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Pair of Mid-Century Chairs by Branco & Preto 'Attr.', Brazil, 1950s
About the Item
This rare pair of mid-century Brazilian armchairs is attributed to the design collective Branco and Preto. Made in a rational and geometric way, they present lightness and simplicity.
These chairs are carved from Brazilian wood in a masterful way, showcasing the beauty of the material and the skill of the craftsman. The historical background of the mid-century helped define a style in Brazil that was utterly in tune with its homeland: through the use of native woods as material (jacaranda, pequi, peroba, vinhatico) and in structures that referenced both South America’s diverse landscapes and contemporary social ideals.
In line with these ideals of Brazilian modern design, these chairs feature balanced lining and symmetrical shape without losing the rustic allure that Brazilian pieces are loved for. The backs are supported by a series of spindles, giving the chairs a slender and elegant look. The nine spindles on each chair give an airy feel, counterbalanced by the bordeaux leather seats that add weight to the chairs. The tapered legs appear as continuations of the frame, especially the backrests. Along with the pronounced lines of these chairs, the design recalls Branco and Preto’s quintessential mid-century aesthetic.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Recently reupholstered in premium leather. 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:
23.62 in W x 24 in D x 33.46 in H; seat height 15.55 in.
60 cm W x 61 cm D x 85cm H; seat height 39.5 cm.
About the designer:
In the provincial São Paulo of the 1950s, a group of architects consisting of Roberta Aflalo, Jacob Ruchti, Miguel Forte, Plínio Croce, Carlos Milan and Chen Y Hwa, got together to create a furniture shop that could cater to their modern and sophisticated view of architecture and house their designs.
As a result, in 1952, the young vanguards embraced Aflalo’s idea and founded Branco & Preto, their joint design shop where they sold modern furniture made of Brazilian materials with impeccable finishing: something completely new at the time. The shop rapidly became a reference for architects, who would visit to become familiar with the trends and discuss the pieces that broke with the traditional, stout lines that were used until then. It remained open until 1970, and during its existence, the collective created pieces of furniture that inspire Brazilian designers to this day. The shop was without a doubt, one of the precursors of interior architecture and modernism-inspired furniture in Brazil.
The interest in modern architecture was a common denominator of young architects who, upon realizing the gap in the modern furniture market in São Paulo in the early 1950s, created a store that offered an alternative of modern taste to the São Paulo elite. The environment of São Paulo in the 1940s and 1950s brought renovations not only to the city, but to the fields of art and architecture as well. In 1951, the first São Paulo Biennial was inaugurated and later, MASP established the Contemporary Art Institute (IAC). These transformations made room for modern architecture and the idea of ??Brazilian modernism. When remembering Branco & Preto, the architect Roberto Carvalho Franco stated that the store had “a great impact” and allowed “a portion of society to understand the meaning of furniture design”. The relaunch of the collective’s designs in the 21st century proves that Franco’s words were not overstatements. ~H.
Shipping:
These chairs will be packed and shipped with the greatest care to make sure you will receive the item in the gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.
- Creator:Branco & Preto (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 33.47 in (85 cm)Width: 23.63 in (60 cm)Depth: 24.02 in (61 cm)Seat Height: 15.56 in (39.5 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use. Recently reupholstered in premium leather. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
- Seller Location:Utrecht, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: 201999991stDibs: LU2947329346392
Branco & Preto
Six young architects joined forces in the 1950s to create Branco & Preto in São Paulo. Together, they created high-end modern furniture inspired by the spirited reinvigoration of art and architecture in Brazil.
The six founders — Miguel Forte, Jacob Ruchti, Plínio Croce, Roberto Aflalo, Carlos Millan and Chen Y Hwa — all attended Mackenzie Architecture University, a school led by architect and modernist critic Cristiano Stockler das Neves who prioritized neoclassicism. As progressive students, the founders rebelled against this status quo in their work.
During the 1950s, there were few designers of modern furniture based in Brazil aside from Brazilian furniture firm Mòveis Artisticos Z and Portuguese-born furniture designer Joaquim Tenreiro. Branco & Preto helped fill a wide gap in the market.
Brazilian modernist pioneers Rino Levi and Gregori Warchavchik were important early connections. Through them, Ruchti and Forte met American architect Philip Johnson and German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe; meanwhile, Croce, Alfalo and Millan drew inspiration from the works of Austrian-American architect Richard Neutra and Hungarian-American architect and furniture designer Marcel Breuer.
As a proponent of “Rio modernism,” Branco & Preto often combined glass, iron and calacatta marble with Brazilian woods like jacaranda and caviuna to make its handcrafted furnishings. Free from plywood and screws, this furniture required the expertise of skilled woodworkers, especially for the MF5 armchair and slatted coffee table. Both designed by Millan, they are among Branco & Preto’s most recognized works.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of Branco & Preto tables, seating and case pieces and storage cabinets.
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20th Century Specialists
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