Ernesto Valabrega for Vittorio Valabrega Writing Desk with Chair in Oak

Ernesto Valabrega for Vittorio Valabrega, desk with chair, oak, stained wood, leather, iron, Turin, Italy, 1930s

This desk and chair ensemble, designed by Ernesto Valabrega in the 1930s, reflects a departure from Art Deco influences. The rectangular tabletop rests on a distinctive base, expertly carved with undulating lines and subtle concave details. Concealed within its refined form is a discreet drawer, providing convenient storage for stationery or other essentials. The top's surface features a beautiful marquetry of angular forms, adding more character to the piece. The chair embodies a substantial and strong profile, characterized by a well-defined geometric structure. The chair features a slightly curved backrest for added comfort, seamlessly integrated into the wooden framework, which is meticulously adorned with gouge cuts, creating a textured surface of distinctive irregular ridges. Its elegant contours are emphasized by the iron studs, gracefully following the bold curves of the chair. All the stylistic elements combined, testify to the artist's keen eye for elegant proportions, bold use of shapes, and intriguing implementation of materials.
Italian designer Ernesto Valabrega (1901-1944) was born in Turin, as the son of celebrated designer and cabinetmaker Vittorio Valabrega (1861-1952).

His father Vittorio was, together with his brother, the founder of Fratelli Valabrega (Valabrega Brothers Company, since 1884) that was situated in Turin. During the 1890s, Vittorio became the sole owner of the company and had great success with his refined wooden furniture. Vittorio Valabrega became well-known for his furniture in the floral Art Nouveau style, but as a true child of the 19th century, his company also manufactured furniture in Neo-Renaissance and the French Rococo Louis XV-style. His designs received positive attention and were awarded at World Exhibitions. At the famous exhibition in Paris in 1900, Vittorio even received a gold medal.

It was at the age of 24 that Ernesto got on board with his father’s business. His involvement from 1925 onwards had a great impact on the company. Ernesto decided to change the company’s name to Mobilart in 1928 and radically redirected the course. Whereas Vittorio was inspired by a variety of contemporary and historic styles, Ernesto chose for a different approach. He renounced the 19th century mixture of styles and approached furniture design in the same manner as the highly influential William Morris of the English Arts and Crafts movement. Their reform was an artistic reaction to the widespread industrialization of the 19th century.

Ernesto despised products of poor quality and chose high quality materials that would last a lifetime. The furniture he created in the late 1920s and 1930s are a true testament to his beliefs. With his irregular carvings of oakwood, the hammered hinges, flowing edges, embossed surfaces his furniture shows quality, attention to detail and ultimate craftsmanship.

Kindly note that the set is in used condition. The leather contains threadbare upholstery. The wooden parts exhibit wear marks. Visible seams are visible in the top surface of the table. Reupholstery and restoration can be done before shipping by our experienced craftspeople in our own in-house restoration atelier. With high attention for the original, they make sure every piece retains its value and is ready for the many years to come. We kindly ask you to contact our design experts for further information about the endless possibilities our restoration and upholstery atelier has to offer. Of course, a locally organized reupholstery and restoration is possible as well.

Dimensions table: listed on the page
Dimensions chair:

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