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 Willy Rizzo, BD Lumica
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
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
Original 1970s table clock and alarm clock COMFORTIME 3 by Krups
By Krups
Located in München, DE
Original 1970s Krups table clock and alarm clock. Krups Type 672. Made in Germany. The 1970s Pop Art classic in typical red and orange. Clock and alarm functions are working. Quiet a...
Plastic
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
Vintage Clock, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Clock is a decorative object realized in 1970s. A vintage plastic clock. The perfect gift for a jump to the past. Not in a perfect con...
Plastic
Industrial Office Wall Clock from Pragotron, 1970s
By Pragotron
Located in Kojetice, CZ
Pragotron PPH 413 is a type of indoor secondary clock. Was produced during the 1970s in former Czechoslovakia. Clock face with white plastic numerals is made from aluminum. Diameter ...
Metal
Shoe-Clock by Bucherer, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Shoe-Clock realized by Bucherer in 1970s. Metal and Glass.
Metal
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
$886 / 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
Retro mechanical alarm clock PRIM, Czechoslovakia, 1970s.
Located in Praha, CZ
Mechanical alarm clock PRIM B70 in Brussels style, typical of the 1970s. It is made of plastic, has a red dial with luminescent numbers and hands. The alarm clock works on a mechani...
Metal
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
Willy Rizzo Square Brass Drainer, Italy 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Naples, IT
Gorgeous tidy up completely made of brass. Questo fantastico pezzo è stato disegnato in Italia negli anni '70 ed è attribuito a una produzione di Willy Rizzo. Questo grazioso oggetto...
Brass
1970s Willy Rizzo Chrome and Brass Table Clock
By Willy Rizzo, BD Lumica
Located in Marbella, ES
1970s Willy Rizzo table clock designed for Lumica using chrome and brass for a gilded finish.
Italian 60's Brown Leather & Chrome Trays By: Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian 60's Brown Leather & Chrome Trays by the Signor: Willy Rizzo! Surely the most snazzy smoking trays ever. OR for nuts? Anything is possibile wi...
Leather
Set of 3 Willy Rizzo Frames
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed by the Signor himself, Willy Rizzo.
Brass, Steel