A standing dry bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, circa 1970
A standing dry bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, circa 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 superb 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 illuminated shelves with alcantara backing giving a warm ambient light when switched on. It is a real eye-catcher, a very elegant item of furniture for any living room “man cave” giving a touch of mid-century sophistication. The shelving unit has obviously been created to stand in the corner of a room with the front bar just in front of it as seen in the photographs but it can in fact be arranged in a number of different alternatives depending on where the user wishes the access point to be and the space available.
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.
Condition: illuminating lights were in working order when collected, as was the fridge. However we recommend that the electrical equipment be looked at by a qualified electrician prior to installation. Overall excellent condition of standing bar and console bar, only very minor blemishes. The two stools show heavier wear with staining throughout and a small tear to one of the in the seating area. Some light scratches to the mirrored glass top, a few dings to the chrome work, a stain to the alcantara at the front of the bar. However these are minor defects consistent with light use over the course of half a century. Please refer to photographs.
Dimensions: Standing bar/shelves: 193cm high, 121cm wide, 40cm deep. Console Bar: 90cm high, 132cm wide, 75cm deep. Stools: 65cm high, seat diameter: 35cm
For additional information please contact us:
Email: info@alessiolorenzi.com
Phone: +44 7701 088 288
REFERENCE: F2294