A handsome and rare pair of mid-century Italian Sleepy Hollow armchairs, believed to date from the 1950s. With their deeply sculpted silhouettes, dramatically angled high backs and generously curved arms, these chairs speak the confident language of postwar Italian design — comfort elevated to art.
The chairs have been thoughtfully and expertly reupholstered in a warm oatmeal Italian weave— a nubby, tactile fabric with a quiet depth of colour — with the exterior arms and backs rendered in its ticking-stripe sibling, a fine ivory and sand stripe that adds visual lightness and a pleasing tailored contrast. A matching bolster cushion accompanies each chair.
The button-tufted backs, elegant splayed wooden legs and the generous seat depth all point to a maker of considered ambition. They sit beautifully in the room — commanding yet welcoming — and photograph equally well in a formal interior or al fresco on a terrace in dappled light.
Offered in excellent, freshly restored condition. An exceptional and increasingly rare opportunity to acquire a matched pair.
SPECIFICATION
ORIGIN Italy (attributed)
PERIOD Circa 1950s
STYLE Mid-Century Modern / Italian Post-War
FORM Sleepy Hollow lounge chair with high tufted back
UPHOLSTERY New — Italian weave (body) & fine ticking stripe (arms & exterior back)FRAMESolid wood, splayed legs
CONDITION Excellent — newly reupholstered throughout
QUANTITY One pair (2 chairs) — sold together only
PROVENANCE & NOTE
From a private Australian collection. The chairs have lived well — admired in a warmly furnished interior for many years before being returned to their full glory with fresh upholstery. Believed Italian, circa 1950s; attribution ongoing.
Chairs for sale. History for free.
