French Fiber Cement Trough

This pair of planters, model "oreille d'éléphant" was made of fiber cement by Willy Guhl (1915-2004) in the 1950's. « Willy Guhl was an inventor, an experimenter, a resercher and a visionary. Despite that, he did not get lost in utopia. He reveals himself to be pragmatic almost a genius. » Robert Haussman Willy Guhl was part of these historical designers historiques who have contributed to the international reputation of the Swiss design. He was one of the big representative of Neo-Functionalism. From a carpenter father, he follows a furniture maker formation in the Kunstgewerbeschule of Zurich – School of applied arts of Zurich here he teaches from 1941 -, and becomes the director of the interior architecture department 10 years after. He leads in the late 1940's pionneer reaserches in the plastic furniture field. He develops then a knowledge about moulding technical that we allow him to reveal himself by transposing them on a new material : the Eternit, also called fibercement, which he is one of the first to use in Europe. The Eternit is a kind of cement reinforce by asbestos and with a fiber texture which allows to create audacious pieces with new shapes. It takes the aspect of larges slabs to which it is possible to give a shape as long as they are not dried. Produced in the origin for the industry, it's a cheap material with an important resistance, so perfectly adapted for the fabrication of external furniture.

This French Limestone Ham Trough, dating back to the 17th century, adds a touch of history to any space. Originally used to cure and season ham in France, it now serves as a unique p...

Set of 2 rectangular planters made of stone grey fiber cement. Marked Fulgurit. They match perfectly to the famous Willy Guhl Spindel planter...

Large rectangular planter made of stone grey fiber cement. Matches perfectly to the famous Willy Guhl eternit Spindel planter. Decade of production is unknown, probably 1950s to 196...

This exquisite French low-line limestone trough is a 17th century masterpiece. Handcrafted from solid limestone, it is sure to add timeless charm to your home or garden. The perfect ...

Charming vintage French jardinière, circa 1950s. Cast in cement, and formed as a lovely wicker flower basket, with a high handle. Wonderful g...