Jorge Zalszupin

JORGE ZALSZUPIN (Warsaw, Poland, 1922-Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2020).
Armchair "Brazil", ca.1950's.
Nubuck leather, imbuia tropical wood and metal.
It shows a slight oxidation spot on the metal and age patina on the leather.
Measurements: 90 x 90 x 90 cm.

This captivating camel-colored nubuck leather armchair with metal structure and tropical wood pieces in the backrest and armrest presents genuine traits of the furniture designed by Jorge Zalszupin: the combination of clean lines (the pure geometry that make up the metal sheets) with soft elements that provide comfort and organicity (the enveloping shape of the leather), in addition to the use of natural wood turning it into delicate curves, is characteristic of the designs of this outstanding figure in the history of modern design in Brazil.

Jorge Zalszupin was a pioneer of Brazilian design, helping to put the country's modern aesthetics on the world map. Of Polish origin, he arrived in Brazil in the 1950s after escaping the persecution of Jews in Poland and having studied architecture in Romania. In 1959 he founded L'Atelier in São Paulo, a factory that pioneered the mass production of furniture in Brazil. The chairs used by the judges of the Supreme Federal Court of Brazil in their hearings were designed by him and what was for a time the seat of the mayor of São Paulo, the same one that was famous for the fact that Fernando Henrique Cardoso allowed himself to be photographed considering himself elected before the Congress, elections of 1985, won by Jânio Quadros. In the 80's he closed L'Atelier due to the economic crisis in Brazil and abandoned furniture design to work, until 1986, with José Gugliotta in architectural projects, since then he gradually reduced his pace of work and began to paint. Currently, the firm ETEL produces some of his pieces. Over the years, Jorge Zalszupin designed a wide variety of furniture for homes, offices and public spaces, some of which have become classics of Brazilian design. Among his most famous works are the Presidential chair, the Dinamarquesa chair, the Clube armchair and the Brasilia sofa. In 2013 he was awarded the Designers' Saturday Lifetime Achievement Award. He is considered one of the most important names in his field in Brazil.