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, 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
$604Sale Price|20% Off
H 34.26 in W 27.56 in D 32.68 in
Mid-Century Modern Armchair, Velvet Upholstery, Italy, 1940s Design
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Armchair with spring-filled padding, down cushion, and velvet upholstery. Good condition, some wear throughout.
Velvet
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
$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
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
$9,500 / set
H 34.25 in W 26.75 in D 22 in
1940s Italian Armchairs with Sculptural Backrests and Wood Legs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Italian armchairs with highly sculptural backrests and sides supported on elegantly tapered wood legs. Newly refinished and upholstered in a creamy faux suede. Italy, circa...
Wood
$20,914
H 45.28 in W 27.96 in D 31.5 in
Exceptional Guglielmo Ulrich Armchair in Velvet and Fluted Walnut, Italy, 1940s
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in The Hague, NL
This exceptionally rare armchair was designed by Guglielmo Ulrich in the 1940s. The elegant design is marked by the distinct, curved lines of the winged backrest and the rounded li...
Velvet, Walnut
Pair of 1940s-50s armchairs of Italian manufacture
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
Pair of 1940s-50s armchairs of Italian manufacture. Wooden frame and fabric upholstery, still original. The frame is sound, upholstery and padding are to be reupholstered so as to ...
Fabric, Wood
Modernist Armchair in Oak Wood, France, 1940s
By (after) Jean Michel Frank
Located in La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Modernist armchair in solid oak and upholstery. Made in France in the 1940s. Swivel/tilt back. In the style of Elizabeth Eyre de Lanux Newly reupholster...
Oak
$8,500 / set
H 29.93 in W 24.02 in D 26.78 in
Giuseppe Pagano Pogatschnig. 'Bocconi' Armchairs, Italy, 1940s
By Giuseppe Pagano Pogatschnig
Located in Almelo, NL
Giuseppe Pagano Pogatschnig. 'Bocconi' armchairs, Italy, 1940s. Giuseppe Pagano Pogatschnig e Gino Maggioni designed this 'Bocconi' armchairs in curved wood. Two large squares for...
Rope, Beech, Bentwood
$8,043
H 29.53 in W 26.78 in D 30.32 in
Hvidt & Molgaard 1940s Mohair Velvet Armchair for Fritz Hansen
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, Fritz Hansen
Located in London, England
Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen - Model 1748 Lounge Chair, c. 1942 This elegant lounge chair was produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark in the late 1940s and designed by duo Peter...
Beech, Mohair
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
1940s Pair of Large Italian Club Armchairs
Located in Praha, CZ
- Very comfortable - Reupholstered many years ago - suitable for new upholstery
Fabric, Upholstery
Sold
H 33.08 in W 24.81 in D 33.47 in
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
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
Sold
H 33 in W 25 in D 21 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Iron Chairs Designed by Tempestini for Salterini
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
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
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 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