Joaquim Tenreiro

Joaquim Tenreiro is the founding father of Brazilian furniture design. At the latest since the 1950s Tenreiro's elegant-modern inventory is asked for in Europe as well. Joaquim Tenreiro designs not just lamps, tables and shelves, but also the three-legged chair. In the 40s he interprets the functionalistic forms of European avantgarde in a specifically Brazilian way by using domestic precious woods. Star architect Oscar Niemeyer equips many of his buildings with Tenreiro's furniture - as they perfectly fit his idea of a tropical  buoyant modernity, leaving behind the strict rationalism of the northern hemisphere's models.

Critics certify, that the Brazilian revolutionized the so far quite conventional taste in furniture, for a start in financially potent, open-minded circles, of course. Furniture designed by Tenreiro is full of lightness, elegance and functionality - mostly made of fine woods and material - and was soon produced in series. Classic modernity - industrially produced in high quality craftsmanship - is Tenreiro's hallmark. Until 1968 his retail stores in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo were addresses in demand internationally. After that, as an artist the Brazilian pulls back from the business.