Exceptional Guglielmo Ulrich Armchair in Velvet and Fluted Walnut, Italy, 1940s

This exceptionally rare armchair was designed by Guglielmo Ulrich in the 1940s. The elegant design is marked by the distinct, curved lines of the winged backrest and the rounded lines of the arms and front. As with most of Ulrich's designs during this era, the chair was a custom design for a private residence in Lombardy, according to the upholstery firm Guidetti in Ferrara. The precise sectioning and layout of the presumably original gold ochre velvet upholstery is one of Ulrich's trademarks. From the mid-Thirties onwards, Ulrich started working with buttoning, horizontal and vertical bands and squared and rectangular quilting. In designer's view, the upholstery had to emphasize and accentuate the shape and overall contour of the armchair. In this chair the sides and and backrests are panelled with vertical, rectangular quilted panels which highlights it's unique shape from all possible angles. The interior side of the backrest and sides are fully buttoned. The tapered, outwards bending legs are in fluted walnut. The structure of the wood and the shape of the legs add to the refined and dynamic feel of the design. In it's precise execution and the distinct details, this armchair forms the perfect example of the originality and craftsmanship of Guglielmo Ulrich's designs in the Italian Modern era. The chair is in overall good condition. The presumably original velvet upholstery is beautiful but in vintage condition with some signs of wear. Depending on your personal preference, we recommend reupholstering the piece according to the original upholstery. Our master upholsterer is able to do this to the highest standard, please contact us to learn more about the possibilities. Guglielmo Ulrich (1904 - 1977) is a seminal figure of Italian design, born in Milan to a family of noble Danish descent. He was inspired by 18th and 19th century designs but combined this interest with a wonderful understanding of material and simplicity in form and function. Together with a rather wild taste for rare and exquisite materials and a perfectionist in the execution of his designs, he was a main protagonist of the Italian style.