Pair of Rationalist Club Armchairs by Giuseppe Pagano, Reimagined by FORME, 30s

Pair of Italian Rationalist Club Chairs designed by Giuseppe Pagano, Italy, circa 1930s.

This exceptional pair of club chairs perfectly embodies Giuseppe Pagano’s vision of modern Italian design, where architecture and furniture become one coherent language. Among the leading figures of Italian Rationalism, Pagano rejected ornament in favor of clarity, proportion and functionality, believing that beauty should emerge naturally from construction and material. These armchairs represent that philosophy with remarkable purity.

Unlike traditional upholstered club chairs of the period, Pagano conceived these seats almost as architectural volumes. Broad walnutside panels define the silhouette with sculptural confidence, while the gently curved profiles soften their geometric rigor. The generous proportions, deep seat and enveloping arms create the inviting comfort expected of a classic club chair, yet interpreted through the disciplined vocabulary of Rationalist architecture.

Every line feels intentional. The continuous wooden sides flow seamlessly into the front apron, creating an almost monolithic appearance that is visually anchored by black lacquered plinth feet. The result is a pair of chairs that possess both remarkable presence and understated elegance.

FORME has carefully restored the chairs using a conservative approach that preserves their authenticity while preparing them for contemporary interiors. The walnut frames have been meticulously refintegrated where necessary and finished entirely by hand with traditional shellac, enhancing the extraordinary depth and warmth of the wood without erasing its nearly century-old history. Minor historical restorations, fillings and age-related imperfections remain intentionally visible as evidence of the chairs’ original life and craftsmanship.

For their reinterpretation, FORME selected Dedar’s prestigious “Jamu Jungle” jacquard velvet, believing it to be the perfect contemporary counterpart to Pagano’s disciplined architecture.

The fabric’s irregular labyrinthine pattern evokes ancient symbols while recalling the stylized geometry of Cubism and the intimate atmosphere of 1920s speakeasies. Its luminous jacquard construction, exceptionally soft hand and rich chromatic identity reinterpret the natural markings of wild animal coats through sophisticated earthy tones. Rather than competing with the architecture of the chairs, the textile emphasizes their sculptural forms, creating a refined dialogue between historical modernism and contemporary Italian textile design.

Seen together, the restrained geometry of the walnut structure and the expressive richness of the velvet achieve an elegant balance that feels entirely current while remaining deeply respectful of the original design.

An increasingly rare museum-quality pair of Italian Rationalist club chairs, ideal for collectors of twentieth-century design, architects and discerning interiors seeking furniture of exceptional historical importance and sculptural presence.

Condition

Professionally restored using a conservative approach. The teak frames have been hand-finished with traditional shellac and retain minor historical restorations, small fillings and age-related wear consistent with their age. Newly upholstered by FORME in Dedar “Jamu Jungle” jacquard velvet.