Vittorio Valabrega (1861–1952) was an Italian furniture manufacturer based in Turin. Together with his brother, he established a furniture manufacturing firm during the late 19th century, specializing in historicist styles. The firm became successful largely due to Vittorio Valabrega’s expertise.
Background
In the 1890s, as home decoration gained popularity, the firm experienced significant growth. With over 50 skilled craftsmen specializing in woodworking and upholstery, they began shifting towards the prevalent stile floreale style by 1898. During this time, Vittorio Valabrega played a crucial role in their reputation for crafting subtle and innovative pieces, paving the way for modern furniture design in Italy.
Style of Vittorio Valabrega
Valabrega’s furniture designs are celebrated for their predominantly wooden framework. He employed mirrors and wood to create captivating cabinet designs, often featuring darkly tinted and highly polished wood. These unique styles made Vittorio Valabrega a notable figure in the furniture design world.
Exhibition
Valabrega showcased his work at various exhibitions, including the 1884 Turin Exhibition (where he received a medal), the 1898 Turin Exhibition (featuring a stile floreale small salon with wrought-iron decoration), the 1900 Paris ‘Exposition Universelle’ (earning a gold medal), and the 1902 Turin ‘Esposizione Internazionale d’Arte Decorativa Moderna’ (where the furniture by Vittorio Valabrega was awarded a silver medal).
Sources
Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing. https://amzn.to/3ElmSlL. This book provides detailed insights into the work and life of Vittorio Valabrega.
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