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Mario Marenco first edition pair of leather lounge chairs, Arflex, Italy, 1970s

About the Item

The first edition pair of Marenco leather lounge chairs by Arflex, originating from the 1970s, epitomize the ingenuity of Mario Marenco's design. Debuting in 1970, these lounge chairs showcase a modular construction, comprising individual seat, back, and arm cushions. Their linear, modular design exudes an aura of refined sophistication, seamlessly harmonizing with their soft, rounded contours. Crafted under the discerning eye of Mario Marenco, a polymath celebrated as a television author, comedic writer, and entertainment luminary, these chairs encapsulate an era marked by consummate elegance and cultural vibrancy. Marenco's creative vision, imbued with wit, charm, and surreal humor, reflects the spirit of an era characterized by innovation and artistic expression. Designed with a modular framework, the chairs' structure ingeniously conceals underlying metal supports within the cushioning, resulting in a visually soft and deconstructed appearance. This design philosophy mirrors the zeitgeist of an epoch defined by a fusion of innovation and artistic sensibility. Within Marenco's diverse portfolio, these lounge chairs, alongside other seminal works, represent the pinnacle of a bygone era, now enshrined in the annals of design history. These artifacts serve as conduits for transmitting the essence of an era characterized by elegance, conviviality, and a hint of whimsical fantasy—a timeless testament to Marenco's enduring legacy. Presented in their original leather upholstery, meticulously preserved to retain the essence of their era, the lounge chairs embody the design ethos of Arflex, a revered brand synonymous with Italian design excellence. Their dimensions, meticulously calibrated to optimize comfort and visual allure, underscore their status as iconic pieces within the realm of modernist furnishings.

Creator:

Arflex (Manufacturer),Mario Marenco (Designer)

Dimensions:

Height: 25.6 in (65 cm)Width: 42.52 in (108 cm)Depth: 39.38 in (100 cm)Seat Height: 15.75 in (40 cm)

Sold As:

Set of 2

Style:

Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Leather

Place of Origin:

Italy

Period:

1970-1979

Date of Manufacture:

1970

Condition:

Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. The original leather has been restored.

Seller Location:

Chiavari, IT

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU6764239629362

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Shop All Arflex

Arflex

From its unorthodox beginnings, Italian manufacturer Arflex grew into one of the leaders of 20th-century furniture design. Its furniture came to be known for its integration of new materials and bold appeal, and today a variety of vintage Arflex chairs, sofas and tables are emblems of mid-century modernism.

Arflex was established in Milan in 1947 by Pirelli employees Carlo Barassi, Pio Reggiani, Renato Teani and Aldo Bai. Barassi, a Milan Polytechnic graduate and visionary engineer at the Italian tire manufacturer, explored innovative technology and new uses for synthetic materials in domestic products (for Kartell, he codeveloped a ski rack for automobiles). The four founders partnered with a young architect named Marco Zanuso, who also desired to create furniture that featured an application of novel materials such as elastic tape and polyurethane foam.

One of Arflex’s inaugural pieces was Zanuso’s Lady armchair, a seat made of polyurethane foam that was manufactured in pieces and assembled at the very end of the production process. It won a gold medal at the 1951 Milan Triennale. A couple of years later, Arflex collaborated with Studio BBPR to create the office-chic Elettra and Neptunia chairs. The flourishing furniture company quickly established a reputation for compelling products and attracting and working with up-and-coming designers such as Roberto Menghi, who created Hall, a luxurious line of seating that would earn the Compasso d’Oro – Honorable Mention in 1959.

In the 1960s, Arflex continued to welcome the use of new and cutting-edge materials. Popular designs from this decade include Carlo Bartoli's fiberglass and polyester resin Gaia lounge chair and Cini Boer’s Bobo Relax lounger, one of history’s first seating pieces made of polyurethane foam (it has no internal frame). Boer, a pioneer of furniture design in Italy, also created the Strips sofa for the brand in 1972. Part of a plush modular seating system, the Strips sofa became an Arflex icon and was awarded the Compasso d'Oro in 1979.

Arflex continues to work with innovative designers to this day. Among their more recent collaborations is with Swedish design studio Claesson Koivisto Rune. The company's legendary creations are also on display at museums worldwide. The Lady chair, for example, is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

On 1stDibs, you can find a collection of vintage Arflex lounge chairs, armchairs, coffee tables and other furniture.