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
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
$3,271 / 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
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
$1,800 / set
H 40 in W 16 in D 18 in
Pair of Wrought Iron Bar Stools by Maurizio Tempestini, USA, 1950s
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini, Salterini
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
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
$3,825 / set
H 35 in W 24 in D 24 in
Mid-Century Modern Wrought Iron Lounge Chairs by Maurizio Tempestini
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Cumberland, RI
Set the bar high for your outdoor patio space by selecting The Vintage Patio Boutique's hand-picked wrought iron furnishings. Elevate your s...
Metal, Wrought Iron
Maurice Hirsch Sofa and Armchairs, 1940s, Louis XVI Style
By Maurice Hirsch
Located in Sharon, CT
A sofa and two armchairs. The sofa measures 69" wide, 32" depth, 30.5" high (seat height: 16.5"). The armchairs 26.5" wide, 28" depth, 30.5" high (seat height: 16.5"). Signed.
Upholstery
Maurizio Tempestini Style Black Iron Frame and Mesh Settee
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Sheffield, MA
In the style of Maurizio Tempestini this black painted wrought iron framed and iron mesh outdoor loveseat will make a wonderful addition to any garden, porch or veranda.. Minimalist ...
Iron
$12,600
H 35 in W 67 in D 24 in
18th century North Italian Baroque Style Green-Painted and Parcel-Gilt Settee
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A North Italian green-painted and parcel-gilt settee from the mid-18th century. The serpentine padded backrest displays foliate scrolls on the top rail flanked by two scrolls above a...
Upholstery, Wood
$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
Italian Designer, Settee, Wood, Fabric, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and white fabric sofa designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 15” Arm Height (inches): 23.5" All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 25.99 in W 47.25 in L 25.99 in
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