Marcel Breuer was a celebrated Hungarian-American architect and Mid-Century Modern furniture designer mostly famous for his tubular steel pieces. Bio Breuer was born on May 21, 1902, and died on July 1, 1981. He graduated from high school at the Magyar Kiralyi Forealiskola in Pecs, Hungary. In 1921, at the age of 18, Breuer moved …
In this post, we curated a selection of the most famous Mid-Century Modern designers of all time. Click below the links to read the individual profiles detailing a short bio, describing their unique style, and their most famous masterpieces. 1 – Eero Aarnio: Star Trek meets Andy Warhol Eero Aarnio, one of the masters of …
The most famous Mid-Century Modern designers of all time Read More »
Isamu Noguchi was an eclectic Mid-Century Modern designer: also a sculptor, architect, painter… and always keeping a sensitive relationship with nature and society. The Akari light sculptures, originally developed using traditional Japanese materials in 1951, are still in production today. Bio Born from an American mother and a Japanese father in Los Angeles, California, Noguchi lived …
Poul Kjaerholm designed versatile furniture pieces that were a perfect mix of new methodologies, technology, and craftsmanship: a distinctive Mid-Century Modern feature displayed in his PK chair series. Kjaerholm also considered steel to be a natural material, which in his own opinion had the same artistic quality of wood. Bio Poul Kjaerholm was one of …
Poul Kjaerholm: new methodologies, technology, and craftsmanship Read More »
Jacobsen’s work is one of the most personal interpretations of functionalism mixed with Danish traditional aesthetic style; and this sort of fusion is a core feature of the Mid-Century Modern style. Often his deep involvement in an architectural project led him to design also the furniture pieces for its interiors like the most famous: Swan …
George Nelson contributed to the development of Mid-century modern through both his provocative writing and his innovative design. He constantly aimed at providing functional and aesthetic solutions to modern-day living. His iconic pieces span from furniture: Coconut Chair, Marshallow sofa, Typewriter desk, to objects: Ball clock, to lighting: Bubble light. Bio Born on May 29, …
George Nelson: the Mid-Century Modern lamp designer Read More »
Jean Royère pioneered an original style that incorporates bright colors, natural forms, and precious materials in a wide range of creative achievements. Considering ephemeral ornamentation and subject to fashion winds, Royère concentrated on form and volume, creating pieces of fabric, metal, and wood that carved space or filled the air with their great shapes and …
Gino Sarfatti, bereft of formal education, had to improvise and create each item by working directly with the craftsmen. His re-interprations of traditional chandeliers in Mid-Century modern style are among his most iconic pieces. Bio Gino Sarfatti (born 16 September 1912, Venice, Italy–died 6 March 1985, Griante, Como, Italy) was an Italian businessman, light and …
Gino Sarfatti: the Mid-Century Modern light craftsman Read More »
Serge Mouille was an enlightening presence of the Mid-Century Modern design and one of the most outstanding French light designers of all time. His minimalist aesthetic, combining streamlined shapes with the vibrant luminosity of both metal and light, contributed to a body of work that still maintains its timeless appeal Bio Serge Mouille (1922-1988) was …
Research by Vico Magistretti has concentred on design, project culture, and innovative experimentation with materials and space solutions. Among his most famous creations: the “Eclisse” (Eclipse) and the “Atollo” (Atol) lamps. Bio Born in 1920 in Milan, the city where he graduated in architecture in 1945, Magistretti developed his professional career, primarily in architecture, urban …
Bio Kaare Jensen Klint was a Danish architect, furniture designer, and an artist. In 1903 he began his apprenticeship as a painter, but he switched to architecture quickly, mainly because of his father, the architect P.V. Jensen-Klint. He started as an apprentice to his father, who had a significant influence on his later work. Style …
Within the Mid-Century modern movement, Poul Henningsen was a romantic functionalist. The shape of his PH lamps was not just an end to itself, but based on scientific analysis of light diffusion. In his Artichoke lamp, the aim is to minimize the amount of harsh, direct light by producing a lighter, more reflective light. Bio Poul …
Poul Henningsen: the scientific approach to light diffusion Read More »
Castiglioni brothers’ approach to design was innovative, imaginative, and with a touch of humor. Their focus was on producing highly functional lights that were as practical as aesthetic. Their designs are still bestsellers in production today like their famous Arco and Taccia lamps and held in museums around the world. Bio Achille Castiglioni, who was …
Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni: the light brothers Read More »
Nakashima’s work was guided by principles of Japanese woodworking, which he combined with Mid-Century Modern and American Shaker design styles. His appreciation for nature led him to emphasize the beauty of every wood burls, knot, and grain like in his series of Conoid tables and chairs. Bio George Katsutoshi Nakashima trained as an architect, receiving …
A true master of Mid-Century Modern design, Eero Saarinen challenged traditional furniture design principles introducing innovative structural and aesthetic solutions. In his world legs were substituted by pedestals – like in his Tulip chairs – and armchairs by wombs in an exquisite and unique neo-futuristic style. Bio Eero Saarinen, designer then architect, was known for …
Eero Saarinen: neo-futuristic Mid-Century Modern Read More »
Gio Ponti is considered one of the masters of Italian architecture as well as one of the most influential designers of the 20th century. In addition to creating important works of architecture, Gio Ponti designed numerous pieces of furniture using artisanal and contemporary production methods: like the 699 SUPERLEGGERA chair Bio Giovanni Ponti, known as …
Gio Ponti: is there any kind of object that he didn’t design? Read More »