Vintage Willy Guhl Jardiniere
About the Item
- Creator:Willy Guhl (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 13 in (33.02 cm)Diameter: 38 in (96.52 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1968
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. This piece is in excellent vintage condition with only minor surface wear consistent with age and use. The photos accurately depict the condition.
- Seller Location:Austin, TX
- Reference Number:
Willy Guhl
Decades prior to the mass popularity of neo-industrial cement floors and furniture taking shape, there was Willy Guhl. The Swiss creative is considered one of the first “industrial” designers in his home country. He pioneered a rugged, organic style of modern furniture and decor — stylish planters, shapely seating and lots more — that remains widely coveted by many today.
Guhl was born in 1915 in Stein am Rhein and worked as a carpenter before beginning studies at the Zurich School of Applied Arts (known today as the Zurich University of the Arts), where he would go on to teach for nearly 40 years.
While Guhl is well-known for his range of provocative garden elements as well as his patio and outdoor furniture, today’s legion of mid-century modern enthusiasts are likely familiar with the designer’s iconic Loop chair (introduced in 1954). For this sculptural seat and other furnishings, Guhl tended toward industrial materials, which he bent and shaped into organic forms for a striking juxtaposition. Much of his work is crafted from either concrete or Eternit, a mixture of cement and asbestos developed by the Belgian company Etex, which, in the 1950s, commissioned Guhl and his students at the School of Applied Arts to conceive planters in the material. The resulting vessels — some hourglass-shaped, some in the form of handkerchiefs, all suitable for indoors or exteriors — remain some of Guhl’s most collectible pieces.
Guhl’s affiliation with the Swiss “neo-functional” movement centered on the idea of simplifying design without sacrificing form. According to Guhl, his mission was “achieving the most with the minimum of effort.”
In addition to his work as a designer, Guhl left his mark on subsequent creatives through his 39-year tenure at his alma mater, where he was instructor to the likes of Robert Haussmann, Kurt Thut and Bruno Rey. Modern-day shoppers at IKEA owe Guhl a debt of gratitude too. He was an early advocate of flat-pack furniture, championing its ability to make good design more widely accessible.
At its core, though, Guhl’s work was inherently human-centric: “At the center of my efforts, I put people and their living requirements,” he once said. “My products must be useful to people.” Guhl died in 2004 at the age of 89.
Find a range of vintage Willy Guhl furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Austin, TX
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Willy Guhl Vintage JardiniereBy Willy GuhlLocated in Austin, TXJardiniere, from Switzerland, by Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968. This piece is made of free form concrete with the original lichen and patina.Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
MaterialsConcrete
- Vintage French JardiniereLocated in Austin, TXJardiniere from France made of reconstituted stone.Category
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
MaterialsStone
- Antique Grande Greek Style PotsLocated in Austin, TXThese Greek style Biot pots used to hold oil; but now they hold your attention! Made of terracotta; each is commanding without being overbearing. T...Category
Antique Early 1800s French Planters and Jardinieres
MaterialsCeramic
- Glazed Terracotta Antique UrnLocated in Austin, TXA 19th century antique glazed terra cotta urn from Biot, France. We love the character and patina on this beautiful and impressive jardinière.Category
Antique 1880s French Planters and Jardinieres
MaterialsTerracotta
- Willy Rizzo Style Vintage Side TablesLocated in Austin, TXPair of side tables in the style of renowned designer and artist Willy Rizzo. This pair is from Italy and features the iconic shape, a rectangle or square with cut corners. Each has ...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsChrome
- Willy Rizzo Console TableBy Willy RizzoLocated in Austin, TXRare Willy Rizzo console table. This Italian chromed steel two tier console has brass trim and features tinted glass top and shelf.Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Console Tables
MaterialsBrass, Steel
- Willy Guhl Style JardiniereBy Willy GuhlLocated in New Orleans, LAIconic Willy Guhl designed planter with a tilt! Natural patina inside and out. There are two available.Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
MaterialsConcrete
- Large Round Willy Guhl JardiniereBy Willy GuhlLocated in New Orleans, LAIconic Willy Guhl conical planter. Stunning example of his work with lovey patina.Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
MaterialsConcrete
- Large planter jardiniere Willy Guhl from France, 1950'sBy Willy GuhlLocated in LYON, FRLarge fiber cement planter (Eternit) from the 1950s. Attributed to Willy Guhl, its patina is superb and its metal base ensures great stability for the basin. The latter can be orient...Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
MaterialsConcrete
- Jardiniere, Sculpture Willy GuhlLocated in Paris, FRWilly GUHL (1915-2004) JARDINIERE sculpture, fiber cement proof marked in hollow 13 6 68 and 73. A rare style, midcentury Willy Guhl abstract triangular sculptural planter. This plan...Category
Mid-20th Century Planters and Jardinieres
MaterialsCement
- Willy Guhl Vintage Tilted PlantersBy Willy GuhlLocated in Bloomfield Hills, MIAs of the mid-20th century, the work of Willy Guhl was a revolutionary feat of industry and design with a distinct style that transcends decades. True to form and function, Guhl worked with a mixture of cement and asbestos from Eternit. The lightweight material was groundbreaking, uncompromising form and structure with an emphasis on functionality. These beautiful tilted planters...Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
MaterialsComposition
- Planter, Willy GuhlBy Willy GuhlLocated in Copenhagen K, DKLarge and beautiful old garden pot / jardiniere, by the legendary Swiss designer Willy Guhl. A good conical design and with fantastic weathered patina....Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Planters and Jardinieres
MaterialsCement