$2,500

United States
circa 1960

Child's chair in Douglas Fir plywood based on a design by sculptor, craftsman, author and designer Mario Dal Fabbro and published in his 1963 book "How to Make Children's Furniture and Play Equipment." Dal Fabbro was born in Italy to a family of furniture artisans. Trained as a sculptor in Venice, he transitioned to design, working as designer, craftsman, and administrator for the family business. Moving to New York City in 1948, he subsequently worked for J.G. Furniture, Knoll, and Paul McCobb Design, while publishing home-craftsman books on furniture design beginning in 1949. By 1968, he was dedicating himself primarily to his biomorphic carved wood sculptures, shown now at leading galleries in New York and Chicago. The present child's chair could well date to the early 1950's, as the 1963 book is likely a compendium including earlier published designs. In any event, this chair is a vintage example of a home workshop project based on Dal Fabbro's drawings and specifications, and as such captures the spirit of the early postwar do-it-yourself movement that helped increase awareness of modernist "Good Design" in America. In good original condition, with patina, wear, and character consistent with age and use.

Condition
Good structural condition with uniform patina. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor scratches, bumps, and bruises, as expected in an item such as this in original condition.

Measurements
Height: 22.75 in.
Width/length: 13 in.
Depth: 14.25 in.
Seat height: 12.5 in.

Specifications
Number of items: 1
Materials/techniques: Cut and attached Douglas Fir plywood