Jorge Zalszupin | Utter Utopia
Polish born Jorge Zalszupin, b.1922 moved to Brazil after World War II. It was an extremely creative time to rebuild a post-war world and the atmosphere in Brazil allowed his sensual, modern approach to design and architecture to flourish. In 1959, Zalszupin started the furniture design firm L’Atelier, which saw immediate success. He became part of a select team of talented furniture designers who worked closely with Oscar Niemeyer on developing furniture pieces for the new federal capital. His work is characterized by both geometric lines and organic forms combined with impeccable woodworking and classical detailing. Jorge Zalszupin is known for his refined work in jacaranda and other Brazilian specialty woods such as rosewood and ironwood. L’Atelier’s designs stand as benchmarks of modernism today and Zalszupin is considered one of Brazil’s most important designers of the twentieth century.
The Annette armchair is named after Zalszupin’s wife. This chair is comprised of a metal frame structure, a leather strap base and solid Imbuia wood carved arms. Originally designed in the 60s, there is now a re-edition of this stunning piece available.
Named after the Swallow bird, the Andorinha coffee table is inspired by origami paper folding art and contains an integrated magazine holder.
Zalszupin’s Paulistana lounge chair c.1960, evokes a sense of space age futurism while being a functional piece that invites both conversation and relaxation in its’ comfortable confines.
Classic lines and handcrafted details are showcased in this bench aptly named ‘Vintage’ c.1955. Comprised of a native Brazilian wood surface, the bench features a leather sling magzine holder and upholstered seats with wooden carved buttons and brass detailing.
Designed in the 50s the JZ tea cart, pairs oversized brass wheels against the planar geometry of the two functional shelves.This piece is a Brazilian modernist classic.