Decades prior to the mass popularity of neo-industrial cement floors and furniture taking shape, there was Willy Guhl. The Swiss creative is considered one of the first “industrial” designers in his home country. He pioneered a rugged, organic style of modern furniture and decor — stylish planters, shapely seating and lots more — that remains widely coveted by many today.
Guhl was born in 1915 in Stein am Rhein and worked as a carpenter before beginning studies at the Zurich School of Applied Arts (known today as the Zurich University of the Arts), where he would go on to teach for nearly 40 years.
While Guhl is well-known for his range of provocative garden elements as well as his patio and outdoor furniture, today’s legion of mid-century modern enthusiasts are likely familiar with the designer’s iconic Loop chair (introduced in 1954). For this sculptural seat and other furnishings, Guhl tended toward industrial materials, which he bent and shaped into organic forms for a striking juxtaposition. Much of his work is crafted from either concrete or Eternit, a mixture of cement and asbestos developed by the Belgian company Etex, which, in the 1950s, commissioned Guhl and his students at the School of Applied Arts to conceive planters in the material. The resulting vessels — some hourglass-shaped, some in the form of handkerchiefs, all suitable for indoors or exteriors — remain some of Guhl’s most collectible pieces.
Guhl’s affiliation with the Swiss “neo-functional” movement centered on the idea of simplifying design without sacrificing form. According to Guhl, his mission was “achieving the most with the minimum of effort.”
In addition to his work as a designer, Guhl left his mark on subsequent creatives through his 39-year tenure at his alma mater, where he was instructor to the likes of Robert Haussmann, Kurt Thut and Bruno Rey. Modern-day shoppers at IKEA owe Guhl a debt of gratitude too. He was an early advocate of flat-pack furniture, championing its ability to make good design more widely accessible.
At its core, though, Guhl’s work was inherently human-centric: “At the center of my efforts, I put people and their living requirements,” he once said. “My products must be useful to people.” Guhl died in 2004 at the age of 89.
Find a range of vintage Willy Guhl furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Rare Willy Guhl for Eternit Molar Shape Planter
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Chicago, IL
Very rare edition from Willy Guhl for Eternit. The configuration has become know as the “Molar” or” tooth” planter because of its three footed design. It's the edition « Eternit AG/E...
Concrete
William A. Hoffman (1920-2011) Two-Piece Clay Sculpture Titled "Two Crates"
By William Hoffman
Located in Chicago, IL
Two white glazed ceramic "crates" stacked in a T shape, by William August Hoffman (1920-2011), a ceramic sculptor and professor of ceramics at the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago. Originally part of a one man show at Lewis Towers, Chicago, 1973. William Hoffman (1920-2011) was a respected artist, and professor of ceramics and sculpture at the Art Institute of Chicago and Loyola University. Born 1920, Roswell, NM. Attended School of the Art Institute of Chicago on the GI Bill, BA, 1948. MFA Alfred University, 1952. From the Hoffman estate...
Clay
Pair of Custom Built Silver Lacquered Waterfall Raffia Wrapped Two-Door Cabinets
Located in Chicago, IL
Fantastic pair of raffia wrapped Asian influenced waterfall cabinets. Lacquered in silver inside and out, simple chrome pulls and European style heav...
Chrome
1973 "Three Crates" Ceramic Sculpture by William A. Hoffman
By William Hoffman
Located in Chicago, IL
Three white glazed ceramic "crates", by William August Hoffman (1920-2011), a ceramic sculptor and professor of ceramics at the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago. Originally part of a one man show at Lewis Towers, Chicago 1973. With a piece of glass added this would make an uncommon side table or coffee table base, creating a work of functional art. William Hoffman (1920-2011) was a respected artist, and professor of ceramics and sculpture at the Art Institute of Chicago and Loyola University. Born 1920, Roswell, NM. Attended School of the Art Institute of Chicago on the GI Bill, BA 1948. MFA Alfred University, 1952. From the Hoffman estate.
Ceramic
William A. Hoffman (1920-2011) Bi-Color Crate Ceramic Sculpture
By William Hoffman
Located in Chicago, IL
A colorful take on his other "crates" sculptures by William August Hoffman (1920-2011), a ceramic sculptor and professor of ceramics at the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago. Originally part of a one man show at Lewis Towers, Chicago 1973. Single crate with orange glaze added to the white overall glaze to give added geometric detail. Two sided orange glaze with two rows on one side and a single row to the other side. William Hoffman (1920-2011) was a respected artist, and professor of ceramics and sculpture at the Art Institute of Chicago and Loyola University. Born 1920, Roswell, NM. Attended School of the Art Institute of Chicago on the GI Bill, BA 1948. MFA Alfred University, 1952. From the Hoffman estate.
Pair of 1950s Modern Driftwood Finish Mahogany Nightstands
Located in Chicago, IL
Two circa 1950 modern mahogany nightstands, refinished in driftwood color. Free of hardware to distract from the clean lines, single drawer top with solid mahogany surround open-cabi...
Driftwood, Mahogany
Pair of Willy Guhl Planters by Eternit AG, Switzerland, 1960s
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Bern, CH
Pair of large Trough Planters by Swiss Architect, Willy Guhl. Produced by Eternit SA, Switzerland ca. 1960 - 1969. Concrete fibre construction. Beautiful patination with no structura...
Concrete
Pair of Willy Guhl Concrete Planters
By Willy Guhl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Good pair of Willy Guhl square concrete planters for Eternit. Ca 1960s Switzerland.
Concrete
Mid-Century Willy Guhl Attributed Concrete Planters, Diamond Pattern, Pair
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of low rectangular trough planters attributed to Swiss architect Willy Guhl, showcasing his minimalist approach to functional design. Raw concrete construction features subtle d...
Concrete
Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Rectangle Concrete Outdoor Planter, 1970s, Signed
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This designer on-trend architectural rectangular concrete planter is by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, crafted in the 1970s Switz...
Concrete
Pair of French Cast Stone Rectangular Planters by Willy Guhl, C 1970
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Executed in cast stone with a clean-lined rectangular form, these planters embody the sculptural simplicity and modernist aesthetic associated with Guhl's iconic garden designs. The...
Cast Stone
Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Rectangle Concrete Outdoor Planter, 1968, Signed
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This designer on-trend architectural rectangular concrete planter is by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, crafted in 1968 Switzerlan...
Concrete
