Italian architect and furniture designer Maurizio Tempestini is well-known among vintage outdoor furniture aficionados for his sculptural Clamshell line and other elegant mid-century modern furnishings for patios and gardens.
Born in Florence in 1908, Tempestini completed his studies in Industrial Decoration at the Porta Romana Art Institute in 1929. His career as an interior architect and furniture and lighting designer flourished during the early 1930s. It was during this time Tempestini was also active as a set designer for several Italian theater productions, including Mario Massa’s Osteria degli immortali and Luigi Bonelli’s comedy Il Gigli.
Tempestini then turned his attention from the stage to designing furniture and decorative objects. He crafted pieces for ceramics factory Cantagalli in Florence, as well as for Murano glass manufacturers Seguso and Cappellin.
In 1934, Tempestini worked on the external renovation of the Palazzo delle Esposizioni at the Parterre di San Gallo in Florence for the Littoriali Exhibition. Later, in 1938, he formed a studio with architects Nello Baroni and Pietro Porcinai before cofounding the legendary postwar Italian lighting maker Arteluce with designer and engineer Gino Sarfatti in 1939.
During the 1950s, Tempestini designed lighting fixtures for Lightolier and began to collaborate with Brooklyn, New York’s John B. Salterini Company. Salterini was an Italian emigree who initially worked in journalism before becoming an eminent producer of high-end wrought-iron furniture.
Tempestini’s modernist outdoor furniture for Salterini resembled indoor seating manufactured by the likes of Knoll or Artifort — his chairs and other seating boasted organic curves and seductive, unconventional shapes. His work complemented Salterini’s own handmade designs, which reflected Gothic Revival and Art Deco influences. Together the designers produced successful lines of garden and patio furniture for Salterini’s eponymous firm.
Tempestini’s name soon became widely known in the United States. His designs were first introduced to the American public in 1951 through Gimbels Department Store and Suniland Furniture in Houston, Texas. Today his bold and stylish patio furniture remains sought after by collectors everywhere.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Maurizio Tempestini garden elements, lounge chairs and tables.
Maurizio Tempestini, Lounge Chairs, Iron, Maple, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of cast iron, dark-stained maple and white fabric lounge chairs designed by Maurizio Tempestini and produced by Salterini, USA, c. 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 15” Arm Heigh...
Iron
Maurizio Tempestini, Slipper Chairs, Iron, Rattan, Italy, 1950s
By Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of rattan and black-lacquered iron slipper lounge chairs designed by Maurizio Tempestini and produced by Salterini, Italy, 1950s. Stamped "Made in Italy". Seat height: 12.65”
Iron
Pair of Italian White Metal Clamshell Outdoor Chairs by Tempestini
By Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic pair of mid-century modern Italian outdoor chairs designed by Tempestini and manufactured by Salterini. Featuring the classic clamshell s...
Metal
Rare Set of Four Maurizio Tempestini White Lacquer Iron Frame and Mesh Chairs
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare set of four Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini white lacquer over wrought iron framed and iron mesh outdoor dining chairs. Minimalist design with open arms and linear form, iron ...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Bar Stools Metal Perforated by Maurizio Tempestini, Italy, 1950s
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Pair of bar or counter stools white enamel metal perforated by Maurizio Tempestini. Famous design like Mathieu Matégot.
Metal, Enamel
Set 6 Mid Century Modern Orange Slice Chairs by Tempestini & Salterini + a Table
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and rare set of six orange slice chairs. Freshly painted in a satin white enamel, chairs are in excellent vintage condition. Exceptional design by Maurizio Tempestini for Jo...
Iron
Radar Chair by Salterini Newly Powder Coated
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in New York, NY
Great Radar Hoop chair designed by Tempestini for Salterini, just powder coated in semi gloss black. Originally designed for outdoor use, suitable for indoor placement as well.
Metal, Wrought Iron
Maurizio Tempestini, Sofa, Iron, Maple, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in High Point, NC
A cast iron, dark-stained maple and white fabric sofa designed by Maurizio Tempestini and produced by Salterini, USA, c. 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 15” Arm Height (inches): 22" ...
Iron
Set of Eight Maurizio Tempestini "Ribbon" Patio Chairs for Salterini
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dining Chairs by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini, USA, c.1950s. This set consists of two arm chairs and six side chairs with a ribbon detail along the back rest of each. This ...
Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Modern Orange Slice Iron with Sailcloth Lounge Chairs by Salterini
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and rare to find radar chairs by Maurizio Tempestini with Sailcloth as the seating material. Actual sails were cut and installed professionally. Chairs need a good cleaning ...
Iron
Set of Four Maurizio Tempestini Iron and Rope Ribbon Chairs for Salterini 1950s
By Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini, John Salterini
Located in Troy, MI
Sculptural "Ribbon" patio or dining chairs designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Italy circa 1950's Set consists of 2 armchairs and 2 side chairs with wrought iron frames an...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Italian Art Deco Armchairs Attributed to Maurizio Tempestini, 1940s
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Puglia, Puglia
An elegant and sculptural pair of Italian Art Deco armchairs attributed to Maurizio Tempestini, dating back to the 1940s. These armchairs are distinguished by their striking structu...
Satin, Walnut
1950s Pair of Wrought Iron Patio Chairs by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
By Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Spectacular pair of Mid Century Orange Slice Patio Chair, also known as a Clamshell Chair, designed by Maurizio Tempestini for the John B. Salterini Company. This wonderful set is a...
Wrought Iron
Signed Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini Ottoman Foot Stool Circa 1960s
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Peabody, MA
Italian rope and wrought iron ottoman designed by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini, circa 1960s. Retains its "JBS [John B. Salterini] Made in Italy" tag. Measures 20" wide x ...
Wrought Iron
Set of 6 Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Midcentury Black Metal Chairs
By Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 6 Mid-Century black metal "Ribbon" dining chairs with woven rope seats, the seat and arms comfortably sloping in a gently S-...
Metal
Pair of Wrought Iron Patio Chairs by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini, 1950s
By Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Introducing this wonderful pair of Mid Century Orange Slice Patio Chair, also known as a Clamshell Chair, designed by Maurizio Tempestini for the John B. Salterini Company. This won...
Wrought Iron
Maurizio Tempestini, Armchair, Wood, Velvet, Italy, 1940s
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and green velvet armchair designed and produced by Maurizio Tempestini, Italy, 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 18” Arm Height (inches): 24" All items ship from High Point, Nor...
Fabric, Velvet, Wood
$4,330Sale Price / set|20% Off
pair of fine Maurizio Tempestini forest green velvet armchairs, Florence, 1938
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Rome, IT
fine and elegant pair of armchairs, design by Maurizio Tempestini in 1938 designed and produced for a private residence, Villa B, in Florence within another pair ( in antique pink v...
Velvet, Wood
$4,330Sale Price|20% Off
pair of fine Maurizio Tempestini old rose velvet armchairs, Florence, 1938
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Rome, IT
fine and elegant pair of armchairs, design by Maurizio Tempestini in 1938 designed and produced for a private residence, Villa B, in Florence within another pair ( in green forest ...
Velvet, Wood
Set of 6 Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Ribbon Dining Chairs with Seat
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 6 Mid-Century Italian ribbon dining chairs with gently sloped, mesh metal seats and demilune backs in a pale shade of gold. (MAURIZIO TEMPESTINI FOR SALTERINI)(PRICED AS SET)(...
Metal
Pair Of Italian Maurizio Tepestini Wrought Iron Chairs And Ottoman
By Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of Italian Maurizio Tepestini Wrought Iron Chairs And Ottoman Offered is a splendid Italian set of two hand forged wrought iron lounge chairs or garden chairs with wood arms and...
Wrought Iron
1940s italian woven wood settee by Maurizio Tempestini
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Quarrata, IT
Elegant two-seat bench in solid wood with woven straw seat and backrest, deisgned by Maurizio Tempestini. A charming italian piece from the 1940s.
Straw, Wood
Maurizio Tempestini elegant oak armchair
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Milano, IT
Maurizio Tempestini (1908-1960) Elegant oak armchair with wavy pattern on all sides. Italian manufacture, Florence, ca. 1940. 73x70xh80
Oak
Set of Four Wrought Iron Patio Chairs by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
By Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning set of four Mid Century Orange Slice Patio Chair, also known as a Clamshell Chair, designed by Maurizio Tempestini for the John B. Salterini Company, ( they have no maker’s ...
Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Modern Iron Hoop Lounge Chair by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous iron hoop chair designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini c1955. In very good condition needing a spray job. New plastic feet glides. Poss...
Iron
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Iron Chairs Designed by Tempestini for Salterini
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare pair of ribbon armchairs designed by Maurizo Tempestini for Salterini. In very nice condition (used indoor, can be used outdoor). freshly sandblasted and powder coated with ne...
Iron
Tempestini for Salterini Radar Chair
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in New York, NY
Nice Garden or Patio Radar chair designed by Tempestini, manufactured by Salterini. No damage, bends, weld or repairs. This example is in later burgundy pa...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini "Ribbon" Wrought Iron Painted Dining Chairs
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Italian wrought iron "Ribbon" dining chairs painted white with gently sloped, mesh metal seats and demilune backs for indoor and/or outdoor use. (MAURIZO TEMPESTI...
Iron
Salterini Orange Slice Outdoor Loveseat by Maurizio Tempestini
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A sculptural iron and mesh orange slice loveseat in a flat black finish with curved legs having foot pads making the piece very stable. A great design for your garden, deck or three ...
Iron
Pair "Ribbon" Chairs by Maurizio Tempistini for Salterinin
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Sarasota, FL
We have created all new upholstery and foam cushions in a yellowy beige velvet. In excellent condition, unmarked.
Iron
Mid-Century Modern 6pc. Set Salterini Radar by Maurizio Tempestini C1955
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous 6 piece set of "Radar" outdoor patio dining set. Incudes 4 chairs 48" round top table with an umbrella hole and the heavy solid cast iron art deco umbrella holder. In excell...
Steel, Iron
A set of 3 Italian mid century modern white perforated metal counter stools
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Houston, TX
A set of Italian mid century modern white perforated metal counter stools designed by Maurizio Tempestini, circa 1950s. Overall in good condition with some cosmetic flaws to the fram...
Metal
Wrought Iron Radar Chairs by Maurizio Tempestini, Mid-Century Modern
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Cumberland, RI
A Pair of Wrought Iron Radar Chairs by Tempestini are available now and ready to ship. The pair consists of a Rocker Chair and Stationary chair. Structurally sound and free from brea...
Metal, Wrought Iron