A pair of Italian wing back armchairs on curved ebonized legs. Newly upholstered in ‘smoke’ coloured velvet, with black silk buttons. These chairs were designed by Paolo Buffa of Milan and are catalogued. . .

c.1949. . .

Measures: 86cm high (back) x 32cm high (seat) x 68cm wide x 78cm deep

Paolo Buffa c.1903 – 1970

Born in 1903 to John Buffa, a famous painter and stained glass artist. Paolo trained under Gio Ponti and early on in his career formed a close association with Antonio Cassi Ramelli, going on to participate at the 4th International Exhibition of Decorative Arts, Paris 1930.

Paolo’s early work was inspired by the classicism of Lombardy in the 1st Century, showing a great understanding and subtle use of various woods and marquetry.

By 1930 his furniture and design was very much influenced by the Oriental style and he combined this with neo classicism introducing black lacquer into his designs.

Paolo Buffa’s designs were quickly becoming widely used and sought after by the middle and upper middle classes by the mid 30’s and this was helped in part by the various commissions he was given to design the interiors of exclusive shops, hotels and private residences including the Royal Palace of King Zog of Albania in 1940. During the 40’s he also ventured into nautical furnishing including the SS Andrea Doria, the SS Leonardo da Vinci and the famous yacht of King Farouk of Egypt 1951-52.

In 1947 along with other notable designers of the day including Ulrich, Parisi and Buzzi he was invited to form an exhibition entitled ‘Modern style furnishings’ and later in 1948 the Italian Pavilion at the 34th Salon Des Artistes Décorateurs, Paris.

Paolo Buffa is considered one of the most important architects and designers of the mid 20th Century in Italy.