SUPERB 20thC ITALIAN STANDING DRY BAR BY WILLY RIZZO c.1970

DESCRIPTION

Step into the luxurious ambiance of the 1970s with this standing dry bar crafted in the manner of the iconic Willy Rizzo, a testament to Italian design sophistication. Manufactured in Italy during the glamorous 1970s, this piece showcases a captivating blend of chrome and brass, exuding an air of opulence and refined taste. The inclusion of leatherette details adds a touch of tactile luxury, marrying form and function seamlessly. This vintage dry bar not only encapsulates the essence of Italian craftsmanship but also pays homage to the timeless style associated with Willy Rizzo, a maestro of mid-century design.

Complete with two original lights that gracefully illuminate the surroundings, this standing dry bar is a harmonious convergence of practicality and aesthetics. The set is thoughtfully accompanied by two matching stools, creating a cohesive ensemble that speaks to the era's commitment to both elegance and functionality. The preserved originality of this ensemble not only adds to its historical charm but also makes it a rare and valuable piece for collectors and enthusiasts seeking to capture the spirit of 1970s Italian design in their contemporary spaces.

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.

We offer complimentary shipping to all our customers in Great Britain. 

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 - Some corrosion to the metalware on the stools. Please refer to photographs.

SIZE

Footstools
 Height: 74cm 
Width: 50cm

Front Bar
Width: 136cm
Depth: 41cm
Height: 96cm

Back Bar
Width: 140cm
Depth: 25cm
Height: 195cm