Decades prior to the mass popularity of neo-industrial cement floors and furniture taking shape, there was Willy Guhl. The Swiss creative is considered one of the first “industrial” designers in his home country. He pioneered a rugged, organic style of modern furniture and decor — stylish planters, shapely seating and lots more — that remains widely coveted by many today.
Guhl was born in 1915 in Stein am Rhein and worked as a carpenter before beginning studies at the Zurich School of Applied Arts (known today as the Zurich University of the Arts), where he would go on to teach for nearly 40 years.
While Guhl is well-known for his range of provocative garden elements as well as his patio and outdoor furniture, today’s legion of mid-century modern enthusiasts are likely familiar with the designer’s iconic Loop chair (introduced in 1954). For this sculptural seat and other furnishings, Guhl tended toward industrial materials, which he bent and shaped into organic forms for a striking juxtaposition. Much of his work is crafted from either concrete or Eternit, a mixture of cement and asbestos developed by the Belgian company Etex, which, in the 1950s, commissioned Guhl and his students at the School of Applied Arts to conceive planters in the material. The resulting vessels — some hourglass-shaped, some in the form of handkerchiefs, all suitable for indoors or exteriors — remain some of Guhl’s most collectible pieces.
Guhl’s affiliation with the Swiss “neo-functional” movement centered on the idea of simplifying design without sacrificing form. According to Guhl, his mission was “achieving the most with the minimum of effort.”
In addition to his work as a designer, Guhl left his mark on subsequent creatives through his 39-year tenure at his alma mater, where he was instructor to the likes of Robert Haussmann, Kurt Thut and Bruno Rey. Modern-day shoppers at IKEA owe Guhl a debt of gratitude too. He was an early advocate of flat-pack furniture, championing its ability to make good design more widely accessible.
At its core, though, Guhl’s work was inherently human-centric: “At the center of my efforts, I put people and their living requirements,” he once said. “My products must be useful to people.” Guhl died in 2004 at the age of 89.
Find a range of vintage Willy Guhl furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Willy Guhl Round Pedestal Planter, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A unique 1960s pedestal planter by Willy Guhl. Crafted from a special fiber-cement that makes it lightweight, yet durable. Pedestal has a hollow interior with a circle shaped opening...
Concrete
Rare Willy Guhl “Spindel” Planter, Swiss Fiber Cement Garden Sculpture
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This authentic mid-century modern garden planter is the celebrated “Spindel” model by Willy Guhl, a defining example of Swiss modernist garden design from the mid-20th century. Chara...
Cement
Willy Guhl Concrete Table Lamp, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning concrete Willy Guhl lamp by Eternit with teak top cover. Concrete made in Switzerland. Newly fitted as a lamp, re-wired with a new custom linen shade with rounded edges and ...
Concrete
Willy Guhl Olive Jar Planter, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete olive jar planter by Willy Guhl in a beautiful brick red color. Simple and elegant design perfect for any garden or patio. Excellent patina and vintage condition. Manufactur...
Concrete
$2,200 / item
Rectangle Willy Guhl Mirror
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rectangle Willy Guhl mirror with fantastic patina'd thick signature cement frame and new mirror 2 sizes available / multiple quantities.
Cement
Pair of Mid Century Round Grey Concrete Planters by Willy Guhl for Eternite AG
By Willy Guhl
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of round oversized mid century concrete planters by Willy Guhl produced for Eternite AG in Swizerland, 1950s. In good original and matching condition with beautiful natura...
Concrete
$6,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
A Collection of Corner Planters by Willy Guhl, 1960's, Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Collection of Corner Planters by Willy Guhl, 1960's, Switzerland H 14.5-17.5" x W 15.5-16" x D 15-15.75" FDV11400/11511 *Wear consistent with age and use. Collection Consists o...
Concrete
Monumental Willy Guhl 59" Adjustable Two-Piece Concrete Bowl Planters
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic cement planter by Swiss designer Willy Guhl for Eternit. Large concrete pedestal base with massive concrete bowl that sits on top. Bowl can sit flat or angled in a multitud...
Cement
$22,500 / set
Willy Guhl Bookcase
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Incredible Concrete modular bookcase by Willy Guhl, Switzerland, 1960s Individual concrete cubes can be arranged in variety of shapes to suit whatever space. Includes a wonderful v...
Concrete
Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Handkerchief Elephant Ear Planter with Loss to Edge
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in London, GB
Willy Guhl for Eternit large handkerchief elephant ear concrete planter with loss to edge Loss to one wave of the rim, shown clearly in the images. Will sit snugly against a wall an...
Concrete
$2,800 / item
Willy Guhl Hourglass Pots
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Wonderful collection of concrete hourglass planters by the Swiss Architect, Willy Guhl. Great age, patina and coloring. Iconic sculptural planter or garden object. This listing is fo...
Concrete
$2,650Sale Price|32% Off
Monumental 38" Willy Guhl for Eternit 'Diablo' Concrete Spindle Planter, c 1968
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredibly gorgeous 38" tall 'Diablo' concrete spindel planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968, Switzerland. This sculptural hourglass shaped concrete planter has a white exterior finish. We have a large collection of Willy Guhl for Eternit pots, planters, garden objects, jardinières, and patio furniture. We always have inventory in Diablo's, Tilted and Cone Planters, box and rectangular Guhl...
Concrete
Willy Guhl Large Eternit Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in Long Island City, NY
A wonderfully large circular planter by Swiss designer Willy Guhl in a highly durable fiber cement. We love the way his planters age, and think they can be used with equal effectiven...
Cement
Willy Guhl Concrete Peanut Planter, 1960s, Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Monumental concrete basin planter by Willy Guhl. Handmade in Switzerland in the 1960s. Just under 4 feet in length. handmade in the shape of a peanut. P...
Concrete
Willy Guhl Mid-20th Century Rectangular Eternit Cement Box Planter
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This authentic mid-20th century rectangular box planter by Swiss designer Willy Guhl is a striking example of modernist garden design executed in Eternit fiber cement. Known for his ...
Cement
$2,500 / set
Willy Guhl Two-Piece Flower Pot
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique sculptural concrete planter by Willy Guhl with 2 pieces. Base is a round disc that holds the flower pot. The cylindrical flower pot...
Concrete
Willy Guhl Handkerchief Concrete Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Reinforced cement fiber board "Handkerchief" planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, Switzerland circa 1960's.
Concrete
Vintage Willy Guhl Tilt Mid-Century Modern Concrete Planter
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This striking vintage concrete planter embodies the sculptural elegance and functional artistry made famous by Swiss designer Willy Guhl. Crafted in the mid-20th century, the piece f...
Concrete
$1,800 / item
Willy Guhl Petite Box Planters
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great sculptural box planters by Willy Guhl for Eternit. Made of fiber cement. Two with a lot of patina, and two on the cleaner side. Great petite planters. Perfect size. 4 available...
Concrete
$2,000 / item
Willy Guhl 24" Diabolo Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete diabolo planter by Swiss Designer Willy Guhl. Varying degrees of patina to each planter. Available in multiple sizes and quantities. *8 avai...
Cement
Willy Guhl Concrete Urn, 1960s Switzerland
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete urn by Willy Guhl. Rare model. In a beautiful washed out patina from layers of finishes worn down over the years. Urn has a delicate cement ridge around the mouth as well as...
Concrete
$924Sale Price|20% Off
Large conical planter Willy Guhl, France 1950's
By Willy Guhl
Located in LYON, FR
Large fiber cement planter from the 1950s by Willy Guhl. Very beautiful patina. Diameter 74 X H40 cm
Cement
Concrete Saucer Planter with Monumental Ponytail Palm Tree, 2000s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Massive circular planter hand made and designed by Eternit, Switzerland. Planter is crafted from a special fiberglass and concrete material. Heavy and sturdy piece of functional art...
Concrete
Willy Guhl for Eternit Concrete Planters
By Willy Guhl
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Willy Guhl for Eternit concrete planters.
Concrete
Willy Guhl and Robert Pansart Red Pod Chair in Cement, 1969
By Willy Guhl, Robert Pansart
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Extremely rare iconic pod chair attributed to Willy Guhl, Many experts agree that this Pod Chair is actually the work of Robert Pansart, better known for his mirrors than for this ma...
Cement
$585Sale Price|49% Off
Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Rectangle Concrete Outdoor Handle Planter
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This designer on-trend architectural 23.5" long rectangular concrete planter is by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, crafted circa 1...
Concrete
$5,000 / item
Willy Guhl Concrete Table Lamp, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning concrete Willy Guhl lamp by Eternit with teak top cover. Concrete made in Swizterland. Newly fitted as a lamp, re-wired with a new custom linen shade and light diffusor on t...
Concrete
$3,000 / item
Willy Guhl Chalice Shaped Planter, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique concrete planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl. Planter in the shape of a chalice. Base is also faceted. Beautiful patinas. Great vintage condition. 2 available as shown in th...
Concrete
Willy Guhl Large Round Saucer Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Willy Guhl (1915-2004): Saucer Planter. Manufactured by Eternit, Switzerland; fiber-reinforced concrete with drilled drain hole to center, with metal stand. Stamped serial number on ...
Concrete, Metal
$2,600Sale Price|33% Off
Monumental 38" Willy Guhl for Eternit 'Diablo' Concrete Spindle Planter, c 1968
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredibly gorgeous 38" tall 'Diablo' concrete spindel planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968, Switzerland. This sculptural hourglass shaped concrete planter has a white exterior finish. We have a large collection of Willy Guhl for Eternit pots, planters, garden objects, jardinières, and patio furniture. We always have inventory in Diablo's, Tilted and Cone Planters, box and rectangular Guhl...
Concrete
Vintage Willy Guhl Tilt Planter Bowl – Mid-Century Modern Swiss
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This large vintage “Tilt” planter bowl is an iconic design by Swiss modernist Willy Guhl, produced by Eternit in Switzerland during the mid-20th century. Known for his innovative use...
Concrete
$2,100Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Large Diablo Planter by Willy Guhl for Eternit
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Diablo-shaped planter designed by Swiss architect and designer Willy Guhl for Eternit. This weather resistant piece combines beautiful organic lines with a wonderful patina. The na...
Concrete
$1,122Sale Price|36% Off
Architectonic spindle planter by Willy Guhl for Eternit, Switzerland 1950s
By Anton Bee, Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in ECHT, NL
Mid century spindle planter. designed by Anton Bee and Willy Guhl. Manufactured by Eternit SA, Switzerland in the 1950s. The planter is made from fibre reinforced cement. It has been...
Cement
Willy Guhl Large Elephant Ear Handkerchief Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A Willy Guhl Elephant Ear or handkerchief planter with great color and Lichen. The planter is in good condition although there is a chip of out one edge and a crack running down towa...
Concrete
$4,200 / item
Willy Guhl Round Pedestal Planter, 1960s Switzerland
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredibly rare 1960s pedestal planters by Willy Guhl. Sturdy yet lightweight, the planters are sculpted from fiber cement with a hollow interior. Oval-shaped opening and base with a...
Concrete
Willy Guhl Large Concrete Table Lamp, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning concrete Willy Guhl lamp by Eternit. Concrete made in Swizterland. Newly fitted as a lamp, re-wired with a new custom linen shade with rounded edges and light diffusor on to...
Concrete
Midcentury Mode Round Planter Designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit in Switzerland
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Round planter designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit in Switzerland. Beautiful patina. The upper part inclines slightly, for better vision of the plants and flowers in it.
Cement
$6,800 / item
Willy Guhl Concrete Vase, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Spectacular concrete vase by Willy Guhl. Extremely rare model. Slightly tapered neck with pronounced lip spout. Made of fiber cement. Painted in a beige color with years of patina. Beautiful texture and color with great presence. Excellent condition. Drainage holes in the base. Two available. Priced individually. Images 1-10 planter...
Cement
Garden Vase, Concrete Planters, "Diablo" By Willy Guhl, 1950s, XX Century.
By Willy Guhl
Located in Breganze, VI
Garden vase in fiber cement, created by the Swiss architect and designer Willy Guhl, in the 1950s. The garden pots he made are of various shapes and in this case it is a "Diablo" sh...
Concrete
$4,200 / item
Monumental Goblet Planter, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Monumental concrete goblet planter with an incredible patina. An unusual planter in a massive size. After spending decades in the elements, each goblet has great patina and weatherin...
Concrete
Set of 3 Sculptural Triangular Planters by Willy Guhl, 1960s
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 3 sculptural standing triangular concrete planters by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl. Can be placed upside down or right side. up. Each planter has a solid base to balance the wei...
Concrete
Green Willy Guhl Concrete Urn, 1960s Switzerland
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete urn by Willy Guhl. Rare model in a beautiful washed out green patina with layers of finishes worn down over the years. Urn has a delicate cement ridge around the mouth as we...
Concrete
$1,800 / item
Willy Guhl Mirror
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Willy Guhl mirror with fantastic patina'd thick signature cement frame and new mirror 2 sizes available / multiple quantities.
Cement
$1,450 / item
Willy Guhl Half Moon Wall Planters
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare concrete planters by Willy Guhl with factory drilled holes to hang on the wall. Semi circular front with faceted edges in back. Great vintage condition. 4 available. Priced indi...
Cement
Willy Guhl Concrete Octagonal Vase
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete vase by Willy Guhl. Made of fiber cement. 8 sided with small base. Great vintage condition. Great oversized vase.
Cement
$2,800
Willy Guhl Cauldron
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Wonderful cauldron "Marmite" planter designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit Fantastic patina with bulbous shape and 2 handles Switzerland, 1960s
Concrete
$430Sale Price / item|59% Off
Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Rectangle Concrete Outdoor Handle Planter
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This designer on-trend architectural rectangular concrete planter is by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, crafted circa 1968, Switze...
Concrete
$1,200 / item
Willy Guhl Concrete Vases
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique set of concrete sculptures by Swiss architect Willy Guhl. Concrete vases/planters rarely seen. Cool sculptural piece for indoors or outside. Great standalone piece of art. Gre...
Concrete
$2,800 / item
Willy Guhl Cube Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The perfectly patina'd Willy Guhl cube. Priced Individually.
Cement
Willy Guhl Tilted Soup Cup Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in Wichita, KS
An iconic 'Soup Cup' Tilted Saucer Planter by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl for Eternit. This planter is equally beautiful indoors or out as a stand alone sculpture. The design is high...
Concrete
Unusually large Willy Guhl planter for Eternit. Ca 1960s Switzerland.
By Willy Guhl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Unusually large Willy Guhl planter for Eternit. Ca 1960s Switzerland.
Cement
Willy Guhl Loop Chair 1st edition with original wood 1950
By Willy Guhl
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible original from the 50s Loop Chair by Willy Guhl with wood in the base in perfect conditions. Fantastic.
Concrete
Mid-Century Modern Round Planter by Willy Guhl for Eternit in Switzerland
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Round planter designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit in Switzerland. Beautiful patina. The upper part inclines slightly, for better vision of the plants and flowers in it.
Cement
$1,122Sale Price / item|20% Off
Willy Guhl for Eternit Concrete Planters
By Willy Guhl
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of concrete Willy Guhl planters by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968.
Concrete
$2,700 / item
Large Willy Guhl Diabolo Planters - 38” high
By Willy Guhl
Located in Richmond, VA
Large pair of the classic Willy Guhl diabolo planters- sold individually. 38” high
Concrete
$3,500 / item
Triangular Footed Planters by Willy Guhl, 1960s
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural triangular concrete planters by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl. Each planter has a concrete leg at each corner of the planter which allows the planter to float a couple of inc...
Concrete
$2,400 / item
Willy Guhl Clam Shell Planters, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dive into summer with these gorgeous clamshell planters. Designed by the iconic Willy Guhl, their biomorphic silhouettes are straight off the sea floor. Each handmade planter is uniq...
Concrete
Guhl Chair by Willy Guhl '1. Edition, Special Sealed, Safe Surface'
By Willy Guhl
Located in Zürich, CH
Here the silhouette is strong. It is presented through the outline and shape of the piece. The object exudes an aura. It’s not about the shape or about the material; its auratic qual...
Concrete
Monumental Willy Guhl Concrete Urn, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unusual concrete urn by Willy Guhl. Rare model and size. Excellent white and green patina. Urn has a delicate cement ridge around the mouth as well as around the widest part of the j...
Concrete
Six fibre cement planters, by Willy Gühl, Eternit AG, France, circa 1971
By Willy Guhl
Located in Paris, FR
Six planters or cache-pots in the form of cauldrons, « Marmite » model. Tripod base. Very fine natural patina.
Cement