Mid-century furniture by Dario Zoureff (Australia)

Dario Zoureff (1923-2004) was an Australian furniture designer and maker who was active during the mid-20th century. He was born in Melbourne, Australia, and grew up in a family of furniture makers, which inspired him to pursue a career in furniture design.

He studied at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), where he honed his skills in woodworking and furniture design. After completing his studies, he worked for several furniture manufacturers in Melbourne, before starting his own workshop in the 1950s.

Zoureff quickly gained a reputation for his innovative designs and use of high-quality materials, such as solid timber, leather, and laminated plywood. His furniture pieces were characterized by their clean lines, geometric shapes, and functional design, and he was particularly known for his chairs.

His designs were influenced by a variety of styles and movements, including Scandinavian design, Japanese design, and the organic forms of more... mid-century modernism. He was committed to creating furniture that was both aesthetically pleasing and functional, and his pieces were designed to be comfortable, durable, and easy to use.

Some of his most notable designs include:

•    The Z-Chair: This chair is one of Zoureff's most famous designs, characterized by its fluid, curving lines and sculptural form. The chair features a laminated plywood seat and backrest, supported by a solid timber frame, and was inspired by the work of the Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto.

•    The Cube Chair: As the name suggests, this chair has a cube-shaped seat and backrest, with sleek, angled legs that give it a modern and minimalist look. The chair was designed to be both comfortable and functional, and is often considered a classic example of mid-century modern design.

•    The Ring Chair: This chair is another iconic design by Zoureff, characterized by its circular seat and backrest, which are supported by a curved, metal frame. The chair was inspired by Japanese design, and is both visually striking and comfortable to sit in.

•    The Tri-Chair: This chair features a unique, triangular seat and backrest, which are supported by a solid timber frame. The chair is designed to be lightweight and easy to move around, while still providing a comfortable and stylish seating option.

•    The Chevron Chair: This chair is distinguished by its bold, chevron-patterned upholstery, which is combined with a simple, solid timber frame. The chair is both stylish and comfortable, and is a great example of Zoureff's ability to combine form and function in his designs.

Zoureff's work was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he won several awards for his designs, including the prestigious Australian Design Award. His pieces continue to be sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of mid-century modern furniture, and are considered some of the finest examples of Australian furniture design from the mid-20th century.

Dario Zoureff passed away in 2004. less...