Attributed to Franco Albini

Attributed to FRANCO ALBINI (Robbiate, 1905 – Milan, 1977) for Poggi.
Pair of armchairs. Italy, 1960s.
Walnut with period mustard-colored velvet upholstery.
Wood refinished with shellac.
In good condition. They show slight signs of wear and a small localized tear in the velvet of one of the seats.
Measurements: 75 x 57 x 57 cm; seat height: 44 cm.

This pair stands out for the visual lightness of its structures, reduced to elements of great structural precision—an essential principle in Franco Albini’s furniture design. The stylized legs, the gently contoured armrests, and the visual separation between the frame, seat, and backrest create an open and balanced composition, in line with the design explorations carried out by the Italian designer in his collaboration with Poggi during the 1950s and 1960s.

The set retains its original mustard-colored velvet and has undergone restoration work aimed at restoring the wood’s natural appearance: a later dark finish was removed, and the frames were manually refinished with shellac. The upholstery has been sanitized and retains its patina.

Franco Albini was one of the key figures of Italian Rationalism and had an extensive career as an architect and designer. His collaboration with Poggi resulted in some of his best-known designs, including the famous “Luisa” chair, which later won the Compasso d’Oro award. His work is included in international collections such as those of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.