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.
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
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
Tempestini for Salterini Radar Chair
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
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
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
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
$3,850 / set
H 28 in W 26.13 in D 25 in
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Wrought Iron & Wicker Patio Arm Dining Chairs
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini, Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in St. Louis, MO
Set of 4 Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini black wrought & wicker patio or sunroom dining chairs with vintage green / black and creme plaid seat c...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Sculptural Concrete Chairs by Merit Los Angeles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning pair of outdoor chairs made of solid concrete and each with a perfect and unique patina. Round saucer seat with angular legs. Incredibl...
Concrete
$17,900 / set
H 26.75 in W 21.35 in D 29.5 in
Maurizio Tempestini, Slipper Chairs, Iron, Rattan, Italy, 1950s
By Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
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
Customizable Artifort Ribbon Chair by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in New York, NY
A completely upholstered design by Pierre Paulin from 1966 and a professional, innovative vision on the well-known ribbon form. Metal frame with horizontal springs, covered with foam...
Textile
$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
$5,200 / set
H 27.252 in W 22.5 in D 21 in
Tempestini for Salterini set of Orange Slice Clamshell Chairs and Table
By Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini
Located in Palm Springs, CA
a lovely set of 4 clamshell or orange slice chairs designed by Mauricio Tempestini for Salterini. This set was likely repainted at some point in past as it’s in quite good overall co...
Iron
Super Chic Clamshell Dining Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely and timeless, this set of 4 clamshell chairs could be used with a dining table, game table, or simply as accent or desk chairs. This set features the original black lacquer a...
Wood, Lacquer
8 Piece Suite Tempestini for Salterini Orange Slice set.
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
We are willing to separate these pieces for sale.. please inquire.This orange slice Tempestini set has been at the same house for 40 years… It is in very good condition ,never outsid...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Congo Chairs by Theo Ruth for Artifort
By Theo Ruth, Artifort
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of Congo Chairs by Theo Ruth for Artifort. Each chair measures 22.5" wide, 27" deep and 28" high. Seat height is 15". Chair bases have...
Fabric, Wood
Sculptural Concrete Chair by Merit, Los Angeles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic outdoor chair made of solid concrete and each with a perfect and unique patina. Round saucer seat with angular legs. Incredible modern design perfect for any outdoor space....
Concrete
1970s Slope Wrought Iron and Steel Mesh Lounge Chairs, a Pair
By BoConcept
Located in Germantown, MD
Comfortable, close to maintenance-free and with a style punch to accompany it, this BoConcept Style outdoor furniture is the perfect setting for great outdoor moments. With a light, ...
Iron, Wire
$2,250 / set
H 26.5 in W 17 in D 12 in
Vintage Boho Wrought Iron Peacock Chairs After Salterini - Set of 2
By Salterini
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
These vintage Boho wrought iron peacock chairs, inspired by Salterini, combine intricate ironwork with a whimsical design, perfect for addin...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Maurizio Tempestini Chairs
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Unique pair of Maurizio Tempestini Chairs armchairs with inset caning and wood arms. Newly reupholstered in wool boucle. Italy, 1940s .
Bouclé, Cane, Wood
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Pair of Clam Shell Chairs
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Tempestini for John Salterini Clam shell chairs. Painted black, in nice shape. Older paint that still presents well. Nice small scale but stil...
Iron
4 Radar Patio Dining Chairs by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
By Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini
Located in Southampton, NJ
A set of 4 radar and mesh steel patio dining chairs designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini. A very comfortable and attractive design with great lines. All chairs...
Steel
Orange Slice Lounge Chair by Tempestini for Salterini, Italy
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A satin black metal framed indoor or outdoor lounge chair with metal mesh seat sculpturally formed like a orange slice hence the name . The curved legs sit on pads to provide support , manufactured by John Salterini Italy...
Metal
2 Orange Slice Mesh Chairs by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of well crafted iron and mesh metal Orange Slice chairs in a flat black finish with contoured seat and back. The sculptural look and feel of these chairs will enhance any gard...
Iron
Sold
H 26.5 in W 22.5 in D 23.25 in
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Clam Shell Wrought Iron Patio Set SOLD
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Pasadena, TX
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Clam Shell Wrought Iron Patio Set 1950s Set of 2 outdoor "lemon slice" clam shell lounge chairs with side t...
Wrought Iron
Cantilevered Salterini Radar Chair by Tempestini
By Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Classic mid century radar chair designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini. This example is in excellent original condition, clean and ready to use. ...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 32.5 in W 19 in D 21.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Iron and Wicker Pair Neva-Rust Chairs Tempestini & Salterini
By Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome and unusual pair of Mid-Century Modern iron and wicker barrel back Neva-Rust chairs designed by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini. They are in wonderful vintage condition. They retain their original black finish, but it is not without nicks and dings and missing paint. We call that patina. There were a couple broken wicker strands that have been repaired by our experienced staff. Original seat vinyl is in good condition, but you may wish to recover. Please see photos, circa 1950-1960. When I saw this pair of awesome chairs, I knew I had to have them to offer to you! They are the epitome of 1950s patio parties!! Designed by Maurizio Tempestini for the renowned John Salterini outdoor...
Iron
Blue Salterini Outdoor Set
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A set of two (2) chairs and two (2) loveseats (settees) by Salterini, with unusual triangle rear legs. Settees measure approximate: H 28.25 in. x W 42 in. x D 21.50 in, Seat height 1...
Steel
Sold
H 26.5 in W 22.75 in D 25.25 in
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Wrought Iron Chairs, "Orange Slice-Clam Shell"
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Miami, FL
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini wrought iron chairs, "Orange Slice-Clam Shell" chairs Offered for sale is a pair of Mid-Century Moder...
Wrought Iron
Salterini Radar Patio Set
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Georgeous set of wrought iron patio chairs designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini. The set includes two chairs with a standard base in addition to two spring lounge chairs. Th...
Iron
1950s Italian Mauricio Tempestini Chairs with New Upholstery
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Round Top, TX
Wonderful midcentury Italian chairs with beautiful golden velvet fabric. Measures: Seat height 15”.
Upholstery