H. Gallery

Italian Modern furniture is defined by unique design, perfect execution, and exclusivity. This pair of armchairs is attributed to Italian design icon, Paolo Buffa. Coinciding with contemporary debates about the role of design and its responsibility to the larger population, Buffa reworked the presiding neoclassical idiom. The architect incorporated simplified forms into his designs in order to streamline production techniques, whilst always retaining a high regard for materials and harmonious portions. This pair of armchairs is said to have been designed by Buffa during the 1950s and elegantly balances comfort and functionality with high-quality craftsmanship and materials: the refined, articulated lines of the armchairs’ frames counter the volume of its cushions and uniquely patterned upholstery. By the mid-1930s, Buffa had established his own studio, where the Milanese architect designed expertly crafted furniture featuring intricate details and combined luxurious materials for an elite clientele. Buffa developed close relationships with cabinetmaking workshops in Brianza, renowned for their traditional furniture manufacturing, and during the following decades collaborated with some of the period’s most skilled artisans. These relationships enabled Buffa to introduce a modern vocabulary into his work whilst adhering to Milan’s heritage of artisan furniture production, in order to realize inventive furniture designs that revealed a skilful union of design and execution. These chairs embody this patently, with their most intricate feature being the upholstery covering the elegant, stylish shape of the solid wood frames. The elaborate pattern invites the eyes to spend time observing and exploring it, therefore the overall impression is interesting and stylish, while it also makes these chairs a one-of-a-kind pair. The exposed architectural, tapered legs supporting the comfortable seats and curved backs complement the design of this model greatly. The slim look serves as a counterweight to the voluptuous bodies, and the colour of the wood complements the pattern as well. The overall design is focused on elegant and measured proportions, balanced compositions, and refined décor elements including the exclusive materials. Besides the upholstery, the versatile shapes, from the curving, rounded edges on the top to the characteristic armrests and tapered legs, make these chairs stand out. Buffa’s designs were featured in important publications, such as Roberto Aloi’s L’arredamento moderno series, through which a coherent evolution can be traced in Buffa’s work as he interpreted the formal elegance of Italian design with a subtle yet recognizably modern rigour evidenced by this pair. Paolo Buffa was especially passionate about furniture and product design, an area where he remained faithful to a figurative repertoire of substantial classicism, while not disdaining impulses of authentic modernity. He was extremely active in the Milanese design scene that was just as vibrant and unique as these armchairs. In an atmosphere committed to the reinterpretation of the Lombard classicism and Milanese architecture, exceptional pieces were created, as this pair shows. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Small scratches and marks on the wood. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in a premium patterned fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 29.52 in W x 34.44 in D x 37 in H; Seat height 15.15 in; Arm height 22.44 in 75 cm W x 87.5 cm D x 94 cm H; Seat height 38.5 cm; Arm height 57 cm Literature: 'Alcuni Mobili di Paolo Buffa', Domus, no. 178, October 1942, p. 431 for a similar example Roberto Aloi, L’Arredamento Moderno, quarta serie, Milan, 1949, fig. 366 for a similar example Roberto Rizzi, I mobile di Paolo Buffa, exh. cat., Mostra Internazionale dell'Arredamento, Cantù, 2002, pp. 30, 34-35 for a drawing and images of a similar example About the (attributed) designer: Paolo Buffa (born 1903, Milan – died 1970, Milan) was an Italian furniture designer who defined his own unique design aesthetic to become one of the most sought-after Italian designers of his day. Renowned for pairing elements from both the opulent Neoclassical and the streamlined Art Deco styles around a more modern sensitivity, Buffa excelled in creating high quality pieces that spoke to the well-to-do clientele of the time. Born in Milan in 1903, Buffa trained at the Politecnico di Milano. Following his graduation in 1927, he worked briefly for Gio Ponti, and in 1928, he partnered with architect Antonio Cassi to establish their own design studio in Milan. By 1936, Paolo Buffa opened his own independent studio where he became particularly successful, in part because he had already tapped into his unique combination of stylistic elements. His incorporation of more traditionally Neoclassical motifs or materials – for example, rich rosewoods or supple, velveteen fabrics – with the relatively avant-garde forms and themes of a lighter Art...

The iconic “Soriana” three-seater sofa was designed by the Italian designer duo, Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1969. Besides its innovative manufacturing, visually, Soriana brings sophist...

The iconic “Soriana” three-seater sofa was designed by the Italian designer duo, Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1969. Besides its innovative manufacturing, visually, Soriana brings sophist...

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The best thing about hanging ceiling lights - besides their stylish look - is that they are the best option to make interiors appear more spacious. They can be used them to concentrate light, or to just add an accent to the room. This lamp’s design revolves around the clear glass sphere. Glass is the perfect material for light shades as it allows light to pass through it. This means that glass light shades offer almost as much illumination as a bare light bulb. The result is bright and vibrant light, and this is exactly what this model offers. The design’s main point is its effective simpleness, free of any unnecessary detail. The uncluttered look leaves the attention on the materials and on functionality that the form is also in service of. As such, the canopy, the rod, and the shade holder are all quite understated, accentuating the glass shade instead. The pairing of glass and brass is perhaps the most iconic material duo in mid-century modern European lighting...

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This elegant armchair by Dutch designer, Bas Van Pelt is a classically luxe model with a level of craftsmanship that’s immediately visible to any eye. The construction of this rare 1940s design is simple at its core, but thanks to the details, it is a unique representation of early Dutch modernism. While Bas Van Pelt's creative work was primarily influenced by the 1920s straight lines dominated by The Hague School, this armchair is the result of his more mature design era, which was primarily dominated by natural materials and more curvature. While made of solid wood, this armchair has an open feel to it thanks to the airy arrangement of the arms and legs. The curved lines of the armrests are beautifully crafted and follow the raised seat’s angle. The curves nicely contrast with the straight lines of the frame, keeping it from appearing too strict. Apart from the expert woodwork, the upholstered seat and back stand out as well. The light bouclé fabric is tightly fitted around the frame, and the seat’s thick shape is an especially pleasing element that offers plenty of comfort both figuratively and literally. The overreaching backs further enhance the back’s widening shape and thus allow the individual loops of the yarn to stand out. The block legs blend seamlessly into the back and form a gentle angle. Thanks to the well-chosen proportions and the luxurious upholstery, this armchair provides great comfort. This model can be easily used as an accent chair thanks to its characteristic details, but can also complement a wide variety of interior styles with it refined and elegant style. Bas van Pelt’s progressive designs were, in many ways, ahead of his era. The Dordrecht-born designer’s furniture models are quite rare, a few are preserved in the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam for modern art, contemporary art, and design. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 24.6 in W x 24.4 in D x 37 in H; Seat height 15.35 in; Arm height 23.22 in 62.5 cm W x 62 cm D x 94 cm H; Seat height 39 cm; Arm height 59 cm About the Designer: Bas Van Pelt (1900 Dordrecht (NL) - 1945 Sandbostel (DE) was a well-known Dutch interior and furniture designer, known for the clarity and quality of his designs. His works created in the 1930s and 1940s are regarded for their progressive design and quality. While he is most well-known for his chair designs, van Pelt was also active as an interior designer. He also designed fabrics for window coverings...

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