Decades prior to the mass popularity of neo-industrial cement floors and furniture taking shape, there was Willy Guhl. The Swiss creative is considered one of the first “industrial” designers in his home country. He pioneered a rugged, organic style of modern furniture and decor — stylish planters, shapely seating and lots more — that remains widely coveted by many today.
Guhl was born in 1915 in Stein am Rhein and worked as a carpenter before beginning studies at the Zurich School of Applied Arts (known today as the Zurich University of the Arts), where he would go on to teach for nearly 40 years.
While Guhl is well-known for his range of provocative garden elements as well as his patio and outdoor furniture, today’s legion of mid-century modern enthusiasts are likely familiar with the designer’s iconic Loop chair (introduced in 1954). For this sculptural seat and other furnishings, Guhl tended toward industrial materials, which he bent and shaped into organic forms for a striking juxtaposition. Much of his work is crafted from either concrete or Eternit, a mixture of cement and asbestos developed by the Belgian company Etex, which, in the 1950s, commissioned Guhl and his students at the School of Applied Arts to conceive planters in the material. The resulting vessels — some hourglass-shaped, some in the form of handkerchiefs, all suitable for indoors or exteriors — remain some of Guhl’s most collectible pieces.
Guhl’s affiliation with the Swiss “neo-functional” movement centered on the idea of simplifying design without sacrificing form. According to Guhl, his mission was “achieving the most with the minimum of effort.”
In addition to his work as a designer, Guhl left his mark on subsequent creatives through his 39-year tenure at his alma mater, where he was instructor to the likes of Robert Haussmann, Kurt Thut and Bruno Rey. Modern-day shoppers at IKEA owe Guhl a debt of gratitude too. He was an early advocate of flat-pack furniture, championing its ability to make good design more widely accessible.
At its core, though, Guhl’s work was inherently human-centric: “At the center of my efforts, I put people and their living requirements,” he once said. “My products must be useful to people.” Guhl died in 2004 at the age of 89.
Find a range of vintage Willy Guhl furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Guhl Chair by Willy Guhl '1. Edition, Special Sealed, Safe Surface'
By Willy Guhl
Located in Zürich, CH
Here the silhouette is strong. It is presented through the outline and shape of the piece. The object exudes an aura. It’s not about the shape or about the material; its auratic qual...
Concrete
Willy Guhl, desipair of Concrete Ball Armchairs, circa 1970s
By Willy Guhl
Located in leucate, FR
Pair of ball armchairs created by designer Willy Guhl. Sculptural armchairs, organic design reminiscent of a mushroom. Ideal for a garden or around a ...
Concrete
Near Pair of Woodard Sculptura Lounge Armchairs Restored
By Russell Woodard
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Restored near pair of Sculptura armchair lounge chairs. Totally cleaned down and powder coated silver with new plastic floor glides. Sold as a set (2) One chair is slightly smaller ...
Iron
French Art Deco Chairs and Armchairs, circa 1940s
By René Prou
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very elegant set comprising two chairs and two armchairs, made of wrought iron, with scrolling and curlicue motifs, raised on cabriole legs. Seats in bright, yellow canvas (outdoors)...
Wrought Iron
Midcentury Knoll Barcelona Chair in Special Order Stainless Steel
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Authentic Midcentury Modern Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll – Premium Stainless Steel Version Offered for sale is an iconic Barcelona Chair, designed by Ludwig Mies ...
Stainless Steel
Original Loop chair by Willy Guhl for Eternit
By Willy Guhl
Located in London, GB
Original Loop chair by Willy Guhl for Eternit. Dated from the 60’s this piece, features a rare cleaned patina.
Concrete
Pair of Large Powder Coated Armchairs by Outdoor Classics
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful design and so well constructed, these chairs are powder coated aluminum straight from the factory. Minimal wear and presently have no cushions. Seat height is 14.75. A very large seating...
Aluminum
Willy Guhl Concrete Loop Chairs, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic pair of concrete loop chairs by Willy Guhl. This pair of chairs were designed by Willy Guhl in 1954. Guhl watched as the Eternit fiber cement panels were fabricated with a mac...
Cement
Pair of Willy Guhl Curved Concrete Benches, 1960s, Switzerland
By Eternit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A gorgeous pair of mid-century concrete seat/ benches by Eternit, circa 1960s. Perfect minimal concave design with convex sides that bow out gently. The bench is made of fiber cement which has allowed them to develop an incredible patina. Factory drilled drainage holes in the seat. Beautiful and impactful. Very sturdy and able to hold 1-2 adults. These can also be placed together in a variety of arrangements to make different designs and seating arrangements. Natural wear and staining from years left outside as shown. Priced as a set of 2 benches...
Concrete
$9,570
H 32.29 in W 21.66 in D 17.72 in
Hans J. Wegner, a 1977 Limited Edition Walnut Armchair “China Chair”
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Paris, FR
Hans J. Wegner: A walnut armchair “China chairs”. The China chair was designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1944. Loose seat cushion upholstered with black leather, fitted with buttons. M...
Walnut
Willy Guhl Blue Fiberglass Bench, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Remarkable midcentury floating bench by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl. circa 1960s. Perfect minimal design as is common with the Swiss designer. Light weight but sturdy. The electric bl...
Metal
Willy Guhl Loop Chair
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The iconic Willy Guhl Loop Chair, which is featured in the MoMA, is a sculptural lounge chair in fiberglass, distinguished by a richly weathered ...
Fiberglass
Willy Guhl Loop Chairs
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Pair of Willy Guhl "Loop" chairs with great patina. Sold as a pair of 2 chairs - 2 sets available Original Eternit production - Switzerland, circa 1950s.
Cement
$12,000 / set
H 31 in W 19.25 in D 13 in
Vintage 1970s Willy Guhl Brutalist Concrete Tulip Chairs Set of 4
By Willy Guhl
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Vintage Set of 4 1970s Willy Guhl concrete tulip chairs. These iconic sculptural chairs feature Guhl’s signature organic form with a pedestal base...
Concrete
Sold
H 22.84 in W 21.66 in D 30.52 in
Pair of "Loop Chairs" by Willy Guhl, Produced by Eternit Brazil, 1960s
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in New York, NY
Presenting an attractive loop shape, the Loop Chair was created by the Swiss designer Willy Guhl (1915-2004) in 1954, featuring a single volume of seats and backs. Produced by Eterni...
Cement
Willy Guhl Loop Chair for Eternit
By Willy Guhl
Located in Forest, BE
An iconic piece of mid-century design, the Loop Chair by Willy Guhl was created for Eternit in the 1950s. Made from a single sheet of fiber cement, its sculptural, continuous form em...
Concrete
"Loop" Lounge Chairs by Willy Guhl, 1950s
By Willy Guhl
Located in bruxelles, BE
Loop armchair by Willy Guhl. Slight wear and tear due to time and the age. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Concrete, Cement
Sold
H 22.84 in W 21.66 in D 30.32 in
Pair of Vintage "Loop Chairs" by Willy Guhl, Produced by Eternit Brazil, 1950s
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in New York, NY
Presenting an attractive loop shape, the Loop Chair was created by the Swiss designer Willy Guhl (1915-2004) in 1954, featuring a single volume of seats...
Cement
Sold
H 22.84 in W 21.66 in D 30.52 in
Pair of "Loop Chairs" by Willy Guhl, Produced by Eternit Brazil, 1960s
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in New York, NY
Presenting an attractive loop shape, the Loop Chair was created by the Swiss designer Willy Guhl (1915-2004) in 1954, featuring a single volume of seats...
Cement
Sold
H 20.67 in W 21.66 in D 26.38 in
Pair of Early 'Loop' Chairs by Willy Guhl for Eternit AG Switzerland, 1954
By Willy Guhl
Located in Sittard, LI
Very decorative pair of 'loop' chairs designed by Willy Guhl, 1954 Switzerland. These iconic loop garden chairs are one of the early productions, made in Switzerland. Made out of a c...
Cement
Willy Guhl Loop Chair for Eternit, 1990s
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Incredible Loop chair by Willy Guhl for Eternit, 1990s. This iconic design by Willy Guhl was first designed in 1954 for Eternit. The fine lines and open structure makes it a beau...
Cement
Pair of Concrete Loop Chair Design by Willy Guhl, 1960s
By Willy Guhl
Located in leucate, FR
Two concrete beach or pool lounge chairs. Loop model created by designer Willy Guhl in the 1950s. The Loop chair features a single sheet of seats a...
Concrete
Pair of Loop Chairs by Willy Guhl for Eternit, 1990s
By Willy Guhl
Located in amstelveen, NL
Stunning set of 2 fiber cement Loop chairs by Willy Guhl for Eternit, the 1990s. Iconic design.
Cement
Willy Guhl Loop Chair and Side Table
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Willy Guhl loop chair and side table, Switzerland 1950s. Original vintage with stamp and serial number on the chair. The chair can be purchased individually for $6500. The side table...
Cement
Sold
H 21.66 in W 21.66 in D 28.75 in
Guhl Chair by Willy Guhl '1. Edition, Special Sealed, Safe Surface'
By Willy Guhl
Located in Zürich, CH
Willy Guhl was a Swiss furniture designer and became one of the most important representatives of 20th century Swiss neofunctionalism. Between 1941 and 1980 Guhl taught at the School...
Concrete
Willy Guhl for Eternit SA, Set of Loop Lounge Chairs
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Antwerp, BE
Loop lounge chairs by Willy Guhl For Eternit SA. Fantastic cement chairs by Swiss designer Willy Guhl for Eternit. Hand mage in Switzerland for Et...
Cement