Brazilian MP-091 armchair by Percival Lafer for Lafer S.A. 1960s, set of 2

Brazilian MP-091 ARMCHAIR by Percival Lafer for Lafer S.A. 1960s, SET OF 2

These armchairs are for sale with a matching MP-091 sofa.

SOLD TO SYDNEY AUSTRALIA

About the item 

Percival Lafer is a contemporary Brazilian furniture maker and pioneer of the Brazilian Modernist movement. He is most famous for his chair and sofa designs, which combine low-profile hardwood structures with plush leather upholstery. The Lafer designs are distinct in the design world due to their exotism and certainly distinctive from European and American designs in this regard. It’s very noticeable that Lafer tried to create a vibrant and warm atmosphere with his designs that matched the Brazilian climate. Along with this, the eye for detail in Lafer furniture is simply stunning and certain construction details are very cleverly designed. Born on April 12, 1936 in Brazil, he studied at the Mackenzie Presbyterian University College of Architecture in São Paulo.

After graduating, his father passed away and he and his brothers took over Lafer S.A., his father’s furniture company founded in 1927, and expanded the business further. The most iconic designs by Lafer S.A. were certainly created in the 60s and 70s and are certainly the most pristine and sought after in the design world.

The MP-091 series are well-known and are rather distinctive. These particular armchairs feature a dark jacaranda rosewood frame, a wood species native to the Brazilian amazone. Nowadays, this specific wood species cannot be logged anymore due to environmental policies. Therefore, these armchairs can be cherished and maintained by enthousiasts. Along with the frame, the armchairs feature natural leather in custard yellow color, fully quilted. The details are absolutely stunning. Examples of this are the contrasting seams, 3 leather vertical leather buckets, the white bands that support the seat underneath and which are connected to the frame and held in place by small round wood sticks in a leather loop, the connecting bolts of the frame that are already an art in itself. All details put together and the design in itself create  remarkable pieces.

About its condition 

The armchairs are in fully original condition, even the leather. The armchairs have been preserved remarkably well since  in the 60s. The leather has some patina, but no cracks or other structural damage. The color has been very well maintained with only minor discolouration and the foam is still in good shape. The wooden frame is in a very good shape, with only minor signs of use. Of course, the armchairs are structurally sound.

Original Lafer S.A. sticker present below on the armchair.

One armchair has a small part of seam missing on the right armrest. This has no influence on the usability and the seam isn’t loose. The same armchair has some extended patina on the right armrest as well, probably due to sunlight exposure.   There are no cracks so it’s perfectly usable.