Although best known for his photography, Geraldo de Barros was an important contributor to the canon of mid-century modern furniture design and was one of Brazil’s most influential multidisciplinary artists. He was a cofounder of the furniture company Unilabor in 1954.
Born in 1923 in Chavantes, São Paulo, de Barros began his artistic career as a painter before discovering a passion for photography in the 1940s.
In the early 1950s, de Barros traveled throughout Europe, including Switzerland, where he met Bauhaus graduate Max Bill. At the time, Bill was collaborating with the Scholl Foundation on developing a design institute in Ulm, Germany, that combined Bauhaus tradition with emerging technical elements in design practice. Bill invited de Barros to visit the institute, where he became influenced by Bill’s philosophy of Gute Form — the belief that carefully designed objects could bring artistic values into homes.
Upon his return to São Paulo, de Barros delved into furniture design. Along with engineer Justino Cardoso, metalworker Antônio Thereza, and a Dominican priest, Friar João Batista Pereira dos Santos, he founded the furniture company and Christian cooperative Unilabor on the outskirts of São Paulo in the mid-1950s.
As the chief designer at Unilabor, de Barros incorporated the concept of Concrete art into many of his pieces, particularly his armchairs. His dining room chairs, bookcases, coffee tables and desks were also designed with straight lines, sobriety and functionality in mind and made with natural materials such as rosewood, jacaranda and iron, while the doors of Unilabor cabinets and tables saw an integration of Formica.
Hallmarks of Brazilian mid-century design include the use of these native materials as well as smooth, sculptural forms, and the popularity of the region’s modernist furniture of the 1940s and ’50s has made household names of de Barros and designers such as Oscar Niemeyer, Sergio Rodrigues and José Zanine Caldas.
Given that it was more of a cooperative with a social mission than it was a manufacturer, Unilabor paid well and offered innovative modular furniture by way of de Barros-designed components that were produced serially to be used in the construction of complete furnishings.
Despite Unilabor’s success, the company ran into economic difficulties and eventually closed. Undaunted, de Barros founded another furniture company in 1964 — Hobjeto Indústria e Comércio de Móveis — where he focused on progressive furniture design with more geometric shapes.
During the 1960s, de Barros continued with furniture design and, as a painter, became interested in Pop art and abstract movements, founding influential groups such as Grupo 15, Galeria Rex and Grupo Ruptura.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Unilabor furniture.
Architectural Desk in Iron and Wood, by Unilabor, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Unilabor
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Unilabor was an important Brazilian furniture manufacturer during the mid-20th century, particularly known for its modernist designs and social business model. Founded in São Paulo b...
Metal, Steel
Mid-Century Modern Tea Cart by Geraldo de Barros, 1950s
By Geraldo de Barros, Unilabor
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Tea Cart by Geraldo de Barros, 1950s Geraldo de Barros crafted an ingenious tea cart featuring a unique four-level structure. Made of wood with Formica tops, this compact cart stands out with two larger levels at the top and bottom, and two smaller intermediary levels providing essential support. The tea cart's tiered design serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. The combination of wood and Formica showcases a harmonious blend of classic warmth and modern sleekness. The Formica tops, in addition to their contemporary appeal, offer a functional, easy-to-clean surface, enhancing the cart's durability and usability. Practicality meets style as the larger top level provides space for teapots and cups...
Metal
Geraldo De Barrors Rolling Cart, Unilabor, 1950s
By Geraldo de Barros, Unilabor
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rolling cart designed by Geraldo de Barros (1933-1998) and produced by Unilabor (1954-1961) in São Paulo (Brazil). The cart is made of solid “caviuna” wood and white Formica. Really ...
Formica, Hardwood
Italian Design Mid-Century Bar Cart, 1950s
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare 1950s Italian desgin serving bar cart. Made of beech wood equipped with two glass shelves and brass wheels for convenient movement. Perfect for serving drinks to your guests. Vi...
Glass, Beech
Mid-Century Rolling Bar Cart
Located in New York, NY
This versatile cart was designed for use as a bar or serving cart, with an open lower shelf, two drawers for storage and a pull-out tray lined with black glass for serving. Finished ...
Fir
Desk by Anonymous, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1950s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This refined 1950s desk exemplifies the Brazilian modernist pursuit of equilibrium between material honesty and formal lightness. The dual pedestals in solid jacarandá rosewood ancho...
Metal
$4,575
H 29.53 in W 66.93 in D 27.56 in
Large Black Desk Files Drawers, Wood Metal, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Style
By Atelier BAM
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Marajoara desk with drawers and files (optional) is a study on Mid-Century Modern utilitarian furniture, with Brazilian Native Arte Reference. I...
Steel
$1,180Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.78 in W 36.62 in D 18.51 in
Mid-Century Wooden Bar Cart by Cesare Lacca, Italy, 1950s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Catania, CT
Sophisticated Italian bar cart designed by Cesare Lacca, crafted in the 1950s. The structure is made of beautifully shaped wood, showcasing Lacca’s signature organic lines and elegan...
Glass, Wood
$3,980
H 29.53 in W 66.93 in D 27.56 in
Black Desk with Drawer, Wood and Metal Legs, Brazil Mid-Century Modern Designer
By Atelier BAM
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Marajoara design desk with drawers is a study in Mid-Century Modern utilitarian and luxury furniture, featuring minimalist details and inspired by Brazilian native art. The design reflects the pure heritage of Brazilian modernist furniture; created by the designers at Atelier BAM Design, and represented by the Firma Casa design gallery. The luxury modern design style is one of the most influential movements in contemporary Brazilian design. Among the main names of modernist designers are Lina Bo Bardi, Vilanova Artigas...
Steel
Mid-century Modern Vanity Desk by Broyhill
By Broyhill
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elevate your daily routine with this stunning mid-century modern vanity desk with mirror by Broyhill, a celebrated name in American furniture design. With its clean lines, warm wood ...
Wood
Rattan and Wrought Iron Rolling Bar Cart
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern wicker and wrought iron rolling bar cart attributed to Arthur Umanoff. The indoor/outdoor two-tiered serving t...
Wrought Iron
Desk in Wood Design Italy 1970s Mid-Century Modern
Located in Palermo, IT
Rectangular desk made entirely of dark wood and enameled cream with plastic stationery compartment on the top. Made in Italy between the late 60s and early 70s.Exceptional for placem...
Plastic, Wood
Mid-century Rolling Bar Cart c.1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Mid-century rolling bar cart with glass top shelf and lower Formica shelf. CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1950-1960. MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Metal, Glas...
Metal
$4,860 / item
H 29.53 in W 79.14 in D 27.56 in
Brazilian Wood and Copper Desk with Drawers, Mid Century Brazilian Modern
By Atelier BAM
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Marajoara desk with drawer is a study upon Mid Century Modern utilitarian furniture, with Brazilian Native Arte Reference. The modern design style is one of the most influential movements in contemporary Brazilian design. Among the main names of modernist designers are Lina Bo Bardi, Vilanova Artigas, Oscar Niemeyer, and a few others; giving a legacy maintained by contemporary architects like Isay Weinfeld...
Copper
Mid-Century Industrial Bar Cart, 1950s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Large industrial mid-century bar cart produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1950s. The trolley showcases a minimalist functional design with durable metal construction and generous ...
Metal
Rosewood Desk by Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor, Brazil, 1956
By Geraldo de Barros, Unilabor
Located in The Hague, NL
Very rare rosewood desk design by Geraldo de Barros (1923-1998) and manufactured by Unilabor in Brazil in 1956. Desk model “1015” Original label on the desk (see the pictures). Bl...
Metal, Brass
Rosewood Desk by Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor, Brazil, 1956
By Geraldo de Barros, Unilabor
Located in The Hague, NL
Very rare rosewood desk design by Geraldo de Barros (1923-1998) and manufactured by Unilabor in Brazil in 1956. Desk model “1015” Original label on the desk (see the pictures). Bl...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 29.53 in W 50.01 in D 23.63 in
1950s Model '1015' Desk in Iron and Rosewood by Geraldo de Barros, Brazil Modern
By Geraldo de Barros, Unilabor
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The small '1015' desk is an iconic piece of Brazilian design, with striking contrast between the white Formica and the Iron - Rosewood. Brass feet and pulls complete the details of a...
Brass, Iron
Set of Three Nesting Tables by Geraldo de Barros, Brazil, 1955
By Unilabor, Geraldo de Barros
Located in Barcelona, ES
Geraldo de Barros (1923-1998) Dressing table Manufactured by Unilabor Brasil, 1956 Black painted metal, formica, jacaranda, brass details Measurements 155cm x 40 cm x 77h c...
Brass
Pair of Nightstand Tables by Geraldo de Barros, Brazil, 1956
By Unilabor, Geraldo de Barros
Located in Barcelona, ES
Geraldo de Barros (1923-1998) Pair of nightstand tables Manufactured by Unilabor Brazil, 1956 Jacaranda, Formica, and brass handles. ...
Brass
Pair of Side Tables by Geraldo de Barros, Brazil, 1960s
By Unilabor, Geraldo de Barros
Located in Utrecht, NL
Minimalist side table by Geraldo de Barros, Brazil, 1960s In excellent condition. WORLDWIDE SHIPPING We offer tailor made solutions for the shipping of your items; first class whi...
Iron