete Ball Armchairs, circa 1970s
By Willy Guhl
Located in leucate, FR
Pair of ball armchairs created by designer Willy Guhl. Sculptural armchairs, organic design
Concrete
$17,539
H 27.56 in W 78.75 in D 31.89 in
Willy Guhl, Steel and Concrete Design Bench, Switzerland, circa 1950s
By Willy Guhl
Located in leucate, FR
Mid-century floating bench designed by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl. Seater concrete monocoque is in
Concrete, Steel
Medium Swiss Concrete Dog House by Willy Guhl for Eternit, 1960s
By Willy Guhl
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare 1960s concrete dog house designed by renowned Swiss designer Willy Guhl. The structure
Concrete
Large Swiss Concrete Dog House by Willy Guhl for Eternit, 1960s
By Willy Guhl
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare 1960s concrete dog house designed by renowned Swiss designer Willy Guhl. The structure
Concrete
$3,000
H 23 in W 30 in D 22.75 in
Medium Swiss White Concrete Dog House by Willy Guhl for Eternit, 1960s
By Willy Guhl
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare 1960s concrete dog house designed by renowned Swiss designer Willy Guhl. The structure
Concrete
$9,260Sale Price / set|57% Off
H 23.82 in W 20.67 in D 30.71 in
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Loop Chairs and Loop Table by Willy Guhl for Eternit
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Magnificent pair of Loop Chairs plus a Loop Table designed in 1954 by Willy Guhl for Eternit SA of
Cement
Willy Guhl Loop Chairs and Table Set, 1960s, Switzerland
By Eternit, Willy Guhl, Ludwig Walser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful pair of concrete 'loop' chairs by Willy Guhl with a table/stool by Ludwig Walser. A
Cement
Willy Guhl Eternit Planters, Switzerland, 1960s
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Antwerp, BE
Brutalist and minimalist planters, Willy Guhl, Switzerland, 1960s 3 similar size rectangular
Concrete
French Concrete Chairs
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Unique solid concrete chair with curved loop shape base and amazing patina. Priced individually
Cement
$1,987 / item
H 16.54 in W 24.41 in D 16.54 in
Swiss Design Eternit Concrete Stool by Ludwig Walser, Special Edition
By Eternit, Ludwig Walser
Located in Renens, CH
Loop chairs by Willy Guhl, they are made of the same material and form a nice ensemble when paired
Concrete
Swiss Design Classic Eternit Hocker by Ludwig Walser, 1950s
By Eternit, Ludwig Walser
Located in Renens, CH
chairs by Willy Guhl, they are made of the same material and form a nice ensemble when paired. Our
Concrete
Willy Guhl Concrete Loop Chairs, 1st Edition
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Untersiggenthal, AG
Iconic furniture design by Willy Guhl. This chairs was designed by Willy Guhl in 1954 after
Cement
Willy Guhl Loop Chair Set of Six '6' Plus Table
By Willy Guhl
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Set of six (6) Original Willy Guhl loop chairs with side table sold as a period-original set
Concrete
Unavailable
H 21 in W 21.5 in D 29 in
Six Concrete Outdoor Mid-Century Modern “Loop” Chairs by Willy Guhl
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Made of fibrated concrete, this iconic Mid-Century Modern chair was designed by Willy Guhl in 1954
Cement
Concrete Chair by Willy Guhl for Eternit
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
Pair of concrete chair designed & signed by Willy Guhl for Eternit. The chairs are a bigger version
Cement
Eternit Hocker by Ludwig Walser, 1950s
By Eternit, Ludwig Walser
Located in Bern, CH
Chairs by Willy Guhl, they are made of the same material and form a nice ensemble when paired. Our
Concrete
Unavailable
H 16.54 in W 24.41 in D 16.54 in
Mid-century Modern, European, Grey, Footstool by Eternit Hocker by Ludwig Walser
By Eternit, Ludwig Walser
Located in Bern, CH
considered a complement to the Loop Chairs by Willy Guhl, they are made of the same material and form a nice
Concrete
Willy Guhl Loop Chairs
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Concrete "loop" chairs designed by Willy Guhl in 1954 and manufactured by Eternit. Wonderful shape
Concrete
Willy Guhl Loop Chairs
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gorgeous pair of architectural loop chair by Swiss Designer Willy Guhl for Eternit. Beautiful
Concrete
Willy Guhl - "Loop" chairs
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in PAU, FR
Two concrete chairs named "Loop" created by Willy Guhl in the 1950s. Produced by Eternit, it is
Concrete, Cement
Willy Guhl Loop Chairs and Table
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Set of loop chairs and matching table by Swiss Designer Willy Guhl for Eternit. Beautiful patina
Concrete
Willy Guhl Loop Chair Eternit
By Willy Guhl
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-Century Modern fibercrete pair of loop chairs by Willy Guhl for Eternit. An alluring, open form
Concrete
Loop Chairs by Willy Guhl
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gorgeous pair of architectural loop chair by Swiss Designer Willy Guhl for Eternit. Beautiful
Concrete
Vintage Willy Guhl Concrete Loop Chair, 1960s, Switzerland
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Gardena, CA
Iconic vintage Loop Chair by Swiss neo-functionalist and industrial design pioneer Willy Guhl for
Cement
Vintage Willy Guhl Concrete Loop Chair, 1970s, Switzerland
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Gardena, CA
Iconic vintage Loop Chair by Swiss neo-functionalist and industrial design pioneer Willy Guhl for
Cement
Vintage Willy Guhl Concrete Loop Chair, 1970s, Switzerland
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Gardena, CA
Iconic vintage Loop Chair by Swiss neo-functionalist and industrial design pioneer Willy Guhl for
Cement
Vintage Willy Guhl Concrete Loop Chair, 1960s, Switzerland
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Gardena, CA
Iconic vintage Loop Chair by Swiss neo-functionalist and industrial design pioneer Willy Guhl for
Cement
Pair of Loop Chairs by Willy Guhl
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing pair of Willy Guhl Loop fauteuils, early model, in perfect condition. Concrete with
Concrete
Willy Guhl Loop Chair for Eternit
By Willy Guhl
Located in Forest, BE
An iconic piece of mid-century design, the Loop Chair by Willy Guhl was created for Eternit in the
Concrete
Pair of Loop Chairs by Willy Guhl
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing pair of Willy Guhl Loop Chairs, in A1 condition. Original patina.
Concrete
Original Loop chair by Willy Guhl for Eternit
By Willy Guhl
Located in London, GB
Original Loop chair by Willy Guhl for Eternit. Dated from the 60’s this piece has a striking patina.
Concrete
Sold
H 20.08 in W 21.66 in D 29.93 in
Pair of Vintage Willy Guhl Concrete Loop Chairs, 1970s, Switzerland
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Gardena, CA
Iconic pair of vintage Loop Chairs by Swiss neo-functionalist and industrial design pioneer Willy
Cement
Sold
H 20.08 in W 21.66 in D 29.93 in
Pair of Vintage Willy Guhl Concrete Loop Chairs, 1970s, Switzerland
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Gardena, CA
Iconic pair of vintage Loop Chairs by Swiss neo-functionalist and industrial design pioneer Willy
Cement
Vintage Willy Guhl Concrete Loop Chair
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic furniture design by Willy Guhl. This chair was designed by Willy Guhl in 1954 after Guhl
Concrete
Willy Guhl Loop Chair Eternit AG Switzerland, 1954
By Willy Guhl
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
garden chairs designed by Willy Guhl are made of cellulose infused fiber cement like concrete, which is
Concrete
Paire de fauteuils "Loop" Willy Guhl
By Willy Guhl
Located in PARIS, FR
Paire de fauteuils "loop", conçues par Willy Guhl, 1954, Suisse. Ces chaises de jardin iconiques
Concrete
Willy Guhl Concrete Loop Table
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20th century furniture design. The Willy Guhl Loop Table (and it's matching Loop Chair, sold separately
Concrete
Sold
H 27.56 in W 21.66 in L 27.56 in
1950s "Loop" Chair in Concrete by Willy Guhl, Produced by Eternit Brazil
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Iconic design by Willy Guhl, 1954. Produced by Eternit Brazil, this chair still has the wooden
Concrete
Vintage Willy Guhl Concrete Loop Chairs
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic pair of concrete loop chairs by Willy Guhl. This pair of chairs were designed by Willy
Cement
Willy Guhl Loop Chairs Pair of Eternit AG Switzerland, 1954
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
iconic garden chairs designed by Willy Guhl are made of cellulose infused fiber cement like concrete
Concrete
Vintage Willy Guhl Concrete Loop Chairs, 1960s, Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic pair of concrete loop chairs by Willy Guhl. This pair of chairs were designed by Willy Guhl
Cement
Sold
H 20.67 in W 21.66 in D 26.38 in
Pair of Early 'Loop' Chairs by Willy Guhl for Eternit AG Switzerland, 1954
By Willy Guhl
Located in Sittard, LI
Very decorative pair of 'loop' chairs designed by Willy Guhl, 1954 Switzerland. These iconic loop
Cement
Vintage Willy Guhl Loop Chair
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning concrete loop chair by Willy Guhl. Made in the 1960s, this iconic chair has decades of
Cement
Vintage Willy Guhl Loop Chairs
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic set of vintage concrete loop chairs by Swiss designer Willy Guhl for Eternit. One of the
Cement
Vintage Willy Guhl Loop Chairs
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare set of vintage Willy Guhl Loop chairs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. These concrete chairs are
Cement
Vintage Willy Guhl Loop Chairs
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare set of vintage Willy Guhl loop chairs from Sao Paolo, Brazil. These concrete chairs are
Cement
Vintage Willy Guhl Loop Chairs
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare set of vintage Willy Guhl Loop chairs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. These concrete chairs are
Cement
Willy Guhl Concrete "Loop" Chair for Eternit, Switzerland
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in The Hague, NL
A midcentury classic like no other, the loop chair designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit, Switzerland
Cement
Willy Guhl Concrete "Loop" Chair for Eternit, Switzerland
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in The Hague, NL
A midcentury Classic like no other, the loop chair designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit, Switzerland
Cement
Willy Guhl Concrete Garden Chair
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Stow on the Wold, GB
Wiily Guhl Concrete loop garden chair by Eternit. In good condition.
Concrete
Willy Guhl Loop Chair and Matching Hourglass Planters
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Willy Guhl loop chair for Eternit. Single chair with great patina. Dated 1979. Two
Concrete
Pair of Vintage Willy Guhl Loop Chairs
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic set of vintage concrete loop chairs by Swiss designer Willy Guhl for Eternit. One of the
Cement
Pair of Vintage Willy Guhl Loop Chairs
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic set of 4 concrete chairs by Swiss designer Willy Guhl for Eternit. One of the most iconic
Cement
Willy Guhl, Pair of Loop Chairs, Eternit, Switzerland, 1954
By Willy Guhl
Located in Catonvielle, FR
pair of "Chaise de Plage" and two tables. In 1954, architect Willy Guhl created the beach chair from a
Concrete
Set of 8 Vintage Willy Guhl Loop Chairs
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic set of 8 vintage concrete loop chairs by Swiss designer Willy Guhl for Eternit. Priced
Cement
Set of 8 Vintage Willy Guhl Loop Chairs
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic set of 8 vintage concrete loop chairs by Swiss designer Willy Guhl for Eternit. Stamped
Cement
Monumental Concrete Planter by Willy Guhl, Switzerland 1960s
By Willy Guhl
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare 1960s concrete planter designed by the renowned Swiss designer Willy Guhl. The monumental
Concrete
Loop Lounge Chairs by Willy Guhl for Eternit Sa, 1950s
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in bruxelles, BE
Loop armchair by Willy Guhl. Slight wear and tear due to time and the age of the object.
Concrete
Large Swiss Squiggle Edge Concrete Planter by Willy Guhl, 1960s
By Willy Guhl
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare 1960s concrete planter designed by the renowned Swiss designer Willy Guhl for Eternit. This
Concrete
Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Hourglass Concrete Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in London, GB
inverted to give you a second option for a different diameter plantscape. Willy Guhl was a pioneering
Cement
Pair of Willy Guhl ''Looping Chairs'' Eternit Switzerland 1954
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
The Willy Guhl Loop Chair: legendary for a reason! The Willy Guhl Loop Chair is the eternal classic
Pair of Early Original Willy Guhl Mid-Century 'Loop' Chairs
Located in London, GB
A pair of 'Loop' lounge/garden chairs by Willy Guhl for Eternit AG. A continuous sheet of
Stone
Sold
H 31.89 in W 20.08 in D 27.56 in
1970s Municipal Brutalist Concrete Garden Loop Chairs and Table Willy Guhl Style
Located in Stow on the Wold, GB
stylish set. Two loop chairs and one loop table, all in good vintage condition, minimal signs of wear to
Concrete
Original Mid-Century Willy Guhl Loop Chairs for Eternit
Located in London, GB
A pair of 'Loop' lounge/garden chairs by Willy Guhl. A continuous sheet of concrete, these were
Cement
Original Mid-Century Willy Guhl Loop Chairs for Eternit (4)
Located in London, GB
A set of 'Loop' lounge/garden chairs by Willy Guhl. A continuous sheet of concrete, these were
Cement
Sold
H 28.25 in W 28.25 in L 28.25 in
Douglas Deeds Outdoor Lounge Chairs for Architectural Fiberglass, c. 1960s
By Douglas Deeds, Architectural Pottery, Architectural Fiberglass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
great alternative to Willy Guhl 'Loop' chairs which contain fibrated concrete using asbestos and should
Fiberglass, Ceramic
Pair of Concrete Loop Chair by Willy Guhl
By Willy Guhl
Located in Geneva, CH
Pair of concrete outdoor "Loop Chair" designed by Willy Guhl, Switzerland 1954 repaints by the
Concrete
Four Willy Guhl "Loop" Chairs
By Willy Guhl
Located in Stockton, NJ
Four Willy Guhl concrete "Loop' chairs, Switzerland, 1960s. Each signed "W. Ghul". Sold
Concrete
Solana Wall Sconces
By Blueprint Lighting
Located in Westport, CT
The "Solana" wall mount sconce or reading light is strongly influenced by Scandinavian, Danish, French, and Italian Mid-Century Modernism. The walnut back plate (available in natural...
Enamel, Brass
$16,603 / item
H 53.15 in W 125.99 in D 59.06 in
Oval Brass and Parchment Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Beautiful chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires, this other version of the spider chandelier has longer arms on the sides giving the oval shape. The metal arms paint...
Metal, Brass
$1,343 / item
H 13.39 in W 10.63 in D 10.63 in
Set Antique Vintage Acorn Opaline White Milk Glass Ceiling Pendant Light Lamp
Located in Sale, GB
- A fabulous run of church opaline acorn pendant lights with steel galleries, circa 1950. - Wear commensurate with age, all in excellent condition, the steel galleries are aged worn...
Glass
$795Sale Price / item|47% Off
H 33.47 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razoblade, Denmark, Oak
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and honey coloured lambskin. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. M...
Oak
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool This White Oak Chile Counter Stool is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The stool is chunky and modern...
Wood, Oak
$500 / item
H 18.7 in W 13.2 in D 3 in
Manly P Hall, the Secret Teachings of All Ages, First Edition Book & 4 Prints
By TASCHEN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The classic encyclopedia of the arcane in an expanded edition. Renowned philosopher and lecturer Manly P. Hall’s masterful encyclopedia of ancient symbols, hidden rituals, and arcan...
Foil
American Designer, Sectional Sofa, Rattan, Velvet, USA, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A rattan and yellow velvet sectional sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1970s. Dimensions: 25.25” H x 98” W x 98” D Seat Height: 17”
Velvet, Rattan
Nuvola Cocoon Chandelier by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy 1962
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Step into the captivating world of Italian Mid-Century Modern design with the Nuvola cocoon chandelier by Tobia Scarpa for Flos in 1962. This light suspension model boasts an inter...
Plastic
$5,074Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 24.01 in Dm 13.78 in
Pair of Constant Night Stands in Poplar Burl wood by Master for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Envisioned by designer Yaniv Chen, the Constant nightstand exudes an air of refined luxury, celebrating the inherent splendor of Poplar burl wood. Meticulously crafted with impeccabl...
Burl, Poplar
$1,155Sale Price / item|30% Off
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Textile
$3,900 / item
H 23.63 in W 39.38 in D 39.38 in
Contemporary Outdoor Lounge Chair 'Maca' in Burnt Wood by Carmworks
By Camilo Andres Rodriguez Marquez
Located in Paris, IDF
Lounge Chair Maca by Camilo Andres Rodriguez Marquez (aka CarmWorks) Solid oak or cedar / Burnt wood or natural Suitable for outdoor use Each piece is made to order and hand...
Oak, Cedar
Shroom Rattan Pencil Reed Table Lamp Mid Century Modern
Located in Oxford, GB
Illuminate your space with elegance and artistry with this mid century modern style pencil reed rattan table lamp. Handcrafted with a beautiful structural shroom shape and accented w...
Rattan
$2,000 / item
H 8.5 in Dm 17.5 in
Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light
By DBO Home
Located in Sharon, CT
Classic, elegant, with a perfectly imperfect touch. We just love our new porcelain Parasol Fluted Pendants. Inspired by a vintage pie cover, we designed them to hang over our kitchen...
Brass
Griffin Chair by Lawson-Fenning
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Griffin Chair is a wide, armless lounge chair that features biscuit tufting. The base is solid American Walnut or White Oak. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handma...
Velvet, Walnut
Organic Shaped Modern Coffee Table by Last Workshop, Walnut
By Last Workshop
Located in Chicago, IL
Organic shaped coffee table by Last Workshop, 2023 Solid walnut wood finish. IN STOCK: 1 If not in stock, current production: 6-7 weeks 58"L x 32" x 15"H Walnut finish. Customers ...
Hardwood, Walnut
The Floating Bed
By Axel Wannberg
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
The Floating Bed A sense of hovering freely inspired cabinet maker Axel Wannberg to design The Floating Bed – a distinct bedroom piece in massive Swedish Pine. Pine wood is a beauti...
Pine
Decades prior to the mass popularity of neo-industrial cement floors and furniture taking shape, there was Willy Guhl. The Swiss creative is considered one of the first “industrial” designers in his home country. He pioneered a rugged, organic style of modern furniture and decor — stylish planters, shapely seating and lots more — that remains widely coveted by many today.
Guhl was born in 1915 in Stein am Rhein and worked as a carpenter before beginning studies at the Zurich School of Applied Arts (known today as the Zurich University of the Arts), where he would go on to teach for nearly 40 years.
While Guhl is well-known for his range of provocative garden elements as well as his patio and outdoor furniture, today’s legion of mid-century modern enthusiasts are likely familiar with the designer’s iconic Loop chair (introduced in 1954). For this sculptural seat and other furnishings, Guhl tended toward industrial materials, which he bent and shaped into organic forms for a striking juxtaposition. Much of his work is crafted from either concrete or Eternit, a mixture of cement and asbestos developed by the Belgian company Etex, which, in the 1950s, commissioned Guhl and his students at the School of Applied Arts to conceive planters in the material. The resulting vessels — some hourglass-shaped, some in the form of handkerchiefs, all suitable for indoors or exteriors — remain some of Guhl’s most collectible pieces.
Guhl’s affiliation with the Swiss “neo-functional” movement centered on the idea of simplifying design without sacrificing form. According to Guhl, his mission was “achieving the most with the minimum of effort.”
In addition to his work as a designer, Guhl left his mark on subsequent creatives through his 39-year tenure at his alma mater, where he was instructor to the likes of Robert Haussmann, Kurt Thut and Bruno Rey. Modern-day shoppers at IKEA owe Guhl a debt of gratitude too. He was an early advocate of flat-pack furniture, championing its ability to make good design more widely accessible.
At its core, though, Guhl’s work was inherently human-centric: “At the center of my efforts, I put people and their living requirements,” he once said. “My products must be useful to people.” Guhl died in 2004 at the age of 89.
Find a range of vintage Willy Guhl furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.