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.
Concrete Saucer Planter with Massive 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 Monumental Clam Shell Planters
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural biomorphic cement clam planters by Willy Guhl. In the shape of a clam shell. Gorgeous planter in a monumental scale for indoors or outside. Exc...
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
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
Swiss Concrete Ball Planters, 1960s
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete Swiss ball planters in the style of Willy Guhl. Great patina to each planter. Great for indoors or outside. Priced individually. Other sizes av...
Concrete
Willy Guhl Trash Bin / Planter, 1990s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic fiber cement waste basket or tree planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit. Beautiful patina and coloring. Super functional piece. Very unusual size and shape. Per...
Concrete
Willy Guhl MONUMENTAL Concrete Planter - Eternit AG, Switzerland
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Bern, CH
Monumental concrete flower pot by Swiss designer, Willy Guhl. 1950's design. Solid concrete made in Switzerland. Produced by Eternit AG. Tapered structure with a ribbed upper secti...
Concrete
Concrete Jabbah Planter by OPIARY (D40", H22")
By Robert Remer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Opiary is a Brooklyn-based biophilic design and production studio. We integrate nature in each of our designs, incorporating live greenery and organic shapes into bespoke furniture, planters, and sculpture. Through the ethos of biophilia, our work reflects the shifting, yet timeless relationship between humans and nature. This modern, lightweight concrete planter features an organic silhouette and earthy aesthetic that compliments the live plants inside it. The Jabbah is handmade in our Brooklyn studio and can be produced in the color or finish of your choice. Opiary planters...
Cement
Concrete Jabbah Planter by OPIARY (D36", H20")
By Robert Remer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Opiary is a Brooklyn-based biophilic design and production studio. We integrate nature in each of our designs, incorporating live greenery and organic shapes into bespoke furniture, planters, and sculpture. Through the ethos of biophilia, our work reflects the shifting, yet timeless relationship between humans and nature. This modern, lightweight concrete planter features an organic silhouette and earthy aesthetic that compliments the live plants inside it. The Jabbah is handmade in our Brooklyn studio and can be produced in the color or finish of your choice. Opiary planters...
Cement
Concrete Jabbah Planter by OPIARY (D24", H10")
By Robert Remer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Opiary is a Brooklyn-based biophilic design and production studio. We integrate nature in each of our designs, incorporating live greenery and organic shapes into bespoke furniture, planters, and sculpture. Through the ethos of biophilia, our work reflects the shifting, yet timeless relationship between humans and nature. This modern, lightweight concrete planter features an organic silhouette and earthy aesthetic that compliments the live plants inside it. The Jabbah is handmade in our Brooklyn studio and can be produced in the color or finish of your choice. Opiary planters...
Cement
1930's French Art Deco Verde Potted Palm Tree Sculpture - Large
By Maison Jansen
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1930's French Art Deco Potted Palm Tree Sculpture. Verde coloring. Weathered look on the palme fronds. We believe this is on purpose for this sculpture. This is a large piece and is ...
Metal
Tapita Medium by Piegatto, a Sculptural Planter
Located in Guatemala, GU
a stylish and innovative gardening accessory inspired by the iconic shape of a bottle cap. Crafted from durable fiberglass, this planter combines functionality with modern design, ad...
Fiberglass
