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, 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
Maurizio Tempestini, Sofa, Iron, Wood, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini
Located in High Point, NC
An iron, dark-stained wood and blue fabric sofa designed by Maurizio Tempestini and produced by Salterini, USA, c. 1950s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age...
Iron
Lacquered Empire Style Sofa, Leopard Upholstery, Wood, USA, 1950s
Located in San Francisco, CA
Great statement piece with white lacquer wood finish and leopard printed upholstery. Loads of drama for either a simple or layered decor.
Fabric, Wood
French 1950s Knole-Style Sofa in Brocade Fabric
Located in Zhongzheng Dist., TW
This sofa, crafted in France around the 1950s, is a Knole-style piece distinguished by its classical proportions and refined structure. The high back and tall arms are connected by c...
Fabric, Brocade
$995
H 29.25 in W 32 in D 25.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Iron Hoop Lounge Chair by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous iron hoop chair designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini c1955. In very good condition needing a spray job. New plastic feet glides. Poss...
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 Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini, 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
Corner Sofa Blond Wood and Fabric, Italy, 1950's
By Ico Parisi
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Corner sofa in blond wood and fabric,, Italy, 1950's What stands out most in this low corner bench are the recesses in the framework and the 9 straight, tapered, squared stiletto legs that are so typical for that period in Italy. As you can see the backrest is optional and was probably designed later to give it some extra comfort. Back in the days these sofas were mostly used for very practical purposes like a quick coffee or pasta. This sofa would work very well in a corner of course but strangely enough this rectangular sofa also works very well in the middle of a room for example with a round table and two chairs...
Fabric, Wood
$17,026
H 31.5 in W 102.37 in D 34.26 in
Adrian Pearsall 'Gondola Sofa' in Brown Fabric for Craft Associates, USA, 1950s
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Berlin, DE
A long, low sofa with Pearsall’s characteristic open structure, the iconic model 2408 pairs generous upholstered volumes with a sculptural walnut frame. Its partly open back and angl...
Upholstery, Walnut
$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 Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
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
1950s Danish Sofa Reupholstered with Designer Mohair Fabric
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning 1950s Danish sofa that has been beautifully reupholstered in a plush Schumacher designer mohair fabric, offering both luxury and durability. Its angular arms, a signature mi...
Mohair, Birch
Edward Wormley Open Frame Sofa, Dunbar, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A very rare two-seat Edward Wormley open frame sofa, made by Dunbar, in the USA, 1950s. Newly reupholstered in high quality fabric. Fast shipping worldwide.
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Sofa, Walnut Wood, Restored Fabric, USA, 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful Mid-Century three seats sofa from the 1960s. This sofa is in excellent condition. It has been restored, (refinished and reupholstered). The fabric it is absolutely clean an...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
$19,883
H 25.99 in W 86.62 in D 33.47 in
Carlo Scarpa "Cornaro" Sofa early edition in Iroko Wood and Fabric, Italy, 1950s
By Simon Gavina Editions, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Carlo Scarpa "Cornaro" 2 seat Sofa early edition in Iroko Wood and Fabric, Italy, 1950's Early production Cornaro sofa by Carlo Scarpa for Simon, Italy, 1973. This rare first versio...
Fabric, Wood
$5,500
H 33.1 in W 25.2 in D 37 in
Vintage Boomerang Hairpin Iron Chair Attrib to Maurizio Tempestini / Dan Johnson
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Boomerang Hairpin Wrought Iron Chair Attributed to Maurizio Tempestini Manner of Dan Johnson
Metal
Vintage Boho Wrought Iron Sofa After Tempestini for Salterini
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fantastic vintage Outdoor wrought iron sofa. Beautiful loop design with a white painted finish. Done in the manner of Maurizio Temp...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 27.5 in W 80 in D 27 in
Maurizio Tempestini John S. Salterini Wrought Iron Sofa with Reed, circa 1950
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Miami, FL
Maurizio Tempestini John S. Salterini wrought iron sofa with reeded accents, circa 1950 Offered for sale is a sofa designed by Maurizio Tempestini for John S. Salterini in wrought i...
Wrought Iron
Maurizio Tempestini Salterini 1950s Mid-Century Modern Sofa
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Miami, FL
Maurizio Tempestini Salterini 1950s Mid-Century Modern Sofa Offered for sale is rare and elegant, sculptural sofa designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini in the 1950s. This ...
Iron
Sold
H 31.5 in W 62.6 in D 29.53 in
Maurizio Tempestini Curved Two-Seat Sofa, Florence, Italy, Early 1940s
By Mario Tamberli, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in The Hague, NL
This bijou two-seat sofa was designed by Maurizio Tempestini, circa 1940 and produced by Mario Tamberli in Florence. The sofa was a custom design for the Casa Innocenti Settepassi, t...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Rattan and Wrought Iron Sofa
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A rare sofa in rattan on a wrought iron frame with new cushions. By Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini. The rattan is in great condition, with a couple of minor breaks, which are not ...
Wrought Iron
1940s Maurizio Tempestini Curved Sofa
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in The Hague, NL
A striking variation on the conversation sofa, this curved Maurizio Tempestini design consists of two slightly inward placed backrests and a rounded seat. When seated, one is positio...
Velvet, Wood
Sold
H 30.71 in W 40.95 in D 27.17 in
1940s Maurizio Tempestini Sofa Designed for a Florentine Residence
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in The Hague, NL
This bijou sofa was designed and custom-made by Maurizio Tempestini for the Villa Palaiola, a private residence in Fiesole, just outside Florence. The details of the upholstery in a ...
Velvet, Wood
Modernist Iron Sofa by Maurizio Tempestini
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modernist Iron Sofa, designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini, circa 1950's. This is a versatile piece and can be used indoors or outdoors. It has been...