Renowned Italian furniture designer Willy Rizzo is celebrated for having produced eye-catching, sensational showpieces that merged plush fabrics with wood, metal and glass. Influenced by European modernists and drawing on the spare forms and clean lines of the American mid-century modern style, Rizzo prized functionality and simplicity in his dazzling work.
Born in Naples, Rizzo never intended on designing furniture. Instead, he began pursuing photography at the age of 12. By the 1960s, he had become a notable photographer, having captured images of such celebrities as Marilyn Monroe, Fred Astaire and Spanish artist Salvador Dalí. His experience with furniture design came about inadvertently when he moved to Rome in 1966. There, Rizzo rented an apartment with his wife Elsa that he described as "practically uninhabitable." Dissatisfied with the Scandinavian furniture options on offer, Rizzo built sofas, coffee tables and other furniture to suit the space's strong modern vibe. When his friends saw what he had accomplished, they were enamored by his furniture creations and commissioned him to build similar items for them.
The demand for Rizzo’s furniture grew from there. He established a production facility and workshop in Tivoli, just outside of Rome, which grew to house over 150 employees. There, finding inspiration in the work of iconic architects including Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier, he created more than 30 unique furniture designs. Over the years he opened boutiques around the world to showcase and sell his furniture.
Rizzo prided himself on seamlessly blending the contemporary with the classic. “It was about creating something new for a traditional setting,” he said of his work. From his sleek sideboards to his low-profile side tables, elegant chairs and entire living room sets, Rizzo's style sensibility is evident throughout every detail of his designs.
Rizzo sold his company in 1978 and returned to photography. However, the presence of his furniture resonated into the new century and is sure to impact interior décor enthusiasts into the next. Over the years, high-profile collectors of Rizzo’s work have included French actress Brigitte Bardot, Salvador Dalí and American musician Lenny Kravitz.
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Willy Rizzo tables, lighting, seating and storage pieces.
Willy Rizzo Lumica Clock Bicolor 1970s
By BD Lumica, Willy Rizzo
Located in Cork, IE
This is a rare find! We are delighted to bring this glamourous 1970's cubic mantle clock designed by Willy Rizzo and produced by Lumica to the market. In overall good condition wit...
Brass, Chrome
Black Industrial Square Wall Clock from Pragotron, 1970s
By Pragotron
Located in Kojetice, CZ
- Wall clock designed by Pragotron in former Czechoslovakia during the 1970s and made till 1990s - Was used in factories, schools and railway stations - Newly black painted metal fr...
Aluminum, Iron
Vintage Green Seiko Ships Wall Clock, 1970s
By Seiko
Located in Kojetice, CZ
Vintage Seiko maritime slave clock designed during the 1970s and produced till 1990s. These clocks were used on large Japanese tankers and cargo ships. It features a light green meta...
Iron
Vintage Red Seiko Ship Wall Clock, 1970s
By Seiko
Located in Kojetice, CZ
Vintage Seiko navy slave clock designed during the 1970s and produced till 1990s. These clocks were used on large Japanese tankers and cargo ships. It fe...
Iron
Aluminum Wall Clock from the 1970s
Located in Vienna, AT
Aluminum frame with battery movement. Used but still in a good condition, made in Germany in the 1970s.
Aluminum
Rare Midcentury Table or Desk Clock, 1970s
By Memphis Milano
Located in Praha, CZ
- rare type - functional
Metal
David Marshall Sculpture Brutalist Clock, Scotland 1970s
By David Marshall
Located in Naples, IT
Brutalist sculptural clock made by David Marshall, scottish artist active in Spain since the 1970s. The work is a typical example of his style, characterized by the combination of r...
Aluminum, Brass
Gucci Wood + Chrome Clock, 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
This 1970s Gucci desk clock showcases the brand’s signature equestrian influence. The design pairs warm-toned wood with polished chrome accents, featuring bridle bit motifs—a nod to ...
Chrome
$875 / item
H 5.91 in W 11.82 in D 3.94 in
Black and White Flip Clock Large Station, Factory Clock, 1970s, France
By Bodet
Located in Antwerp, BE
Timeless Bodet black and white flip-flap station clock designed by the company that has been equipping French and Belgium stations for their big clocks for several decades. They inform travelers of the time that is running! This pretty specimen from the 1970s and 80s will ensure your punctuality while offering a beautiful Industrial and modern look to your interior decor. The flip-flap clock...
Plastic, Lucite
Vintage Starke Mid-Century Wall Clock, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Mid-Century Wall Clock inMetal and plastic, with wood-veneer dial. Battery-operated quartz movement Circular chrome-toned case with a warm woodgrain dial, cream-colored numerals and ...
Quartz
$638
H 4.34 in W 5.52 in D 4.73 in
Modernist Swiss Table Clock, Onyx & Brass - Paperweight Clock, Switzerland 1970s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Modernist Swiss Table Clock, Onyx & Brass - Paperweight Clock, Switzerland 1970s Sculptural and elegant table clock made of onyx with a diamond-shaped design. Beautiful layers ...
Stone, Onyx, Brass
Vintage Brutalist Standing Clock, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage sculpted brutalist design grandfather clock made from resin and wood. The clock is illuminated on the inside and has a fully working mechanism. The piece was made in be...
Resin, Wood
Junghaus Wall Clock 1970s "ELECTORA"
By Junghans Uhren GmbH
Located in Antwerp, BE
Original Vintage Wall mounted clock designed in the seventies by the Manufacture Junghaus, Germany, model Electora. The clock is in original...
Brass
1970s Willy Rizzo Chrome and Brass Table Clock
By BD Lumica, Willy Rizzo
Located in Marbella, ES
1970s Willy Rizzo table clock designed for Lumica using chrome and brass for a gilded finish.