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.
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
French 1940s Canapé in Walnut Attributed to Maurice Jallot
By Maurice Jallot
Located in Paris, FR
Rare 1940s three-seat sofa in walnut. Elegant design and highly refined finishes. The structure is in good condition, the upholstery need to be redone.
Upholstery, Walnut
$16,800 / set
H 35 in W 30 in D 30 in
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, Sofa, Iron, Maple, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
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
Antique French Directoire Style Settee ~ Canape
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire style Settee ~ Canape is ideal for a light and airy look, with a minimal footprint for more cozy seating arran...
Fabric, Sycamore
$24,500
H 29 in W 93.5 in D 60 in
20th Century American Directional Sofa - Vintage Curved Settee by Vladimir Kagan
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A half-round, vintage Mid-Century Modern American three seater sofa or settee with four pillows, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in good condition. The seat back rest of the divano is curved with a wide armrest, supported by two round wooden bases. Newly upholstered in a white cotton fabric. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1950 - 1970, United States. The sofa belong to the Broadway theatre...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Wood
Maurizio Tempestini, Unique Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Metal, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A unique wood, fabric and black-lacquered metal sofa designed and produced by Maurizio Tempestini for Hotel Croce di Malta in Montecatini Terme, Italy, 1950s. Dimensions: 31.5” H x ...
Metal
$3,304 / set
H 27.96 in W 19.3 in D 19.3 in
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
$3,800Sale Price|44% Off
H 37 in W 83 in D 29 in
Sculptural Mid Century Italian Sofa Attributed to Maurizio Tempestini
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A mid century Italian sofa attributed to Maurizio Tempestini. Sculptural wingback silhouette. Original upholstery as found. Sourced in Northern Italy. The final photo is a rendering...
Upholstery
Italian Rococo Style Settee Polychromed in Green and Gold
Located in Pembroke, MA
A very stylish Italian green and gold polychromed settee in the Rococo style, recently re-upholstered in muslin.
Upholstery, Gesso, Wood, Paint
$1,800 / set
H 40 in W 16 in D 18 in
Pair of Wrought Iron Bar Stools by Maurizio Tempestini, USA, 1950s
By Salterini, John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of wrought iron bar stools designed by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini, c.1950s, USA. The stools feature a "wire-back" design with a striking geometric W-shaped support a...
Wrought Iron
$12,980 / set
H 42.92 in W 29.53 in D 33.47 in
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
Maurizio Tempestini Bench in Cherry Wood Italian Manufacture, 1950s
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Mid-Century Modern bench in cherry wood upholstered in leatherette/fabric, designed by Maurizio Tempestini. Italian Manufacture from the 1950s.
Faux Leather, Cherry