Although best known for his photography, Geraldo de Barros was an important contributor to the canon of mid-century modern furniture design and was one of Brazil’s most influential multidisciplinary artists.
Born in 1923 in Chavantes, São Paulo, de Barros began his artistic career as a painter before discovering a passion for photography in the 1940s. In 1950, he found fame with his successful “Fotoformas” exhibition held at the Museu de Arte de São Paulo, which led to a scholarship from the French government to study in that country.
In the early 1950s, de Barros traveled throughout Europe, including Switzerland, where he met Bauhaus graduate Max Bill. At the time, Bill was collaborating with the Scholl Foundation on developing a design institute in Ulm, Germany, that combined Bauhaus tradition with emerging technical elements in design practice. Bill invited de Barros to visit the institute, where he became influenced by Bill’s philosophy of Gute Form — the belief that carefully designed objects could bring artistic values into homes.
Upon his return to São Paulo, de Barros delved into furniture design. Along with engineer Justino Cardoso, metalworker Antônio Thereza, and a Dominican priest, Friar João Batista Pereira dos Santos, he founded the furniture company and Christian cooperative Unilabor, in 1954, on the outskirts of São Paulo.
As the firm’s chief designer, de Barros incorporated the concept of Concrete art into many of his pieces, particularly his armchairs. His dining room chairs, bookcases, coffee tables, cabinets and desks were also designed with straight lines, sobriety and functionality in mind and made with natural materials such as rosewood, jacaranda and iron. Given that it was more of a cooperative with a social mission than it was a manufacturer, Unilabor paid well and offered innovative modular furniture by way of de Barros-designed components that were produced serially to be used in the construction of complete furnishings.
Despite Unilabor’s success, the company ran into economic difficulties and eventually closed. Undaunted, de Barros founded another furniture company in 1964 — Hobjeto Indústria e Comércio de Móveis — where he focused on progressive furniture design with more geometric shapes.
During the 1960s, de Barros continued with furniture design and, as a painter, became interested in Pop art and abstract movements, founding influential groups such as Grupo 15, Galeria Rex and Grupo Ruptura.
In the 1990s, de Barros returned to his career as a photographer until his death in 1998. De Barros’s furniture was shown at several exhibitions during the 1950s and 1960s, including the Exposição Nacional de Arte Concreta in São Paulo in 1956 and the Konkrete Kunst exhibition in Zurich in 1960. His photographs and paintings have also been exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Geraldo de Barros seating, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets.
Brazilian Mid-century Desk with Armchair, Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor, 1950s
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Geraldo de Barros (1923–1998), this desk and matching chair exemplify the designer’s disciplined approach to structure and material within Brazilian modernism. Closely al...
Metal
Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor Bar Cart in Jacaranda & Hardwood, Brazil, 1960s
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
A refined example of Brazilian modernist functionalism, this two-tier bar cart—also known as a tea trolley—was designed by Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor in the 1960s. Executed in so...
Metal
Bar cart in Hardwood, Geraldo de Barros for Hobjeto, 1970s - Lot 506
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite bar cart is crafted from premium Brazilian hardwood. Its sleek rectangular shape, clean lines, and two storage levels are enhanced by a convenient back compartment, co...
Hardwood
Rosewood Desk by Geraldo de Barros 1950s, Brazilian Midcentury Design
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
Desk Geraldo de Barros.
Iron
$14,436
Desk by Geraldo de Barros
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Desk by Geraldo de Barros. Brazil, 1950s. Manufactured by Unilabor. Wood, black painted metal, brass details. Measures: 109 x 52 x h 74 cm 42.9 x 20.4 x h 28.9 in. Item in fair con...
Brass, Metal
Mid-Century Modern Tea Cart by Geraldo de Barros, 1950s
By Geraldo de Barros, Unilabor
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Tea Cart by Geraldo de Barros, 1950s Geraldo de Barros crafted an ingenious tea cart featuring a unique four-level structure. Made of wood with Formica tops, this compact cart stands out with two larger levels at the top and bottom, and two smaller intermediary levels providing essential support. The tea cart's tiered design serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. The combination of wood and Formica showcases a harmonious blend of classic warmth and modern sleekness. The Formica tops, in addition to their contemporary appeal, offer a functional, easy-to-clean surface, enhancing the cart's durability and usability. Practicality meets style as the larger top level provides space for teapots and cups...
Metal
Rosewood Desk by Unilabor, Geraldo de Barros C. 1954, Brazilian Mid-Century
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
This desk was produced by the pioneer company Unilabor, with components designed by Geraldo de Barros (1923-1998). Its iron structure supports a top and drawers covered with Formica ...
Iron
Geraldo de Barros bar cart Unilabor Brazil 1955
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare and minimalist bar cart designed by Geraldo de Barros and manufactured by Unilabor in Brazil, 1955. This bar cart is made from a minimalistic structure of a tubular steel frame ...
Metal
Geraldo de Barros Vanity desk, 1955
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in Barcelona, ES
Vanity Desk by Geraldo de Barros Manufactured by Unilabor Brasil, 1955 Iron, jacaranda, mirror Measurements 128 cm x 43 cm x 83h cm (149h cm mirror included) 50,39 in x 16,92 in x ...
Iron
Brazilian Modern Side Table in Metal, Hardwood & Formica, Geraldo de Barros 1950
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
Available today, with domestic shipping in the NYC metro area included, this Brazilian Mid-Century Side Table in Metal, Hardwood and Formica by Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor, c. 195...
Metal
Geraldo de Barros “Torm” Conference Dining Table in Chrome & Rosewood, Brazil
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
A masterwork of Brazilian modernism, this rare Torm conference dining table by Geraldo de Barros exemplifies the disciplined geometry and material boldness that defined progressive B...
Chrome
Geraldo de Barros Dining table, 1955
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in Barcelona, ES
Dining table Manufactured by Unilabor Brasil, 1955 Jacaranda, white formica top 110cmx53cmx75hcm 43,31 in x 20,83 in x 29,75h in Provenance Private collection, Sao Paulo
Formica, Jacaranda
Coffee table by Geraldo de Barros
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Coffee table by Geraldo de Barros. Brazil, 1950's. Manufactured by Unilabor. Manufacturer's label. Wood, black painted metal, brass details. 110 x 45 x h 53 cm. 43.3 x 17.7 x h 20 in. Literature: Arich Chen, Brazil modern. The rediscovery of Twentieth-Century Brazilian Furniture...
Brass, Metal
Geraldo de Barros Coffee table, 1955
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in Barcelona, ES
Coffee table by Geraldo de Barros Manufactured by Unilabor Brazil, 1955 Jacaranda wood, metal, brass Measurements 109 cm x 53 cm x 44h cm 42,9 in x 20,8 in x 17,3hin Provenance Un...
Metal, Brass
Geraldo de Barros Telephone seat, 1956
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in Barcelona, ES
Telephone seat by Geraldo de Barros Manufactured by Unilabor Brazil, 1956 Rosewood, painted steel Measurements 93cm x 40cm x 64hcm 24in x 16in x 24hin Provenance Unique collection...
Steel
$45,717
Table by Geraldo de Barros
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in Barcelona, ES
Table Manufactured by Unilabor Brasil, 1955 Metal, formica, jacaranda Measurements 120 cm x 80 cm x 74h cm 47,24 in x 31,49 in x 29,13h in Literature Unilabor, by Mauro Claro. Bras...
Metal
Geraldo De Barrors Rolling Cart, Unilabor, 1950s
By Geraldo de Barros, Unilabor
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rolling cart designed by Geraldo de Barros (1933-1998) and produced by Unilabor (1954-1961) in São Paulo (Brazil). The cart is made of solid “caviuna” wood and white Formica. Really ...
Formica, Hardwood
Italian Design Mid-Century Bar Cart, 1950s
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare 1950s Italian desgin serving bar cart. Made of beech wood equipped with two glass shelves and brass wheels for convenient movement. Perfect for serving drinks to your guests. Vi...
Glass, Beech
$4,030
H 27.56 in W 39.38 in D 22.45 in
Mid-Century Green Wooden Desk by Derk Jan de Vries, The Netherlands 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-century green wooden desk by Derk Jan de Vries - The Netherlands 1960s With desk chair.
Wool, Wood
Danish Mid-Century Modern Asymmetrical Teak Desk, 1950s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Modern Asymmetrical Teak Desk, 1950s. Rare and early freestanding Scandinavian Modern boomerang teak writing desk made in Denmark in the early 1950s. Asymmetrical...
Oak, Teak
Sergio Rodrigues Brazilian Rosewood Desk and Chair
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mid Century Clean Lined Rosewood Desk and Chair, designed by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, circa 1960s. The chair is currently being reupholstered and can be completed in your fabric. S...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Italian Brass Bar Cart, 1970s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Midcentury brass bar cart, circa 1970s. It is versatile in size and can be used as a bar or serving cart or as an additional storage space in an office. It has four bottle holders at...
Brass
$2,450
H 30 in W 78.75 in D 39.375 in
Mid-Century Executive Desk by Friso Kramer & Coen de Vries, 1950s
By Friso Kramer, Coen de Vries, EEKA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking example of Dutch mid-century modern design, this executive desk was designed by Friso Kramer and Coen de Vries for EEKA (Eindhovense Eisen- en Kantoorartikelenfabriek) in ...
Steel
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.78 in W 36.62 in D 18.51 in
Mid-Century Wooden Bar Cart by Cesare Lacca, Italy, 1950s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Catania, CT
Sophisticated Italian bar cart designed by Cesare Lacca, crafted in the 1950s. The structure is made of beautifully shaped wood, showcasing Lacca’s signature organic lines and elegan...
Glass, Wood
Vintage Danish Rosewood Desk by Erik Riisager Hansen, 1950s.
By Erik Riisager Hansen 1, Haslev Mobelsnedkeri
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish rosewood desk by Erik Riisager Hansen 1950s. Spectacular Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern freestanding writing desk model 66 in Rosewood/Palisander designed by Erik Se...
Rosewood
Hollywood Regency Bar Cart Italy 1970s
By Hollywood Glam
Located in Čelinac, BA
Hollywood Regency Bar Cart Italy 1970s
Gold Plate
Widdicomb Kneehole Executive Desk Cherry Brass Mid Century 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Forest Grove, PA
An unmarked Widdicomb kneehole executive desk. Excellent wood choice, book matched throughout. Cherry veneer with solid cherry feet. Original patina to the brass handles. Professiona...
Brass
$11,100Sale Price|26% Off
H 29 in W 32.75 in D 19.75 in
Sergio Rodrigues Brazilian Rosewood Convertible Bar Cart, c 1960s Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This innovative bar cart by Sergio Rodrigues was crafted in circa 1960 from Brazilian Rosewood with contrasting white formica interior, made in Brazil and recently imported to the states. Fully restored and ready to be used and cherished immediately. A highly sought-after collectors piece, this dry bar / trolley features a flip-top which becomes a usable platform...
Formica, Rosewood
Danish Cabinetmaker 1950s Rosewood Desk
Located in London, England
An exquisite Danish cabinetmaker made desk in stunning rosewood dated to the early 1950s. This elegant desk exhibits the finest cabinetmaking techniques with subtle mouldings on the ...
Rosewood
Sold
H 21.3 in W 29.1 in D 13.8 in
Bar Cart in Hardwood & Formica, Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor, 1960s - Lot 499
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
Made in the 1960s, this bar cart, also known as a tea trolley, boasts a solid hardwood structure with two levels covered in brown Formica. The top level includes a movable tray, whil...
Hardwood
Sold
H 29 in W 43.3 in D 21 in
Mid-Century Modern Desk & Chair in Hardwood & Iron by Geraldo de Barros, Brazil
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
This Brazilian Modern desk and chair set by Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor is nothing less than spectacular. The desk is made with Brazilian rosewood (also known as jacaranda) and ...
Metal
Sold
H 29.14 in W 27.56 in D 17.33 in
Bar Cart - Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor, 1954, Rosewood, Formica and Iron
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in Curitiba, PR
Bar Cart - Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor, 1954, Rosewood, Formica and Iron. The top tray can slide to the side and it's removable. It hasnt been restored, but it's in good condition...
Iron
Sold
H 31.4 in W 35 in D 17.7 in
Brazilian Modern Bar Cart in Hardwood Iron White Formica Geraldo de Barros 1950s
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
This mid-century modern bar cart is made with Brazilian hardwood and has a black iron frame with white formica on the interior shelf. It features a large shelf, silver wheels on each...
Iron
Sold
H 17.25 in W 38.75 in D 21.75 in
Mid-century Brazilian Modern Rosewood Coffee Table With Iron Legs
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in Oakland, CA
1960's Brazil Modern rosewood coffee table crafted of rosewood slats assembled to a wrought iron frame. The coffee table is in good condition with minor signs of age and use. Measure...
Iron
Sold
H 24 in W 33.5 in D 17.7 in
Brazilian Modern Bar Cart in Hardwood, Chrome, & White Finish, Geraldo de Barros
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian modern bar cart designed by Geraldo de Barros, is absolutely stunning! Made in the 1960s, this bar cart (or tea trolley) features a solid rosewood (al...
Chrome
Sold
H 31.5 in Dm 47.25 in
Brazilian Modern Table in Hardwood by Geraldo de Barros for Hobjeto Brazil 1972
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
Available today, I love everything about this Midcentury Modern Circular Dining Table in Hardwood by Geraldo de Barros. This hardwood, m...
Hardwood
Sold
H 29.53 in W 82.68 in D 35.44 in
1970's Midcentury Modern Desk in Tubular Chrome & Wood Leaf by Geraldo Barros
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
This Brazilian Modern desk has a chromed tubular metal base with top and drawers in agglomerated wood and Jacaranda (Brazilian rosewood) leaf. It...
Chrome
Geraldo de Barros, Bar Cart, 1960's
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in PARIS, FR
Made in the 1960s by Geraldo de Barros, this tea trolley of lacquered caviuna is a landmark piece of Brazilian design. The pure, fine and slightly curved lines give it a sensuality. Its white melamine trays...
Formica, Hardwood
Rosewood Desk by Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor, Brazil, 1956
By Geraldo de Barros, Unilabor
Located in The Hague, NL
Very rare rosewood desk design by Geraldo de Barros (1923-1998) and manufactured by Unilabor in Brazil in 1956. Desk model “1015” Original label on the desk (see the pictures). Bl...
Metal, Brass
Rosewood Desk by Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor, Brazil, 1956
By Geraldo de Barros, Unilabor
Located in The Hague, NL
Very rare rosewood desk design by Geraldo de Barros (1923-1998) and manufactured by Unilabor in Brazil in 1956. Desk model “1015” Original label on the desk (see the pictures). Bl...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 29.53 in W 50.01 in D 23.63 in
1950s Model '1015' Desk in Iron and Rosewood by Geraldo de Barros, Brazil Modern
By Geraldo de Barros, Unilabor
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The small '1015' desk is an iconic piece of Brazilian design, with striking contrast between the white Formica and the Iron - Rosewood. Brass feet and pulls complete the details of a...
Brass, Iron