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Pair of Shelf of Units, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Design

Name: Pair of Shelf of Units, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Design
Brand: Percival Lafer
Price: 10900 USD
Availability: InStock

About the Item

This shelf unit is a distinctive piece of mid-20th century Brazilian design by Percival Lafer. It is a quintessential example of the era's fusion of materials and aesthetics, highlighting the modernist design philosophy that was prevalent at the time. The shelf is constructed with a combination of polished metal and warm-toned wood, a Brazilian hardwood, which was a common material choice for Lafer's designs. The frame of the shelf consists of sleek, chrome-plated metal tubes that form a sturdy and elegant structure. The metal elements reflect a modern, industrial feel while also providing a strong contrast to the organic wood components. The wooden shelves and cabinet sections are finished with a rich grain, typical of Lafer's attention to the natural beauty of the materials. The wood is cut in clean lines and flush surfaces, seamlessly integrated into the metal frame, giving the shelf a cohesive and streamlined look. The cabinet section features a drop-down door, revealing storage space that is both functional and discreet. The overall design of the shelf is linear and minimalistic, with open shelving that allows for the display of items without visual clutter. The combination of open and closed storage gives it versatility and makes it suitable for various uses. Percival Lafer's furniture often embodied the innovative spirit of Brazilian design, which embraced modernity while also honoring the richness of its natural resources. About the designer: Percival Lafer is a renowned Brazilian furniture designer whose work significantly contributed to the modernist movement in Brazil. Born in 1936, Lafer was originally trained as an architect at São Paulo’s Universidade Mackenzie. However, the unexpected passing of his father led him to take over the family furniture business with his brothers, which catalyzed his shift to furniture design in 1961. His first notable design, the MP-1 Armchair, was launched the same year and became a hit for its innovative use of materials and design. This chair featured a steel base wrapped in rosewood and was upholstered with foam rather than traditional springs. This design approach epitomized Lafer's principle of creating fine design that was accessible and affordable. Lafer also pioneered in the mechanical furniture movements, creating the MP-7 sofa in 1965, which could transform into a twin bed—the first of its kind on the market. Beyond furniture, he even ventured into automotive design with the MP Lafer, a fiberglass roadster inspired by British sports cars. His work has enjoyed international success, with his designs being exported globally, making him one of Brazil's leading furniture exporters. A retrospective of his work was featured in the São Paulo Design Weekend in 2017, celebrating his long-standing influence in the field of design. Percival Lafer's legacy continues, with his seating designs remaining highly sought after for their unique blend of modern shapes and local Brazilian materials

Creator:

Percival Lafer (Designer)

Dimensions:

Height: 68.9 in (175 cm)Width: 37.8 in (96 cm)Depth: 17.72 in (45 cm)

Sold As:

Set of 2

Style:

Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Hardwood,Metal

Place of Origin:

Brazil

Period:

Mid-20th Century

Date of Manufacture:

1960s

Condition:

Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use.

Seller Location:

Sao Paulo, BR

Reference Number:

Seller: 70741stDibs: LU3173338147522

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Shop All Percival Lafer

Percival Lafer

When it comes to mid-century furniture, the innovative work of the Brazilian Modernists has often been overlooked, including the designs of prolific maker Percival Lafer. Lafer studied architecture at São Paulo’s Universidade Mackenzie. After he graduated, his father passed away suddenly, leaving a furniture business that Lafer took over with his brothers.

Taking up the mantle, Lafer made the jump from architecture to furniture design in 1961, putting a focus on thoughtfully designed pieces available at affordable prices. That year, he introduced his supremely popular MP-1 chair, a plush piece of furniture made with iron and wood that he has riffed on throughout his entire career. The silhouettes of his lounge chairs, armchairs and other seating were distinct from streamlined American and European mid-century modernism, taking on casual, puffed forms thanks to his use of polyurethane layers as padding. He combined such contemporary industrial materials with local natural ones, namely Brazilian hardwoods, which delighted customers around the world as Lafer became one of the country’s leading exporters of furniture.

Lafer has continued to design furniture throughout his career, branching into sofas, tables and lighting. He was at the forefront of mechanical furniture movements, debuting the MP-7 sofa, which could turn into a twin bed, in 1965, the first such piece on the market. One of his most intriguing projects was the MP Lafer, a two-seat fiberglass roadster designed to emulate British sports cars. Some 4,300 units were produced over its 16-year manufacturing run in the ’70s and ’80s, with several ending up in the collections of major car museums.

Still, Lafer’s biggest claim to fame is his seating, which he continues to design, drawing inspiration from modern shapes and local materials. In 2017, a retrospective of his work was organized as part of the São Paulo Design Weekend.

Find a collection of authentic Percival Lafer furniture on 1stDibs.