Pair of Double “Longarina” Auditorium Chairs, Sergio Rodrigues, 1965 - Lot 71A

Description

Designed for auditorium and institutional settings in Brazil during the 1960s–70s, this pair of double Longarina seating units reflects the period’s emphasis on modularity, durability, and structural clarity. Conceived as fixed configurations, each unit accommodates two seats within a continuous framework, articulating both repetition and cohesion.

The structure is composed of Brazilian rosewood (jacarandá) and iron. Broad horizontal wood members define the armrests and upper back supports, their warm tone contrasting with the black metal legs and vertical supports. Exposed brass fasteners punctuate the wooden elements, underscoring the logic of assembly rather than concealing it. The rhythm created by wood, metal, and hardware distills a distinctly Brazilian interpretation of modernist seating—robust yet materially refined.

Each seat and backrest is upholstered in black leather, newly refinished and presenting in excellent condition. The upholstery is tensioned within the frame and incorporates an integrated reclining mechanism that allows the backrest to respond to the body without shifting the base structure. This engineering solution maintains the integrity of the fixed system while enhancing ergonomic comfort—an essential consideration in auditorium design.

The jacarandá has been professionally refinished, revealing depth and variation in the grain while preserving its structural integrity. The manufacturer’s seal remains visible on the rear cross member between seats, affirming provenance.

An increasingly uncommon survival of Brazilian institutional modernism, this pair of double Longarina units exemplifies the convergence of utility, material intelligence, and architectural presence characteristic of the era.