Item Description
A handsome set of four Vela armchairs by Carlo Bartoli, one of the leading figures of Italian postwar design. Known for his clear, sculptural lines and his skill in marrying comfort with restraint, Bartoli designed the Vela as a sophisticated dining and conference chair with the presence of an armchair. This set was made in the 1990s. The chair’s form is elegantly tailored. A single envelope of black leather wraps the seat, arms and flared back in one continuous gesture, with fine stitched seams tracing its edges. The back rises in a graceful, sail-like curve, which gives the chair its name, while the low, enclosing arms provide a generous and welcoming seat. The leather rests on slender, tapered cherry wood legs. The warm tone of the cherry against the deep black leather gives the chair a refined, quietly contemporary look. The leather has aged beautifully. A soft sheen and a subtle patina have developed with use, giving each chair its own character and a lived-in depth that new leather cannot replicate. Seen from every angle the chairs are well resolved, which makes them ideal for dining tables where they are visible from all sides. Comfortable enough for long dinners yet architectural in silhouette, the set suits dining rooms, boardrooms and elegant living spaces alike. It pairs well with stone, glass or dark timber tables and suits both classic and modern interiors. Designer: Carlo Bartoli (Italian, 1931-2020) Period: 1990s Materials: Black leather, cherry wood Condition: Good vintage condition with a natural patina.
