Ico Parisi (1916-1996)

Ico Parisi was an Italian architect and designer whose work came to characterize Italian, Mid-century modern design. Born in Palermo in 1916, Parisi studied construction, graduating in 1934. In 1947 he married Luisa Alani, a former student of Gio Ponti. The couple moved to Switzerland and Parisi studied architecture from 1949-1952. Together, Luisa and Ico ran their own design studio, their philosophy of design being that of the Renaissance artist, an interest in everything and avoiding labels of architect, designer or painter. A successful contemporary furniture exhibit in 1945 in Como, as well as the studio’s all encompassing approach to design meant that by the early 1950s, Ico was seen as one of Italy’s most important furniture designers. Parisi furniture uses soft woods, curves and bright upholstery to display the pared back aesthetic that Italian mid-century modern design is famous for. Always collaborating with other designers and artists such as Gio Ponti, Mario Radice and Fausto Melotti among many others, Parisi worked with manufacturers such as Cassina and Cappelini to produce his work. The beauty of Parisi’s work lies in its ability to work in any interior and his work is eagerly sought by collectors of Italian design.

Table (1950s) Marble, Walnut Brass Dining Chairs (1950s) Pair of Chairs (1950s) Rosewood Corner Desk (1950s)

Made by Fratelli Rizzi, Intimiano, Italy. Maple and new velvet upholstery New velvet Upholstery Ico and Luisa Parisi

Sold at Phillips New York, Dealer: La Contessa Arreda (Italy) Dealer: Spirit Gallery, Morocco Made by: MIM Roma

June 6 2019 Lot 24 Dealer: Kameleon Designs (NL)

Phillip Lloyd Powell (1919-1988)

Born in 1919, Phillip Lloyd Powell was a self-taught furniture maker who produced clean line and deceptively simple furniture. Powell started making small pieces for family and friends while in high school and after high school, went on to study engineering at Drexel University. The combination of these wood working and engineering skills is apparent in his work. After serving during World War II, Powell settled in New Hope, Pennsylvania, attracted by the local thriving artists community. In the early 1950s he began producing furniture and shared a studio for over a decade, with Paul Evans the designer and metal smith. The two worked together on several pieces. Powell soon gained a reputation for making strikingly modern pieces and producing pieces as and when he decided to make them. Perhaps his most recognizable works are his cabinets. There are thought to be less than 1,000 pieces in existence. Consequently, his work often achieves high prices at galleries and auction houses.

Pair of New Hope Lounge Chairs, ca. 1960. American Black Walnut. Freemans Philadelphia, Design Auction, June 4th 2018. Lot 75. 

Cabinet: Walnut and patinated steel Sculpted Steel wall-hanging cabinet, ca.1960. Sold at Christies, New York, SALE 2500 15 December 2010. Lot 110.

Custom Chaise Lounge, ca. 1960s. Burnt umber, fuchsia lacquer and silver gilding, new upholstery. Signed. Available in 2018 by Todd Merrill Studio, New York.