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Monumental Concrete Planter by Willy Guhl, Switzerland 1960s

$4,900.00

A rare 1960s concrete planter designed by the renowned Swiss designer Willy Guhl. The monumental, two-piece design is composed of a wide, shallow bowl that rests upon a pedestal base. The bowl can be positioned flat or at various angles. This piece has aged beautifully over time and displays an original patina – adding character to the already unique pale red and off-white composition. Whether placed indoors or outdoors, this piece serves as both a functional planter and stunning sculptural element. Switzerland, 1960s.

Sold and priced individually.

Decades before neo-industrial cement floors and furniture became popular, Willy Guhl was a pioneering force in industrial design in Switzerland. Born in 1915 in Stein am Rhein, Guhl initially worked as a carpenter before studying at the Zurich School of Applied Arts (now the Zurich University of the Arts), where he later taught for nearly 40 years.

Guhl is celebrated for his rugged, organic modern furniture and decor, including stylish planters and shapely seating that remain highly sought after today. His most iconic piece, the Loop chair, introduced in 1954, exemplifies his use of industrial materials shaped into organic forms.

In the 1950s, the Belgian company Etex commissioned Guhl and his students to design planters. These creations, ranging from hourglass-shaped vessels to handkerchief-like forms, are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and are among Guhl’s most collectible works.

DIMENSIONS: 47"W x 47"D x 21"H

ADDITIONAL DIMENSIONS: 21"H when angled; 15-16"H when flat

ORIGIN: France

PERIOD: 1960s

MATERIALS: Concrete

CONDITION: Good overall vintage condition. Wear throughout that aligns with age and outdoor use. One planter has scuffs along the underside.

While our vintage garden furniture, decor, and lighting were originally used as indoor/outdoor, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, rain, extreme humidity, heat, cold, or wet climates can lead to natural aging, fading, and potential deterioration. We recommend using protective covers when not in use and storing items indoors during adverse weather or cold winters.

Stone and other durable materials will develop a unique patina and character but may also weather and change color when left outdoors for extended periods. Some wear and tear is expected and adds to the vintage charm of your garden decor. South Loop Loft is not liable for cracks and fissures that occur on natural stone, either vintage or contemporary, in freeze/thaw environments or environments with excessive heat or moisture.

By purchasing from South Loop Loft, you acknowledge that our Garden products require appropriate care to ensure longevity and optimal performance across different climates.

Item Location

This item is located in our warehouse.

Click here for information about our showroom and hours. No appointment needed.

Our Warehouse is located 10 minutes from our Showroom in Chicago's River West Neighborhood. Please click here to schedule a viewing.

Shipping, Delivery, and Pick Up

This item ships via White Glove Delivery

South Loop Loft ships throughout the Chicagoland area and Nationwide. For products that can be shipped via UPS, the shipping price will calculate at check out. For large scale pieces, the cost of shipping or delivery is not included in the purchase price.

To request a White Glove Delivery quote, please reach out to us

Note: If your cart contains both UPS shippable products and White Glove Delivery products, your shipping quote in the cart will only reflect the UPS rate. South Loop Loft will reach out to you with a secondary shipping quote for your White Glove delivery products.

We provide:

  • Local Pickup at our Chicago Showroom
  • Local White Glove Delivery in the Chicago - Land and Surrounding Area
  • Nationwide White Glove Delivery
  • Professional Packaging UPS Shipping of Small and Medium Sized Items
  • A team of experienced professionals dedicated to ensuring your item arrives safely.

View our shipping policy here.

Returns

All Sales Are Final. If you have any hesitation prior to purchase or would like more details, we would love to share more photos and answer any questions!  South Loop Loft neither assumes nor offers any warranty on vintage, or refinished/reupholstered items after items leave our showroom. View our full policy here.

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Monumental Concrete Planter by Willy Guhl, Switzerland 1960s

A rare 1960s concrete planter designed by the renowned Swiss designer Willy Guhl. The monumental, two-piece design is composed of a wide, shallow bowl that rests upon a pedestal base. The bowl can be positioned flat or at various angles. This piece has aged beautifully over time and displays an original patina – adding character to the already unique pale red and off-white composition. Whether placed indoors or outdoors, this piece serves as both a functional planter and stunning sculptural element. Switzerland, 1960s.

Sold and priced individually.

Decades before neo-industrial cement floors and furniture became popular, Willy Guhl was a pioneering force in industrial design in Switzerland. Born in 1915 in Stein am Rhein, Guhl initially worked as a carpenter before studying at the Zurich School of Applied Arts (now the Zurich University of the Arts), where he later taught for nearly 40 years.

Guhl is celebrated for his rugged, organic modern furniture and decor, including stylish planters and shapely seating that remain highly sought after today. His most iconic piece, the Loop chair, introduced in 1954, exemplifies his use of industrial materials shaped into organic forms.

In the 1950s, the Belgian company Etex commissioned Guhl and his students to design planters. These creations, ranging from hourglass-shaped vessels to handkerchief-like forms, are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and are among Guhl’s most collectible works.

Dimensions
Width: 47"
Depth: 47"
Height: 21"
Additional Dimensions: 21"H when angled; 15-16"H when flat
Origin: France
Period: 1960s
Materials: Concrete
Condition
Good overall vintage condition. Wear throughout that aligns with age and outdoor use. One planter has scuffs along the underside. While our vintage garden furniture, decor, and lighting were originally used as indoor/outdoor, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, rain, extreme humidity, heat, cold, or wet climates can lead to natural aging, fading, and potential deterioration. We recommend using protective covers when not in use and storing items indoors during adverse weather or cold winters. Stone and other durable materials will develop a unique patina and character but may also weather and change color when left outdoors for extended periods. Some wear and tear is expected and adds to the vintage charm of your garden decor. South Loop Loft is not liable for cracks and fissures that occur on natural stone, either vintage or contemporary, in freeze/thaw environments or environments with excessive heat or moisture. By purchasing from South Loop Loft, you acknowledge that our Garden products require appropriate care to ensure longevity and optimal performance across different climates.

685 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60642 | southlooploft.com | (312) 291-8479

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