SUPERB 20thC ITALIAN STANDING DRY BAR BY WILLY RIZZO c.1970
A stunning vintage cocktail bar finished in alcantara leather and steel, designed and engineered by Willy Rizzo in the 1970s. His glamorous bars are amongst the most sought after objects from his work. The example on offer was realised in the 1970s and is in very good condition. The bar is equipped with the original fridge and freezer compartment for ice blocks and handy storage cupboards with glass doors. The set comprises of two stools and counter with mirrored glass top, chromed sides and front panels in suede. The back piece is equipped with an illuminating neon light at the top, concealed by an opalescent perspex cover and the shelves have a smoked mirror backing. It is a real eye-catcher, an extremely elegant item of furniture for any living room or “man cave” giving a touch of mid-century sophistication.
Reference Number: B9401
DESCRIPTION
A stunning vintage cocktail bar finished in alcantara leather and steel, designed and engineered by Willy Rizzo in the 1970s. His glamorous bars are amongst the most sought after objects from his work. The example on offer was realised in the 1970s and is in very good condition. The bar is equipped with the original fridge and freezer compartment for ice blocks and handy storage cupboards with glass doors. The set comprises of two stools and counter with mirrored glass top, chromed sides and front panels in suede. The back piece is equipped with an illuminating neon light at the top, concealed by an opalescent perspex cover and the shelves have a smoked mirror backing. It is a real eye-catcher, an extremely elegant item of furniture for any living room or “man cave” giving a touch of mid-century sophistication.
About the designer: renowned Italian furniture designer Willy Rizzo is celebrated for having produced eye-catching, sensational showpieces that merged plush fabrics with wood, metal and glass. Influenced by European modernists and drawing on the spare forms and clean lines of the American mid-century modern style, Rizzo prized functionality and simplicity in his dazzling work.
Born in Naples, Rizzo never intended on designing furniture. Instead, he began pursuing photography at the age of 12. By the 1960s, he had become a notable photographer, having captured images of such celebrities as Marilyn Monroe, Fred Astaire and Spanish artist Salvador Dali. His experience with furniture design came about inadvertently when he moved to Rome in 1966. There, Rizzo rented an apartment with his wife Elsa that he described as "practically uninhabitable." Dissatisfied with the Scandinavian furniture options on offer, Rizzo built sofas, coffee tables and other furniture to suit the space's strong modern vibe. When his friends saw what he had accomplished, they were enamored by his furniture creations and commissioned him to build similar items for them.
The demand for Rizzo’s furniture grew from there. He established a production facility and workshop in Tivoli, just outside of Rome, which grew to house over 150 employees. There, finding inspiration in the work of iconic architects including Ludwig Mies van Der Rohe and Le Corbousier, he created more than 30 unique furniture designs. Over the years he opened boutiques around the world to showcase and sell his furniture.
Rizzo prided himself on seamlessly blending the contemporary with the classic. “It was about creating something new for a traditional setting,” he said of his work. From his sleek sideboards to his low-profile side tables, elegant chairs and entire living room sets, Rizzo's style sensibility is evident throughout every detail of his designs.
Rizzo sold his company in 1978 and returned to photography. However, the presence of his furniture resonated into the new century and is sure to impact interior décor enthusiasts into the next. Over the years, high-profile collectors of Rizzo’s work have included French actress Brigitte Bardot, Salvador Dalí and American musician Lenny Kravitz.
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We are unable to provide a fixed shipping cost for this item to all other countries.
All international customers must request a shipping quote before purchasing as shipping costs can vary greatly depending on the destination country.
Please note that our interior pieces are located at our Interior Design Showroom in Buckinghamshire, if you wish to see the item in person, please contact us to arrange an appointment.
CONDITION
In Overall Good Vintage Condition - The alcantara leather shows signs of fading, possibly due to sunlight exposure. Some areas mottled with darker spots, possibly due to spillages. Please refer to photographs. Neon bulb and wiring present but not tested, we would recommend installation and inspection by a qualified electrician before use. Please refer to photographs.
SIZE
Footstools
Height: 82cm
Diameter base: 37cm
Seat height: 61cm
Front Bar
Width: 152cm
Depth: 60cm
Height: 94cm
Back Bar/Shelving
Width: 160cm
Depth: 25cm
Height: 197cm