Broyhill Brasilia Three-Piece Modular Media Cabinet Credenza
View Similar Items
Broyhill Brasilia Three-Piece Modular Media Cabinet Credenza
About the Item
- Creator:Broyhill Brasilia (Maker),Oscar Niemeyer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29.88 in (75.9 cm)Width: 92.5 in (234.95 cm)Depth: 17.13 in (43.52 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 3
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent restored vintage condition. Only very minor, age appropriate imperfections remain.
- Seller Location:Chattanooga, TN
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2255315666781
Oscar Niemeyer
Oscar Niemeyer made modernist architecture sexy. In his signature designs, such as those for the planned capital city of Brasília, Niemeyer created a distinctively buoyant architectural vocabulary of sweeping curves, flowing lines and organic forms (attributes that also characterize his seductive furniture). As expressions of faith in the power of modern architecture and design to foster progress, Niemeyer’s buildings have a kind of heroic poetry.
Oscar Ribeiro de Almeida Niemeyer Soares Filho was born to an upper-middle-class family in Rio de Janeiro. (His father was a graphic designer.) While in graduate school, Niemeyer began working for Lúcio Costa, one of the few modernist architects working in Brazil in the 1930s. Niemeyer would be assigned to the design team for a new building in Rio for the Ministry of Education and Health. The famed Swiss-born French architect Le Corbusier was hired as a consultant on the project, and through him Niemeyer would absorb many lessons in bringing a sense of structural lightness to large buildings — though he would never embrace the geometric forms espoused by Le Corbusier and the members of the Bauhaus.
“I am not attracted to straight angles or to the straight line, hard and inflexible, created by man,” Niemeyer would write in his memoirs. “I am attracted to free-flowing sensual curves.”
Nowhere would Niemeyer demonstrate his love of curvature more expressively and elegantly than in his designs for the principal buildings for Brasília, a project begun in 1956. The dramatic Congressional Palace features two stark towers flanked by a domed structure and a bowl-shaped edifice, for the upper and lower legislative houses. He placed the Palácio da Alvorada (the presidential residence) on a small peninsula jutting into a lake, so that the sequence of parabolic columns on its facade casts a mirror image on the water. Niemeyer’s grandest achievement was the city’s cathedral, a stunning composition of 16 arched vertical supports with tinted-glass interstices.
Four years after Brasília was completed, in 1960, Brazil’s elected government was overthrown in a military coup. Niemeyer, a member of the Communist party, was harassed continually by the junta. He left the country and did not return until democracy was restored, in 1985.
While in exile, in the early 1970s, Niemeyer began collaborating on furniture designs with his daughter, Anna Maria Niemeyer. Their best known pieces are seating furniture — the Alta lounge chair and ottoman and the Rio rocking chaise, which have flowing bases made of sheets of lacquered wood or stainless steel, share the aesthetics of Niemeyer’s architecture.
The Alta’s deep, oversized seat pads nod — much like the chair designs of Niemeyer’s countryman Sergio Rodrigues — to the Brazilian penchant for long, languorous conversations. Examples of both designs are priced at about $20,000, depending on age, condition and materials. As you will see on these pages, Oscar Niemeyer’s furniture designs are sleek, sculptural, comfortable and elegant — as well as a compact emblem of the work of one of the great architects of our time.
Find vintage Oscar Niemeyer lounge chairs, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Broyhill Brasilia
No other American mid-century furniture line has become as synonymous with a certain type of curvilinear decoration as Broyhill’s Brasilia group. While its revered cabinets, dressers, dining chairs and more were made in the United States, the inspiration for the distinguishing characteristics of vintage Broyhill Brasilia furniture can actually be found in Latin American architecture.
Broyhill Furniture Industries was launched in Lenoir, North Carolina by brothers Thomas H. and James Edgar “Ed” Broyhill. Ed had been working for his brother’s furniture manufacturing company, the Lenoir Furniture Corporation, which produced bedroom furnishings in the 1920s, when a nearby supplier’s factory, Bernhardt Chair Company, burned in a fire. Ed founded Lenoir Chair Company and expanded its operations while remaining an employee at Lenoir Furniture Corporation. He subsequently partnered with Thomas and together they purchased Harper Furniture Company, a local producer of Colonial Revival-style furniture, in 1929. By the 1940s, Broyhill Furniture Industries had absorbed more factories and gained footing as a strong competitor of Lenoir’s Kent-Coffey Manufacturing Company and a rebuilt Bernhardt Furniture.
In the mid-1950s, responding to changing tastes and to an appetite for what is now universally known as mid-century modern furnishings, the firm launched its Broyhill Premier line with the Sculptra series. Sculptra pieces featured a square-within-a-square motif and horizontal cat’s-eye-shaped drawer pulls. Later, in 1962, the Broyhill Brasilia furniture group debuted at the Seattle World’s Fair. The collection was heavily inspired by Oscar Niemeyer’s modernist buildings for the eponymous Brazilian capital.
Designed and built by Niemeyer between 1956 and 1960, the modernist architecture of Brasília’s state capitol buildings have since taken on iconic status. The elegant curves of Niemeyer's works — those that characterize the white concrete structures that encase Palácio do Planalto in addition to the fluid inverted arches of the Supreme Federal Court Building — can be seen in the pronounced decorative elements that adorn the Broyhill Brasilia group’s sleek walnut highboy dressers, specifically in their striking brass drawer-pull arches and carved moldings. While considerably popular during the 1960s, the production of the Brasilia line — with its beloved two-tiered bedside tables and tasteful credenzas — was discontinued in 1970.
On 1stDibs, browse mid-century Broyhill Brasilia furniture, such as walnut dressers, dining chairs, case pieces and more.
- Broyhill Brasilia Room DividerBy Broyhill Brasilia, Oscar NiemeyerLocated in Chattanooga, TNThis 2-piece Brasilia Room Divider was delicately restored to preserve the original patina. We encourage you to look close at our photos to appre...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers
MaterialsBrass
- Edward Wormley for Dunbar 4-Piece Black Lacquer Asian Modern Modular CredenzaBy John Stuart Inc., Edward Wormley, Renzo Rutili, Dunbar FurnitureLocated in Chattanooga, TNAt 8' 4" long, this modular credenza by Dunbar is a sight to behold. The fusion of British Colonial, Far East, Regency and Modern create a distinctive harmony, rarely found in such ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
- Renzo Rutili for John Stuart 3-Piece Checker Parquet Campaign Style CredenzaBy Renzo Rutili, Johnson Furniture Company, John Stuart Inc.Located in Chattanooga, TNStately. No other word best represents this exceptional Renzo Rutili credenza / dresser. The fusion of British Colonial, Far East, Regency and Modern create a distinctive harmony, rarely found in such tasteful proportions. Versatility abound. Imagine how elegant this would look in a hall entry. Both chests can be arranged in opposite positions (facing either direction) atop the solid walnut bench. Finished on both sides, these cabinets proudly showcase a stacked bay of brass accented regal drawers. Contrasting yet complimentary in their checkered parquet assemblage of various exotic wood veneers. The pulls lock in patinated brass plates that have acquired a hammered appearance over the decades. No better place to store your treasures of the Orient. Every inch was delicately restored by our in-house cabinet shop. We use a light touch to remove imperfections, without taking away any charm or patina. We restore with the intentions of maintaining authenticity and character. Our pieces look well-preserved, not "refinished". Minor imperfections may remain noticeable up-close, but the overall presentation will be estimable. We encourage you to examine our photos closely and please reach out to us with any questions or concerns. Manufactured by Johnson Furniture for John Stuart Inc. of New York and designed by Renzo Rutili. Dimensions: Overall: 67.75” Long x 20” Deep x 25.25” High Tall Chest: 33” Wide x 18.25” High Short Chest...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
- Raymond Loewy Inspired Yellow Chapter One Dresser by Broyhill PremierBy Broyhill, Raymond LoewyLocated in Chattanooga, TNTwo identical dressers are available. They are listed and sold individually. Please inquire if you are only interested in both Well it’s 2023, and Broyhill’s Chapter One Collection is officially harder to find and more sought after than the Raymond Loewy orginals. With all due respect to Raymond Loewy, there really is something magical about the Chapter One line. Maybe they’re just more fun and approachable. Maybe it’s the proportions and practicality. Regardless, they’re one of our favourite collections of all time. The restoration team pulled no punches on this Chapter One Yellow Dresser...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsPlastic, Hardwood
- Pair of Raymond Loewy Inspired Yellow Chapter One Dressers by Broyhill PremierBy Broyhill, Raymond LoewyLocated in Chattanooga, TNListed and sold as a pair. Please inquire if you are only interested in one. Well it’s 2023, and Broyhill’s Chapter One Collection is officially harder to find and more sought after than the Raymond Loewy orginals. With all due respect to Raymond Loewy, there really is something magical about the Chapter One line. Maybe they’re just more fun and approachable. Maybe it’s the proportions and practicality. Regardless, they’re one of our favourite collections of all time. The restoration team pulled no punches on this set of Chapter One Yellow Dressers...Category
Vintage 1970s American Space Age Credenzas
MaterialsPlastic, Hardwood
- Vintage Restored Solid Maple Heywood Wakefield Wheat Credenza BuffetBy Heywood-Wakefield Co.Located in Chattanooga, TNVersatility abounds with this Heywood Wakefield credenza. Buffet, media cabinet, or entryway console are just a few ideas. As a dry bar, the adjustable / removable shelves will allow you to keep that whiskey collection cozy. The top drawer sports the original felt and dividers that can also be removed to suit your needs. Collectors know that it is difficult to find original Heywood in good condition. The fair color wood typically shows all the flaws of half century of use. You’ll be delighted to know that this credenza has been mostly restored. The Heywood finishes are among the most challenging to replicate. We are pleased to say that we have achieved a a near perfect muted grain and color match to the the original Heywood Wakefield wheat...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsMaple
- Restored Broyhill Brasilia Credenza: 1960s Mid-Century Modern ChicBy Broyhill BrasiliaLocated in Los Angeles, CARediscover the 1960s elegance with our exquisitely restored Broyhill Brasilia credenza, a testament to the enduring allure of mid-century modern design. Our skilled artisans have met...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsBrass
- Sculpted Two-Toned Brasilia Walnut Credenza by BroyhillBy Broyhill BrasiliaLocated in Dallas, TXTwo-toned Broyhill Brasilia Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut credenza/sideboard. It features white lacquered exterior with a gorgeous dark stained walnut wood front, with sculpted ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsWood
- Monumental Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Brasilia Long Dresser / CredenzaBy Broyhill BrasiliaLocated in Weehawken, NJMid-Century Modern Broyhill Brasilia Dresser, circa 1960s. This is a magnificent dresser from the much beloved and voraciously collected Brasilia collection. From the distinctive elo...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWood, Walnut
- Mid Century Modern Broyhill Brasilia RCA Victor Victrola Stereo Console CredenzaBy Broyhill BrasiliaLocated in Chicago, ILMid Century Modern Broyhill Brasilia RCA Victor Victrola Stereo Console Credenza This beautiful AM/FM radio/record player is hand crafted and carved out of walnut. This is the perfect console piece for your mid century modern home. This RCA Victor Victoria...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsMetal
- Studio Crafted Modular Media CredenzaLocated in Denton, TXStudio crafted solid walnut modular cabinet system. There are two cabinets with solid walnut doors an one cabinet with smoked glass Doors .plenty of shelves for all your stereo equipment...Category
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsSmoked Glass, Walnut
- Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Walnut Dresser Chest of DrawersBy Broyhill BrasiliaLocated in Countryside, ILBroyhill Brasilia Mid Century Walnut Dresser Chest of Drawers This dresser measures: 30.75 wide x 17 deep x 29.75 high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored v...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass