Mid-Century Bench by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, Brazil, 1950s

In 1873, a group of wealthy coffee merchants established the Liceu de Artes e Ofícios with the stated aim of supporting future industrialization efforts in Brazil. Seven years later, it became a fully integrated school. For over a century, it has trained the public in fields of agriculture, industry, trade, crafts, the arts and design, including furniture design, leading to the production of incredibly rare student-designed pieces still sought after today. 

Borrowing its model from similar European institutions, the Liceu de Artes e Ofícios built upon methods and curricula popular at the time to instruct and train economically disadvantaged locals. In the hopes of making Brazil’s industries more competitive, the school involved eminent volunteers, including two of its directors, Brazilian architects Bettencourt da Silva and Ramos de Azevedo. At times, the school used its own exceptionally talented students as teachers when volunteers were scarce.

The Sociedade Propagadora das Belas Artes maintained the school in a building designed by Ramos in São Paulo. Ramos’s work also included notable buildings such as the Theatro Municipal de São Paulo and the Palácio das Indústrias. The school has provided furnishings for a range of hotels, like the Manaus Tropical Hotel, as well as the Cumbica International Airport.

On 1stDibs find a collection of Liceu de Artes e Ofícios seating, tables and more.