Armchair with Leather Upholstery by Jean Gillon for Italma Brazil, 1960s

This chair by Jean Gillon features a wooden frame with a finish that highlights the natural grain of the material. The seat is made out of original leather that showing signs of age and use with small variations in color. The original leather cords connect the seating and create a visual appealing effect. The design combines traditional joinery with practical upholstery techniques. The chair’s construction reflects careful consideration of materials and methods to ensure durability and comfort over time.

The chair shows many similarities with the Italian 'Carimate' Armchair by Vico Magistretti.Jean Gillon (1919–2007) was a Romanian-born architect and designer who later became a naturalized Brazilian citizen. He studied architecture while moving through major European cities including Paris, Vienna, and London. In 1956, he relocated to São Paulo with his family, where he was inspired by Brazil’s rapidly growing architectural scene and the works of Lina Bo Bardi and José Zanine Caldas.

Gillon is recognized for blending European modernism with Brazilian craftsmanship and materials, creating furniture that reflects both cultural influences. As part of the Brazilian modernist movement, he contributed designs that aligned with the architectural trends of mid-century Brazil, emphasizing simplicity, clean lines, and functionality while maintaining artisanal quality through the use of local woods and leathers. His architectural background influenced his approach to proportions and structural integrity, ensuring his pieces combined form and durability. His works remain collectible and have been featured in major exhibitions of Brazilian design and modernism. Among his designs, the 1968 Jangada Chair remains celebrated worldwide for its originality, winning numerous awards decades after its creation.

Condition
The original leather, including the leather cords, remains intact and has been conditioned with wax; no replacements have been made. The frame has undergone light restoration and is in good condition. Stability has been thoroughly checked. We have consciously chosen to photograph all of our items in their current state to present the real original condition as completely as possible for transparency towards our clients.