In 1873, a group of wealthy coffee merchants established the Liceu de Artes e Ofícios with the stated aim of supporting future industrialization efforts in Brazil. Seven years later, it became a fully integrated school. For over a century, it has trained the public in fields of agriculture, industry, trade, crafts, the arts and design, including furniture design, leading to the production of incredibly rare student-designed pieces still sought after today.
Borrowing its model from similar European institutions, the Liceu de Artes e Ofícios built upon methods and curricula popular at the time to instruct and train economically disadvantaged locals. In the hopes of making Brazil’s industries more competitive, the school involved eminent volunteers, including two of its directors, Brazilian architects Bettencourt da Silva and Ramos de Azevedo. At times, the school used its own exceptionally talented students as teachers when volunteers were scarce.
The Sociedade Propagadora das Belas Artes maintained the school in a building designed by Ramos in São Paulo. Ramos’s work also included notable buildings such as the Theatro Municipal de São Paulo and the Palácio das Indústrias. The school has provided furnishings for a range of hotels, like the Manaus Tropical Hotel, as well as the Cumbica International Airport.
On 1stDibs find a collection of Liceu de Artes e Ofícios seating, tables and more.
Caviúna Wood Armchairs by Jorge Zalszupin, Solid Wood and Leather Upholstery
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Lisboa, PT
Caviúna wood armchairs designed by Jorge Zalszupin and produced by L'Atelier in the 1960s, a set of lounge chairs in solid caviúna wood with leather upholstery. The armchairs frame b...
Fabric, Wood
Lafer Sofa MP-185 by Percival Lafer, Solid Wood Frame and Blue Suede Upholstery
By Percival Lafer
Located in Lisboa, PT
Lafer MP-185 sofa designed by Percival Lafer in the 1970s, a three seat sofa with a solid wood frame and blue suede upholstery. The MP-185 sofa carries deep, buttoned blue suede cush...
Suede, Wood
Oscar Armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues, Rosewood and Cane, Brazil, 1956
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mole armchair designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in 1957 and produced by Oca, a defining lounge chair of Brazilian modern design in solid rosewood and thick saddle leather. The Mole armcha...
Leather, Wood, Rosewood
Eleh Bench by Sérgio Rodrigues, Rosewood and Metal Bolts, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Eleh Bench, designed by Sérgio Rodrigues and produced by Oca in the 1960s, is a Brazilian modernist bench crafted from solid rosewood with exposed metal bolts. Its long, low profile ...
Wood
Poltrona Tonico by Sérgio Rodrigues, Rosewood and Leather, Brazil, 1963
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Poltrona Tonico, designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in 1963 and produced by Oca, is a Brazilian modern lounge chair crafted from solid rosewood with leather upholstery. Its generous button...
Leather, Wood, Hardwood
Kilin Armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues, Solid Wood and Saddle Leather, Brazi
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Kilin armchair designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in 1973 and produced by Oca, a sculptural lounge chair in solid wood and saddle leather. The Kilin armchair pairs a curved, solid caviúna ...
Leather, Wood
Brazilian Rosewood Sofa by Liceu De Artes e Officios, Midcentury
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in New York, NY
Two-seat sofa designed by Liceu de Artes e Oficios in solid rosewood, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 1960s. The piece has been recently refinished and newly upholstered in natural leather. Liceu De Artes & Oficios was established in 1873 by a group of elite coffee aristocrats that pretended to train skilled labor for possible future industrialization of Brazil. Seven years after, the institution changed completely the proposal, really becoming a school of craftsmanship, occupying a building design by Ramos de...
Leather, Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, 1950's
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in New York, NY
This unique piece showcases the excellence of Brazilian modernist design. Crafted in solid rosewood of exceptional quality and upholstered in a deep red fabric. Founded in 1873 mids ...
Leather, Upholstery, Rosewood
Sofa by “Liceu de Artes e Ofícios”, Brazil, 1960s
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sofa designed and produced by “Liceu de Artes e Ofícios” around 1960’s in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Solid wood, brass details and new upholstery. Ready to...
Brass
Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1960s
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and brown velvet sofa produced by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, Brazil, c. 1960. Vintage fabric in fair condition.Overall Dimensions (inches): 29.0"H x 85.25"W x 30.0"D Seat Hei...
Fabric, Wood
Liceu de Artes e Oficios lounge sofa Brazil 1955
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super rare sculptural lounge sofa designed and made by Liceu de Artes e Oficios, Brazil 1955. The sofa has elegant lines and awesome woodworking details. The feet are slightly angled...
Velvet, Rosewood
Brazilian Rosewood Sofa by Liceu de Arte e Officios
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Brazilian hardwood sofa. Attractive slatted back, cyclindrical legs and curved arms. Cushions not included. We have a matching coffee and side table.
Wool, Jacaranda, Rosewood
