Broyhill "Brasilia"

Much has been written about Broyhill's "Brasilia" line, but here are some basics: Designed by Broyhill's head of design, Melbourne Smith, and released in 1962, this line was (unsurprisingly) inspired by the architecture of the planned city of Brasilia. Between 1960 and 1962, Smith researched the designs and traveled to Rio de Janiero to sit down with Oscar Niemeyer, the Brazilian architect who helped designed the United Nations building in New York, and who had personal approval and final say over every building in the new planned capital city of Brazil. After visiting with Niemeyer, Smith visited Brasilia and some of his designs, including the cathedral coffee table, were inspired by the incomplete cathedral there. A second iteration of Brasilia was also released (Brasilia II catalog & ads are on a separate page here).

To shop available Brasilia items in our inventory, click here

 

 

A scan of an original insert, given to customers when shopping:

 

Another insert:

 

An article from the November 1968 Better Homes & Gardens magazine:

 

 

This book was likely published for salesmen to use in licensed furniture stores. It was uploaded to the "Broyhill Brasilia Collectors" Facebook group - an excellent resource!

These newspaper advertisements are from 1962 through 1969 (The final ad also mentions Brasilia II).

Patents: