Geraldo de Barros

Commissioned in 1955 by Sonia Azambuja de Moraes, this bookcase is a unique piece, designed by Geraldo de Barros and produced by Unilabor. The bookshelf is an extension of the modular MF-710. Rarely did Unilabor work on private commissions, producing only a small number of unique pieces throughout its lifespan for family and friends of the factory. Certified by Fabiana de Barros, daughter of Geraldo de Barros, this bookshelf has never been shown before and will be exhibited for the first time at Design Miami Basel. This bookshelf was produced by Geraldo de Barros’ most important venture as a furniture designer. In 1954 de Barros founded Unilabor, a co-operative furniture manufacturer that became a mechanism of modernization from below. Unilabor was unity in work and a unity through work. A self-managed factory was run by the workers, it was a system of production that aimed to unify not only form and function, but also a living community and production processes. The discreet beauty of Unilabor furniture pieces is certainly informed by this balance of forces. In its context, Unilabor became a social model. It was a working environment perceived as healthy. It was created to be less a company, more a community.