Executive Collection Black Lacquer Credenza by Gianfranco Frattini for Knoll
About the Item
- Creator:Knoll (Manufacturer),Gianfranco Frattini (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 26 in (66.04 cm)Width: 125 in (317.5 cm)Depth: 20.5 in (52.07 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1988-1895
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Dorchester, MA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU837830715932
Gianfranco Frattini
Gianfranco Frattini is widely regarded as a mid-century master of Italian modern design. He was an award-winning architect and designer, and specialized in creating furniture and decor that is both decorative and practical — Frattini’s vintage desks, armchairs, nesting tables and other works are celebrated for their sophisticated merging of function and form.
Born in Padua in 1926, Frattini studied architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. He later apprenticed with his teacher and mentor, Gio Ponti. Through Ponti — arguably the most important figure in 20th-century Italian architecture and design — Frattini met many notable modernist designers such as Oscar Niemeyer and Le Corbusier, but an introduction to famed Italian entrepreneur Cesare Cassina would prove incredibly significant in helping launch his career.
During the mid-1950s, Frattini began to collaborate with Cassina’s eponymous company. He designed the brand’s acclaimed leather and walnut Model 849 lounge chair — a winner of the Compasso d’Oro award — the Marema nesting tables and the iconic Sesann collection. The latter, an enduring 1970s suite of impossibly welcoming leather-covered seating, is now produced by Tacchini. In addition to Cassina, Frattini created furniture and lighting for other manufacturers such as Bernini, Arteluce, Artemide, Knoll and more.
While many of his designs incorporate glass, tubular steel and other materials, Frattini loved working with wood. The sculptural Albero bookcase — an innovative floor-to-ceiling structure made in walnut that swings on a 360-degree vertical swivel axis — is a striking example of Frattini’s dedication to traditional woodworking techniques. In the early 1970s, he traveled to Japan with friend and collaborator Pierluigi Ghianda — a master Milanese cabinet maker — in order to study the work of artisans in Kyoto. The trip inspired his design of the Kyoto table, a work of solid beech with Canaletto walnut inserts that is part of the permanent collection of the Milan Triennale’s Design Museum. The Kyoto and Albero have been revived by Poltrona Frau.
Frattini’s designs are in the permanent collections of prestigious museums such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
Find vintage Gianfranco Frattini furniture, lighting and decor on 1stDibs.
Knoll
As a company that produced many of the most famous and iconic furniture designs of the 20th century, Knoll was a chief influence in the rise of modern design in the United States. Led by Florence Knoll, the firm would draw stellar talents such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Eero Saarinen into its compass. Their work would help change the face of the American home and office.
The company was formed in 1938 by the German immigrant Hans Knoll. He first worked with his fellow ex-pat, the Danish designer Jens Risom, who created furniture with flowing lines made of wood. While Risom served in World War II, in 1943 Knoll met his future wife, Florence Schust. She had studied and worked with eminent emigré leaders of the Bauhaus, including Mies, Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer. She won Knoll over with Bauhaus notions of industrial arts, and an aesthetic that featured flat and tubular metal frames and angular forms. When Hans died in a car crash in 1955, Florence Knoll was appointed head of the company. It was as much through her holistic approach to design — a core division of the firm was dedicated to planning office systems — as Knoll's mid-century modern furnishings themselves that she brought about the sleek and efficient transformation of the American workplace.
Today, classic Knoll furnishings remain staples of modern design collections and decor. A history of modern design is written in pieces such as the elegant Barcelona chair — created by Mies and Lilly Reich — Saarinen’s pedestal Tulip chair, Breuer’s tubular steel Wassily lounge chair and the grid-patterned Diamond chair by Harry Bertoia.
As you can see from the collection of these designs and other vintage Knoll dining chairs, sofas and tables on 1stDibs, this manufacturer's offerings have become timeless emblems of the progressive spirit and sleek sophistication of the best of modernism.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Dorchester, MA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Oak Credenza with Marble Top by Florence Knoll for KnollBy Florence Knoll, KnollLocated in Dorchester, MADesigned by Florence Knoll in 1961, this handsome credenza comprises a light oak case on a chrome base with a marble top in "white extra." Four doors with inset handles conceal adju...Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsMarble, Chrome
- Oak Credenza with Slate Top by Florence Knoll for KnollBy Knoll, Florence KnollLocated in Dorchester, MADesigned by Florence Knoll for Knoll, this iteration of her classic clean-lined credenza features a warm oak case sitting on slender chrome legs and topped with contrasting slate. In...Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsSlate, Chrome
- Rosewood Credenza with Marble Top by Florence KnollBy Knoll, Florence KnollLocated in Dorchester, MAThis version of Florence Knoll's modernist credenza for Knoll features a gorgeous rosewood case sitting on slender chrome legs and topped with a marble slab that picks up the warmth ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsMarble, Chrome
- Credenza with Cane Doors and Black Laminate Case by Florence KnollBy Florence KnollLocated in Dorchester, MAThis sideboard exemplifies Florence Knoll's classic clean-lined aesthetic. The black laminate case sits on a steel base and features handsome cane sliding doors with leather pulls. I...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsSteel
- Rosewood Rolltop Desk/Cabinet, Model 804, by Gianfranco Frattini for BerniniBy Gianfranco Frattini, BerniniLocated in Dorchester, MAGianfranco Frattini designed this gorgeous rosewood rolltop desk, model 804, for Bernini in the early 1960s. What appears to be a compact chest of ten...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsChrome, Aluminum
- Mid-century Walnut Credenza by Jens RisomBy Jens RisomLocated in Dorchester, MAJens Risom designed this credenza as part of an executive office suite. The handsome walnut case sets a shallow divided drawer above a deep drawer on either side of two shelves conce...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsMetal
- Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll for Knoll with Black Marble Top CredenzaBy Florence Knoll, KnollLocated in Philadelphia, PAA sleek modern classic cabinet designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll. It features a dark mahogany case, stainless steel legs and a black mar...Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsMarble, Stainless Steel
- Stylish Modern Sliding Door Credenza by Florence KnollBy Knoll, Florence KnollLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis unique Mid-Century cabinet features spacious sliding door storage and sleek modern design. Iconic design by Florence Knoll, this spacious console cabinet is ideal for use as a television stand, office storage, or for dining room use. Steel legs, unique handles, and cloth covered doors add to the appeal of this vintage Knoll cabinet...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsTeak
- Knoll Style Marble Top Walnut CredenzaBy KnollLocated in San Francisco, CAKnoll style marble top walnut two door credenza or cabinet. Having four adjustable shelves and a later added electrical access hole. Supported on a chrome squared frame on adjustable...Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsMarble
- Executive Steel Credenza / CabinetLocated in Oakville, CTSteel & Wood Cabinet Overall Dimensions: 28" x 132" x 36" high.Category
Early 20th Century American Cabinets
MaterialsSteel, Brass
- Gianfranco Frattini '809' sideboard for Bernini, 1960s, walnutBy Bernini, Gianfranco FrattiniLocated in Milano, IT1960s walnut sideboard/Sideboard with hinged doors and drawers. Design by Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini production. Unrestored cabinet but in excellent overall condition.Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsNutwood
- Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Green Verde Marble Top Credenza or CabinetBy Florence Knoll, KnollLocated in Philadelphia, PAA sleek modern classic cabinet designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll. It features a dark mahogany case, stainless steel legs and a rare gree...Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsMarble, Stainless Steel