Art Deco Italian Club Chair from Guglielmo Ulrich, 1940s

Details

Description

Vimportant and highly sculptural italian art deco club armchair, attributed to guglielmo ulrich, italy, circa 1940.
the armchair is distinguished … Read more Vimportant and highly sculptural italian art deco club armchair, attributed to guglielmo ulrich, italy, circa 1940.
the armchair is distinguished by its remarkable architectural form, with a broad enveloping back articulated into three pronounced vertical sections. The central backrest is framed by two large curved wings that project forward and visually merge with the generous rounded armrests, creating a particularly sophisticated and sculptural silhouette.
the proportions are characteristic of high-quality italian upholstered furniture of the period: a relatively low seat combined with an unusually broad body gives the chair a strong yet balanced presence.
the rear is equally carefully designed, with the upholstered shell following a continuous curved profile and finished with a decorative line of upholstery nails. This attention to the reverse makes the armchair suitable not only for placement against a wall but also as a freestanding statement piece within an interior.
of particular importance for the attribution, the internal rear wooden crossbar bears the handwritten inscription “ulrich” in pencil, in cursive script.
the inscription is located on an internal structural element normally concealed beneath the upholstery. Together with the chair's design vocabulary, proportions, period construction and traditional upholstery technique, this provides significant material support for the attribution to guglielmo ulrich.
the internal construction retains a traditional upholstery system with individual circular coil springs supported by webbing, consistent with high-quality italian artisanal furniture production of the late 1930s and early 1940s.
the sculptural division of the upholstered surfaces, the enveloping winged back, low seat and architectural conception of the volumes are strongly consistent with the sophisticated milanese furniture culture in which guglielmo ulrich worked during this period.
ulrich collaborated with some of the most important milanese workshops and manufacturers of the period, including ar.ca, attilio scaglia and jannace & kovacs. While the construction of the present armchair is compatible with this production environment, no specific manufacturer is presently assigned.
the attribution is therefore deliberately and conservatively presented as “attributed to guglielmo ulrich”, pending identification of the exact model in period archival documentation or authentication of the handwritten inscription as ulrich's autograph signature.
an important example of italian upholstered furniture at the transition between art deco and early italian modernism, combining craftsmanship, comfort and an exceptionally distinctive sculptural presence.
details
designer: guglielmo ulrich — attributed to
origin: italy
period: circa 1940
style: italian art deco / early modernism
type: club armchair / lounge armchair
structure: wood
upholstery: red leather upholstery
construction: traditional individual coil springs supported on webbing
feet: wood
marking: handwritten inscription “ulrich” in pencil on the internal rear wooden crossbar
dimensions
width: 95 cm / 37.4 in
depth: 60 cm / 23.6 in
height: 85 cm / 33.5 in
seat height: 40 cm / 15.7 in
condition
good vintage condition consistent with age and use.
the upholstery shows a natural patina, minor surface abrasions and signs of wear appropriate to its age. The traditional internal spring construction has been retained.
any conservation should preferably respect the original character and existing patina of the piece.
attribution note
attributed to guglielmo ulrich.
the attribution is supported by the sculptural and architectural characteristics of the design, its construction and chronology, and particularly by the presence of the handwritten inscription “ulrich” in pencil on the internal rear wooden frame.
the inscription has not currently been independently authenticated as the autograph signature of guglielmo ulrich; accordingly, the armchair is catalogued conservatively as “attributed to guglielmo ulrich.” this piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution See less