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 Italian Maurizio Tepestini Wrought Iron Chairs And Ottoman
By Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini
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
$7,800 / set
H 33 in W 18 in D 20.5 in
Pair of Chic 'Arcade' Wrought Iron and Shearling Chairs by Design Frères
By Design Frères, Gilbert Poillerat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of chic 'Arcade' wrought iron and shearling chairs by Design Frères. Extraordinary pair of side chairs with white shearling upholstery. This unique upholstery...
Wrought Iron
$2,800 / set
H 40.5 in W 18 in D 19.5 in L 40.5 in
Set of 4 Vintage Industrial Iron Garden Patio Dining Chairs
By Mario Papperzini, Salterini, John Salterini
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This is a great set of 4 vintage Iron garden chairs with sculptural X-form backs and a beautifully weathered finish. Their clean lines and rustic patina give them an effortless blend...
Iron
$4,400 / set
H 33.5 in W 26 in D 18.38 in
Antique Pair of Wrought-Iron and Leather Savonarola Chairs, early 20th century
Located in Shippensburg, PA
PAIR OF POLYCHROMED WROUGHT-IRON AND SADDLE-LEATHER SAVONAROLA CHAIRS With cerule form, probably early 20th century 33 1/2" H x 18 3/8" D x 26" W; 19 1/4" H to seat A very compelli...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Italian Wrought Iron Garden Chairs, Mid-20th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Delicate white-painted chairs with scrollwork backs and aged patina. Classic Italian garden design that evokes romantic charm and authenticity.
Wrought Iron
$9,500 / set
H 33 in W 24.75 in D 23 in
Set of Four Maurizio Tempestini Iron and Rope Ribbon Chairs for Salterini 1950s
By Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Troy, MI
Sculptural "Ribbon" patio or dining chairs designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Italy circa 1950's Set consists of 2 armchairs and 2 side chairs with wrought iron frames an...
Wrought Iron
$1,195 / set
H 36.5 in W 18 in D 18 in
Set of 2 Italian Outdoor Patio / Bistro Chairs in Wrought Iron, USA, c. 1960s
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing an ultra-stylish set of recently restored Italian-styled bistro chairs. Featuring a heavy-duty and hand-welded wrought iron frame, painted in a lovely mint green with cre...
Wrought Iron
$2,600 / set
H 28 in W 23.5 in D 25 in
1950s Pair of Wrought Iron Patio Chairs by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
By Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Spectacular pair of Mid Century Orange Slice Patio Chair, also known as a Clamshell Chair, designed by Maurizio Tempestini for the John B. Salterini Company. This wonderful set is a...
Wrought Iron
$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
Vintage PAIR of Mid century Iron Chairs
By John Salterini, Tommi Parzinger, Maurizio Tempestini, Frederic Weinberg
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful form and craftsmanship on these Mid Century Design Iron Chairs. Some Brass finial balls missing as shown. The rubber shoe glides are no longer usable and should be repla...
Iron
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
Pair of Two Garden Chairs in Wrought Iron
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of two garden chairs in wrought iron for indoor or outdoor You must indicate if you want the product with the special treatment for...
Wrought Iron
$2,186 / set
H 47.25 in W 15.75 in D 17.72 in
Italian Neoclassical Wrought Iron Console, Mirror and Chair
Located in Sofia, BG
Three piece set consisting of chair, a console and a mirror Console marble has a tiny piece damage on the left slightly visible The chair has a light not symetrical back / please s...
Brass
Sold
H 26 in W 22.5 in D 22 in
Mid-Century ‘Orange Slice’ Patio Set by Maurizio Tempenstini for Salterini
By Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century patio set designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini. Often referred to as the ‘orange slice’ due to the shape of the chairs. This set includes four chairs and one sma...
Metal, 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 Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
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 Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
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 Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
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 John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
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
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