Geraldo De Barros leather armchairs

About the Item

A rare and sophisticated pair of lounge chairs designed by Geraldo de Barros, one of the most influential figures in twentieth-century Brazilian art and design. Created circa 1964, these chairs exemplify the designer's unique ability to reconcile the formal discipline of modernism with exceptional comfort and craftsmanship. Constructed in solid wood with original leather upholstery, the design combines architectural clarity with an inviting, sculptural presence. The generous leather cushions appear suspended within a finely proportioned wooden frame, creating a dynamic interplay between structure and softness. While contemporary with the celebrated lounge chairs of Sérgio Rodrigues, these examples reflect De Barros's distinctly rational and geometric approach to furniture design, emphasizing clean lines, visual balance, and functional elegance. The result is a chair of remarkable comfort and understated sophistication. Originally trained as an artist and recognized internationally for his pioneering contributions to Concrete Art and experimental photography, De Barros brought the same rigor and innovative spirit to furniture design. His work helped define the language of Brazilian modernism, introducing a new aesthetic rooted in simplicity, utility, and refined craftsmanship. Today, his furniture is increasingly sought after by collectors and is represented in important private and institutional collections worldwide. The chairs retain their original leather upholstery, which has developed a rich patina over time, enhancing their character and authenticity. Their sculptural silhouettes and generous proportions make them equally compelling as functional seating and as collectible design objects. An increasingly rare opportunity to acquire an important pair of lounge chairs by one of the leading figures of Brazilian modernist design. This model is documented on the artist's estate website.

Creator:
Geraldo de Barros (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 27.56 in (70 cm)Width: 25.6 in (65 cm)Depth: 31.5 in (80 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 2
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Leather,Wood
Place of Origin:
Brazil
Period:
1970-1979
Date of Manufacture:
ca. 1970
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Scuffs and scratches throughout each base. No structural issues and leather cushions in very good condition.
Seller Location:
Washington, DC
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU6471237366122

Shop All Geraldo de Barros

Geraldo de Barros

Although best known for his photography, Geraldo de Barros was an important contributor to the canon of mid-century modern furniture design and was one of Brazil’s most influential multidisciplinary artists.

Born in 1923 in Chavantes, São Paulo, de Barros began his artistic career as a painter before discovering a passion for photography in the 1940s. In 1950, he found fame with his successful “Fotoformas” exhibition held at the Museu de Arte de São Paulo, which led to a scholarship from the French government to study in that country.

In the early 1950s, de Barros traveled throughout Europe, including Switzerland, where he met Bauhaus graduate Max Bill. At the time, Bill was collaborating with the Scholl Foundation on developing a design institute in Ulm, Germany, that combined Bauhaus tradition with emerging technical elements in design practice. Bill invited de Barros to visit the institute, where he became influenced by Bill’s philosophy of Gute Form — the belief that carefully designed objects could bring artistic values into homes.

Upon his return to São Paulo, de Barros delved into furniture design. Along with engineer Justino Cardoso, metalworker Antônio Thereza, and a Dominican priest, Friar João Batista Pereira dos Santos, he founded the furniture company and Christian cooperative Unilabor, in 1954, on the outskirts of São Paulo.

As the firm’s chief designer, de Barros incorporated the concept of Concrete art into many of his pieces, particularly his armchairs. His dining room chairs, bookcases, coffee tables, cabinets and desks were also designed with straight lines, sobriety and functionality in mind and made with natural materials such as rosewood, jacaranda and iron. Given that it was more of a cooperative with a social mission than it was a manufacturer, Unilabor paid well and offered innovative modular furniture by way of de Barros-designed components that were produced serially to be used in the construction of complete furnishings.

Despite Unilabor’s success, the company ran into economic difficulties and eventually closed. Undaunted, de Barros founded another furniture company in 1964 — Hobjeto Indústria e Comércio de Móveis — where he focused on progressive furniture design with more geometric shapes.

During the 1960s, de Barros continued with furniture design and, as a painter, became interested in Pop art and abstract movements, founding influential groups such as Grupo 15, Galeria Rex and Grupo Ruptura.

In the 1990s, de Barros returned to his career as a photographer until his death in 1998. De Barros’s furniture was shown at several exhibitions during the 1950s and 1960s, including the Exposição Nacional de Arte Concreta in São Paulo in 1956 and the Konkrete Kunst exhibition in Zurich in 1960. His photographs and paintings have also been exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide.

On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Geraldo de Barros seating, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets.