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March 4, 2021
Text: Quinn Halman
Gabriel & Guillaume Infuse a San Francisco Model Penthouse with Global Influences
The armchair and ottoman were fabricated in the style of Osvaldo Borsani and the sideboard was commissioned for a Rio de Janeiro home during the 1950s. Photography by Douglas Friedman.
Based out of France, the Gabriel & Guillaume gallery is taking the notion of old-school California glamour to new heights—literally. Working closely with design agency frenchCALIFORNIA, Gabriel & Guillaume furnished the penthouse suite of newly opened luxury building Fifteen Fifty by Related in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood. Designed by architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill with interiors by Marmol Radziner, the tower’s 40th floor made for the perfect venue to display rare pieces of collectible design.
Martin Szekely’s Betty chairs from 1988 and an acrylic mirror adorned with ball bearings made in 2019 by Davina Simo create an intriguing textural story. Photography by Douglas Friedman.
Featuring mid-century modern furniture from the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s crafted in Brazil, Italy and France, the three-bedroom and -bath model penthouse features intriguing forms at each turn. In addition to rare works of Martin Szekely’s from the ‘80s and ‘90s, the space boasts unmatched city views. The diversity of the metropolis below is reflected in various design elements throughout, such as pieces by Brazilian modernists Joaquim Tenreiro and Sergio Rodrigues.
On view through June 2021, the exhibition can be seen virtually through Gabriel & Guillaume or in person by appointment via frenchCALIFORNIA.
A modern sculpture by Julian Hoeber enlivens a reading nook. Photography by Douglas Friedman.A variety of vintage seating provides a comfortable space to view the city skyline. Photography by Douglas Friedman.An Italian chandelier and floor lamp from the 1950s complement the gold tones of the Gilda rug, made in 2019 by Marguerite Le Maire. Photography by Douglas Friedman.One of the nine brass Duo side tables ever made by Mauro Mori.Photography by Douglas Friedman.Leon Rosen for The Pace Collection velvet chairs from the 1970s frame a marble side table. Photography by Douglas Friedman.The caviuna wood and cane credenza by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner was made in Brazil during the 1950s. Photography by Douglas Friedman.A vintage Italian sofa made for two adds a sculptural accent to the second bedroom. Photography by Douglas Friedman.
