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.
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
$4,402Sale 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
Pair of Armchairs by Maurizio Tempestini, Italy, 1940's
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Melbourne, VIC
Sculptural armchairs by Maurizio Tempestini, Italy, circa 1940's. Featuring the classic high-back wing form with generous proportions, raised arms and deep seat, reflecting the elega...
Upholstery
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
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
$4,402Sale 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
$933 / set
H 32.68 in W 22.45 in D 27.17 in
1940s Pair of Restored Beech Art Deco Armchairs, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered - Carefully refurbished - armrests 65 cm
Fabric, Wood, Beech
$16,748 / set
H 30.71 in W 32.68 in D 30.71 in
Pair of Giulia Veronesi 'Perla' Armchairs in Green Velvet, ISA Bergamo, 1950s
By Giulia Veronesi, Dedar, ISA Bergamo
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare pair of armchairs was designed by Giulia Veronesi and produced by ISA Bergamo, Italy, in the early 1950s. The model, known as Perla, is considered one of the iconic chair d...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Beech
$17,900 / set
H 26.75 in W 21.35 in D 29.5 in
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
$1,995 / set
H 27.25 in W 22.5 in D 24 in
Mid-Century Modern Orange Slice Iron with Sailcloth Lounge Chairs by Salterini
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
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
$4,595 / set
H 27.25 in W 22.25 in D 23.75 in
Set 6 Mid Century Modern Orange Slice Chairs by Tempestini & Salterini + a Table
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
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
French Reconstruction Armchair, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
One of a kind French Reconstruction Armchair, 1940, post-war modernist design. Structure in solid oak. Condition report : the chair show si...
Cane, Mahogany
$4,950
H 36.62 in W 25.99 in D 28.35 in
Pair of Giovanni Michelucci Armchairs in Blue Velvet, Italy, 1940s
By Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of Giovanni Michelucci Armchairs in Blue Velvet, Italy, 1940s A striking pair of architectural armchairs designed by Italian architect Giovanni Michelucci in the 1940s. These r...
Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut
$4,770 / set
H 26.78 in W 23.23 in D 28.35 in
Jindřich Halabala – Art Deco Armchairs, Pair, Czechoslovakia, 1940s
By Jindřich Halabala
Located in Almelo, NL
Sculptural Art Deco armchairs by Jindřich Halabala, featuring iconic Czech bentwood armrests and original upholstery—an authentic and elegant matched pair from the 1940s. This rare ...
Upholstery, Beech, Bentwood
1 Salterini Peacock Wrought Iron Arm Chair
By John Salterini
Located in Pasadena, TX
1 Salterini Peacock Wrought Iron Chair John Salterini vintage midcentury wrought iron wire peacock chair. Victorian style chair designed with a bac...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Jacob Kjaer Green Velvet 1940s Armchairs
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in London, England
Jacob Kjaer - Pair of Lounge Chairs, 1940s A pair of 1940s lounge chairs designed and made by master-cabinetmaker Jacob Kjaer. These examples have been reupholstered in Moss green c...
Wool, Mahogany
Fine Pair Of Regency Style Armchairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
In olive-brown stained wood. Carved in the classic Regency manner with reeded and turned crest rails and back supports, the center one in an intricate openwork pierced pattern. Scrol...
Fabric, Mahogany
$16,800 / set
H 35 in W 30 in D 30 in
Maurizio Tempestini, Lounge Chairs, Iron, Maple, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
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
Sold
H 35.44 in W 27.76 in D 28.35 in
Maurizio Tempestini, pair of armchairs with leather armrests, 1947
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Firenze, IT
Very rare pair of armchairs, made by Maurizio Tempestini specifically for a Florentine home, Villino G., immediately after World War II in 1947.
Leather, Wood
Maurizio Tempestini Pair of armchairs in shaped wood
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Milano, IT
Maurizio Tempestini Pair of armchairs in shaped wood and padded fabric. Italian manufacture, Florence 1955ca.
Wood
Sold
H 30 in W 25 in D 22 in
Set of 8 Tempestini for Salterini Black Enamel Iron "Radar" Dining Chairs, 1950s
By Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Original Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini set of eight radar dining armchairs. Featuring sculpted sturdy hoop frameworks in black enameled wrought iron, curved ergonomic full backs,...
Iron, Wrought Iron
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
Sold
H 30 in W 25 in D 22 in
Set of 4 Tempestini for Salterini "Radar" Black Enamel Iron Dining Chairs, 1950s
By Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Original Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini set of four black radar dining armchairs. Featuring a sculpted sturdy hoop framework in black enameled wrought iron and sturdy wire mesh. I...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Sold
H 30.32 in W 30.32 in D 33.86 in
Pair of Maurizio Tempestini Armchairs in Elm and White Bouclé, Italy, 1940s
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare pair of armchairs was designed by Maurizio Tempestini in the late 1940s. The elm wood frames are characterized by the delicate lines of the open arms and the tapered legs. ...
Fabric, Wool, Upholstery, Wood, Elm
Pair of Armchairs by M. Tempestini
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Stunning pair of vintage armchairs by Maurizio Tempestini, entirely restored and reupholstered with a beautiful fabric by Dédar. Italy, 1950s.
Metal
Pair of Armchairs by Maurizio Tempestini, 1950s
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Milano, IT
Gorgeous pair of Maurizio Tempestini armchairs from the 1950s. The structure of Maurizio Tempestini armchairs was made of sturdy walnut wood, while the fabric used to cover them is ...
Velvet, Wood
Pair of Tempestini for Salterini "Radar" Black Enamel Iron Chairs, 1950s
By Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Original Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini black enameled iron radar chairs. Featuring a sculpted sturdy hoop framework in wrought iron and wire mesh. Indoor outdoor seating. America...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Sold
H 38.19 in W 31.11 in L 38.19 in
Maurizio Tempestini Rare Midcentury Armchairs in White Fur and Walnut, 1950s
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Milano, IT
Rare armchair by Maurizio Tempestini from 1950. The armchair has been re-lined in a beautiful white fur. The peculiarity of the armchair is its armrest inclined upwards. To accommodate the arms we find a leather belt anchored to the wood with studs. Soft and welcoming, the armchair is ideal for any type of style, but the most suitable in our opinion is the mountain chalet style.
Fur, Leather, Sheepskin, Walnut
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Patio Lounge Clamshell Chairs by Salterini
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A matching pair of 3-legged slice or clamshell shells designed by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini. These are a more obscure 3-legged version of this chair. For both, outdoor o...
Iron
Pair of Armchairs by Tempestini Maurizo
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in London, Charterhouse Square
Pair of armchairs designed by Tempestini Maurizo, re-upholstered In new mohair fabric.
Mohair