(1915-2004)
Swiss Industrial Designer

Willy Guhl was trained as a cabinet maker and went on to study at the Zurich School of Applied
Arts. In 1941 he was hired to teach interior design at his alma mater (now Zurich University of the Arts). His innovative designs attracted the attention of the Swiss building materials manufacturer Eternit (now Swisspearl) which had developed a proprietary waterproof fiber cement. Eternit commissioned Guhl and his students to develop garden pots and outdoor furniture beginning in 1951. The collaboration with Eternit fueled a highly creative period for Guhl, which led to the development of his world famous Ribbon and Loop Chairs, shelving systems, and Handkerchief Planters.