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Wim Van Mossevelde
Product description
Lyda Levi - McGuire director's chair
Period : 1960 - 1970
Leather, wood (rattan) and brass - pliable.
Design : Lyda Levi for McGuire editions.
Height : 92 cm - depth : 51 cm - width : 60 cm - height seat : 47 cm
In very good condition (considering its age).
Great patina.
McGuire :
John and Elinor were the beloved founders of San Francisco's iconic McGuire Furniture. They started the company as a married couple in 1948 and their lifelong creative partnership resulted in a distinctive look combining natural materials such as rattan and hides. Some of their earliest designs are part of the permanent collection at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsosian Design Museum in New York City. . McGuire was acquired by the Kohler company in 1989.
Vintage McGuire furniture, lamps and other designs are still popular.
Lydia Levi :
Lydia Levi was an extraordinary woman who left an indelible mark on the field of design and applied art. Born in 1922, she experienced a profound journey during World War II. A victim of Nazi persecution, she chose to seek safety in Switzerland to escape the impending danger. After the conflict ended in 1945, Lydia Levi returned to Milan, the city she had painfully left.
Back in her hometown, Lydia Levi passionately devoted herself to the Exodus operation. This humanitarian initiative aimed to help Holocaust survivors migrate to Palestine. Her involvement in this cause demonstrated her remarkable spirit of solidarity and determination.
In 1946, during a period of rebirth for Italy, architect Piero Bottoni was appointed by the National Liberation Committee as Special Commissioner of the Milan Triennial. He chose Lydia Levi to collaborate in organizing the 8th Triennale, recognizing her valuable skills and expertise in design and applied art.
The Milan Triennial was a prestigious platform for emerging talents in the world of art and design. Lydia Levi's participation in the 8th Triennial brought her recognition and visibility, making her a prominent figure in the industry.
Following this experience, Lydia Levi was appointed head of the craft section of the Public Relations Office for the Marshall Plan. She held this position with dedication and passion from 1948 to 1953. During that period, she contributed to the organization of exhibitions and events on crafts, demonstrating her competence and commitment to the industry.
During a trip to the United States in 1956, Lydia Levi met Elinor and John McGuire, the makers and producers of a well-known rattan furniture. This meeting profoundly influenced her perspective and led her to develop her own furniture line called "Lyda Levi-McGuire." This line combined new trends she had experienced in America with Italian craft expertise.
Lydia Levi-McGuire's furniture line was a great success because of its ability to combine innovative design elements with Italian craftsmanship. This entrepreneurial venture was just one of many challenges in her career dedicated to design and applied art, and demonstrated her adaptability and ability to predict trends.
Lydia Levi-McGuire gained fame in the field of international design thanks to her multifaceted career and innovative creations. Her contribution left an indelible mark on applied art, combining tradition and modernity to create a unique and captivating style.
Obviously some signs of use such as a scratch, a stain, etc.
Obviously some signs of use such as a scratch, a stain, etc.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsBrownMaterialWood, Rattan, LeatherNumber of items1Height92 cmWidth60 cmDepth51 cmSeat height47 cm