{"product_id":"ernesto-valabrega-for-vittorio-valabrega-lounge-chairs-in-oak-and-blue-upholstery","title":"Ernesto Valabrega for Vittorio Valabrega Lounge Chairs in Oak and Blue Upholstery","description":"Ernesto Valabrega for Vittorio Valabrega Studio, armchairs, oak, fabric, Italy, 1930s\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDesigned by Ernesto Valabrega for Vittorio Valabrega Studio in the 1930s, this set of lounge chairs reflects the high-level of Italian craftsmanship of the period. Executed entirely in oak, the chairs show a clear, architectural structure with well-balanced proportions and an emphasis on material quality. The backrest is composed of a repeating, interlocking curvilinear motif that creates a rhythmic lattice. The armrests introduce a contrasting curvature: they extend forward in a gently sinuous line, widening and rounding at the terminals into almost bulbous grips. Below the seat, the apron features a shallow scalloped edge, subtly decorative but still restrained.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eItalian designer Ernesto Valabrega (1901-1944) was born in Turin, as the son of celebrated designer and cabinetmaker Vittorio Valabrega (1861-1952). His father Vittorio was, together with his brother, the founder of Fratelli Valabrega (Valabrega Brothers Company, since 1884) that was situated in Turin. During the 1890s, Vittorio became the sole owner of the company and had great success with his refined wooden furniture. Vittorio Valabrega became well-known for his furniture in the floral Art Nouveau style, but as a true child of the 19th century, his company also manufactured furniture in Neo-Renaissance and the French Rococo Louis XV-style. His designs received positive attention and were awarded at World Exhibitions. At the famous exhibition in Paris in 1900, Vittorio even received a gold medal. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt was at the age of twenty-four that Ernesto got on board with his father’s business. His involvement from 1925 onwards had a great impact on the company. Ernesto decided to change the company’s name to Mobilart in 1928 and radically redirected the course. Whereas Vittorio was inspired by a variety of contemporary and historic styles, Ernesto chose for a different approach. He renounced the 19th century mixture of styles and approached furniture design in the same manner as the highly influential William Morris of the English Arts and Crafts movement. Their reform was an artistic reaction to the widespread industrialization of the 19th century.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eErnesto despised products of poor quality and chose high quality materials that would last a lifetime. The furniture he created in the late 1920s and 1930s are a true testament to his beliefs. With his irregular carvings of oakwood, the hammered hinges, flowing edges, embossed surfaces his furniture shows quality, attention to detail and ultimate craftsmanship. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe listed price is per item. ","brand":"Morentz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53462727295319,"sku":null,"price":6497.91,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0289\/5187\/1548\/files\/50118686_St_P_5_a021c06f-143b-427d-9774-af31a557eb3c.jpg?v=1777880127","url":"https:\/\/www.morentz.com\/en-gb\/products\/ernesto-valabrega-for-vittorio-valabrega-lounge-chairs-in-oak-and-blue-upholstery","provider":"Morentz","version":"1.0","type":"link"}