Pair of “Hillie” armchairs, Robin Day for L’Atelier, 1960s - Lot 357

Description

Produced during the 1960s–1970s, this pair of armchairs reflects a moment of international exchange within Brazilian modern design, when European and American influences were being actively absorbed and reinterpreted by local manufacturers such as L’Atelier and Forma. Designed by Robin Day (1915–2010), the Hillie model exemplifies this cross-cultural dialogue through its emphasis on industrial clarity and ergonomic form.

The chairs are defined by molded seats formed in acrylic and wrapped in beige leather, creating a continuous, enveloping surface that prioritizes comfort while maintaining visual restraint. This sculptural shell is supported by a slender metal base, whose angular geometry introduces a sense of lightness and structural efficiency. The contrast between the soft, tactile upholstery and the precise metal framework underscores the design’s modernist logic.

Material integrity and function are closely aligned. The leather upholstery softens the molded form and develops character with use, while the metal base provides durability and stability without visual excess. The chairs’ proportions and low seating profile reflect the period’s shift toward more informal, relaxed modes of seating.

Together, this pair stands as a clear example of how international modernism was translated into the Brazilian context during the mid-twentieth century—retaining its industrial roots while adapting to evolving ideas of comfort, materiality, and everyday use.