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Superb Pair of Suede Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs, Signed Studio Willy Rizzo, 1969 For Sale

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Superb Pair of Suede Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs, Signed Studio Willy Rizzo, 1969

About

Extremely rare pair of signed Willy Rizzo lounge chairs finished in suede with stainless steel bases. These are very early examples which were produced by the 'Studio Willy Rizzo' in Rome in 1969, recognised by the Willy Rizzo signature in the fabric. Original Signed early period Willy Rizzo lounge chairs are very rare, 95% of the output of this design were produced as either two, three or four-seat sofas and the individual lounge chairs are very rarely seen on the market today. This iconic design featured prominently in the prestigious Italian design periodical 'Casa Vogue' throughout the early to mid-1970s including a feature on Rizzo ad Elsa Martinelli's own home in St Tropez, France in the October 1974 issue which illustrates this design. Please see image 4. These rare chairs have had their upholstery completely renovated including new seat support strapping, new foam and suede upholstery to the original specifications. The Willy Rizzo signatures from the original upholstery have been carefully cut from the original worn fabric and sown to the underside of each chair to maintain the authenticity. Photos of the restoration process are available on request. Please see image 10 as an example. Literature:- CASA VOGUE, October 1974 (features this design in the home of Elsa Martinelli and Willy Rizzo in St Tropez,France). See image 4 CASA VOGUE , JUNE 1975 CASA VOGUE, September 1975, Please see IMAGE 9 CASA VOGUE, November 1976, Please see IMAGE 8 Willy Rizzo is best known as a photographer. He began his illustrious 20 year career with Paris Match in 1948 which lead to him photographing some of the greatest names of the period. Rizzo was married to italian actress Elsa Martinelli,which gave him unparalleled access to the star names of the period and his cornucopia of sitters would include among others Brigitte Bardot, Sofia Loren, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Jane Fonda, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Salvador Dali,Pablo Picasso and Le Corbusier. His colour portrait of Winston Churchill made the cover of Paris Match. Herge even based the character of Paris-Flash photographer Walter Rizotto in Tintin’s adventure "The Castafiore Emerald" on Rizzo. In the late 60s, Rizzo focused instead on furniture design, opening the Studio Willy Rizzo in Rome . His design's quickly enjoyed considerable success. His imagination and severe neoclassical style defines the Italian design style between 1965 and 1980 In the last few years there have been several major Willy Rizzo retrospective exhibitions held in New York,London, Monte Carlo and recently an exhibition in Paris on Rizzo's work on Le Corbusier.

Details

Creator
Willy Rizzo (Designer)
Production time
Available Now
Of the Period
Mid-Century Modern
Place of origin
Italy

Date of manufacture
circa 1970
Period
1960-1969
Materials and techniques
Stainless Steel, Suede, Foam, Wood
Condition
Excellent

Condition Details
Restored with new seat suport strapping and high quality 'Pantera' foam and re-upholstered in a mushroom colour suede upholstery. The original Willy Rizzo signatures have been cut from the original worn fabric and sewn onto the new suede.
Wear
Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions
H 33.86 in. x W 27.96 in. x D 40.56 in.
H 86 cm x W 71 cm x D 103 cm
Seat height
14.97 in. (38 cm)