3/4/2023
Originally brutalism is really about concrete and architecture, it has evolved as a ‘term’ for more graphical pieces of furniture.
Brutalism - it first appeared in the middle of the 20th century, rising to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Brutalism is an architectural style defined by purposeful simplicity, crudeness, and transparency that are sometimes perceived as cold and foreboding.
After World War II, when low-cost housing and governmental structures were primarily made of raw, unprocessed materials, brutalism first emerged. From Europe to South America, countries were looking to recover culturally and economically after the war. At the time, concrete was more economical than steel, which led builders to use it instead. As a result, the French phrase béton brut, which means "of concrete," is where the term "brutalism" gets its name.
Although originally brutalism is really about concrete and architecture, it has evolved as a ‘term’ for more graphical pieces of furniture. We have a few lovely ‘brutalist design’ pieces in our collection.
The fact that, in addition to designing, Luciano Frigerio was also a gifted musician and artist, is fully reflected in this design. The relief created by the various carved slats that we see along the entire length of the sideboard is an abstract reference to the keys of a piano, Frigerio's favorite instrument. The very characteristic African walnut has been used for the “Norman” series. This sideboard is of course completely veneered on the outside but also on the inside in this beautiful type of wood and is therefore finished in detail.
This abstract wall sculpture has a special appearance and is very decorative. It is work made of iron where the parts are welded together and then painted with black paint. The edges create a difference in height and together with the six 'eyes' they form a refined detail. We see a relief applied over the entire item probably formed during casting, providing a pleasant texture. Spacers at the back ensure that the work is held two centimeters from the wall, resulting in extra depth. If desired, it can therefore be attached to the wall, but also hung.
The doors of this brutalist highboard display a beautiful three-dimensional pattern created by traditional wood carving. Magnetic strips are used to open and close the doors easily and without clearance. Its sturdy hinges, together with the wood thickness, provide a feeling of quality when the doors are opened. Solid black stained oak with elegant wood grain is used for the entire highboard.
These lounge chairs carry a strong reminiscence of the style of Charles Dudouyt. The solid oak frame structure is ornamented with crafty round spheres on the top of the uprights. On both sides of the frame, we see another interesting adornment where rather slim pillars fill up the space. A black faux tight leather sling seat is stretched over the arm -and backrests of the frame and attached with brass buttons. Altogether, these chairs have an appearance that can be an unorthodox addition to your interior.
Sources: Lynch, L . (2020, September 17). MyDomaine.
