Dry Bar drinks cabinet by Carlo de Carli for FIARM — Italy, circa 1965

A rare wheeled occasional drinks cabinet known as a Dry Bar Cart, an emblematic creation by the celebrated Milanese architect and designer Carlo di Carli (1910-1999) for the prestigious Italian editor FARM (Scorzè), circa 1960/1965.

This piece is distinguished by the masterly use of thermoformed bent wood, the editor’s speciality, offering lines of organic and fluid purity. Conceived to be both functional and mobile, it stands on original castors discreetly concealed beneath its base, allowing it to be moved with ease about a drawing room.

Two large curved doors open to reveal suspended semi-circular shelves, fitted with original silvered metal retaining straps to secure glasses and decanters.

The front opens by means of a fall-front fitted with an articulated mechanical stay. It reveals a generous central compartment lacquered in white, specially designed to store bottles upright in complete safety. In the lower section, a wide concealed drawer is harmoniously integrated into the plinth for the storage of bar accessories.

As the rear of the cabinet benefits from the same carefully applied veneer as the front, this bar may be used at the centre of a room or at the end of a sofa.

Materials: blond walnut veneer, service surfaces in laminate/white lacquer, original stay and fittings.

Excellent overall condition, smooth mechanism, functional castors. Light oxidation on the hinge metalwork commensurate with its age (see photograph).