Iconic pair of Italian chairs featuring tall geometric backrests, a sleek black lacquered wood structure, and rich red velvet seats. These elements clearly reflect the aesthetic of the Arts and Crafts movement and, more specifically, the style of renowned Scottish architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868–1928). Crafted in Northern Italy—most likely in the Milan-Monza area—during the 1970s or 1980s, this pair belongs to a high-quality production inspired by historical models and consistent with the Arts and Crafts and Liberty revival trends of the time. The precision of the joinery, the balanced proportions, and the choice of materials all suggest a refined manufacturing process aimed at a sophisticated and discerning clientele. The design is strongly influenced by—and quite possibly attributable to—Mackintosh’s distinctive style, known for its pronounced vertical lines, minimalist forms, stylized geometric motifs, and a refined balance between function and symbolism. The tall backrests, punctuated by vertical slats with intersecting patterns at the top, are a hallmark of Mackintosh’s interiors, seen in both private and public projects in Glasgow, such as the Willow Tea Rooms and Hill House (1902–1904). Hill House, commissioned by publisher Walter Blackie and built between 1902 and 1904, stands as Mackintosh’s most iconic example of domestic architecture. Inside, one finds his most celebrated furniture design: the Hill House Chair, with its towering, rectilinear backrest—an aesthetic break from traditional Art Nouveau. Despite its stark lines, the chair reveals an unexpected comfort through subtle curvature—a detail also visible in the pair offered here (see photos). Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a key figure in the transition from Art Nouveau to Modernism, was active between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A founder of the Glasgow School, he helped define a style that combined local craftsmanship with European Symbolist influences. His chairs—now design icons—are distinguished by their elongated backs, poetic geometric lines, and striking contrasts between dark frames and light or vividly colored upholstery. This pair stands out for its unmistakable high back with vertical slats and crisscrossing geometric details—a clear homage to Mackintosh’s visionary style. Made entirely of solid wood lacquered in deep black, the chairs have been professionally restored to ensure structural and aesthetic integrity. The seats are upholstered in a vibrant, dense red velvet that beautifully contrasts with the minimalist frame. Their elegant proportions and graphic linearity make these chairs ideal as dining chairs or as accent pieces in an entryway or hallway, paired with a modern or vintage console. They are equally at home in a dining room with a glass or dark wood table that highlights their vertical presence, or in a study or library where they evoke the contemplative spirit of early 20th-century reading rooms. Perfect for eclectic interiors as well—think colorful walls, floral wallpapers, or herringbone parquet floors. Well suited for Art Nouveau and Art Deco-inspired interiors, these chairs also complement contemporary spaces where a bold, sophisticated graphic element is desired. An excellent choice for collectors, interior decorators, and enthusiasts of high-quality historical design. The chairs have been fully restored. Dimensions: Width 18.9 in. (48 cm), Depth 19.7 in. (50 cm), Height 43.3 in. (110 cm), Seat Height 18.9 in. (48 cm).
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SILVER Seller in Prato, Italy
