While working under the polymath Gio Ponti — arguably the most important figure in 20th-century Italian modernism — furniture designer Franco Albini nurtured a love for modern forms combined with traditional craft techniques.
Albini is widely known for working with organic materials such as rattan and cane for his chairs and other seating, but he also played a pivotal role in the Italian rationalist movement of the early 20th century, which saw architects and furniture makers applying a strict emphasis on geometry in their work. Rationalists drew on Ancient Roman architecture but rejected ornament, much in the way that Le Corbusier and celebrated Bauhaus figures such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe had in their modernist furniture.
Albini received his degree in architecture from the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1929, and, in 1931, he founded his practice in Milan, where he tackled workers’ housing and other reconstruction projects. A gifted urban planner, he also developed the Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Rosso and Tesoro di San Lorenzo museums in Genoa. While Albini is revered for his Margherita chair — a Triennale Milano award winner created for Bonacina in 1951 — he also collaborated with manufacturers Poggi and Cassina in the 1940s on seating, tables and more that embodied his artistic vision. Of that mid-century work, the one piece that perhaps best captures this vision is the iconic Luisa chair.
With its cherry red upholstery and sinuous wooden legs that seem to float aboveground, the Luisa is a genuine masterpiece. It is also a testament to Albini’s perfectionism, as it endured several prototypes — including one made by Knoll in the late 1940s — and took approximately 15 years to design. Poggi launched the final version of the armchair in 1955, earning Albini the prestigious Compasso d’Oro from Italy’s Association for Industrial Design. It is produced today by Cassina. Albini named the chair for someone who likely saw the process firsthand: his personal secretary of two decades, Luisa Colombini.
Find vintage Franco Albini furniture on 1stDibs.
Armchair "Fiorenza" designed by Franco Albini in 1952 for Arflex, Italy.
By Franco Albini, Arflex
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Armchair "Fiorenza," designed by Franco Albini in 1952 for Arflex, Italy. A highly collectible model produced for only one year by Arflex. This stunning pair of armchairs features sc...
Fabric, Wood
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern
By Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchari For Cassina LEATHER Y : Softness and durability blend in these high-quality leathers, providing a distinctive...
Steel
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern
By Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchari For Cassina In 1959, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini designed Tre Pezzi, a c...
Steel
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern
By Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchari For Cassina In 1959, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini designed Tre Pezzi, a c...
Steel
Franco Albini Gala chair by Bonacina, Italy, 1951
By Franco Albini
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Gala chair postwar Italian design, designed by renowned architect and designer Franco Albini in 1951 and produced by the historic Vittorio Bonacina & C. factory, specializing in the ...
Rattan
Extraordinary Pair of 'Gala' armchairs by Franco Albini for Bonacina, Italy 1951
By Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in Argelato, BO
This pair of armchairs represents an iconic testament to postwar Italian design, designed by renowned architect and designer Franco Albini in 1951 and produced by the historic Vittor...
Bamboo, Rattan
Franco Albini Set of Two "Model PL19", Manufactured by Poggi
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Set of two "Model PL19" chairs, designed by Franco Albini, manufactured by Poggi Pavia, Italy. The chairs have a lacquered metal frame and are upholstered with red velvet. Literat...
Metal
Rare Pair "Fiorenza" First Edition Armchairs by Franco Albini, Italy, c. 1953
By Arflex, Franco Albini
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Rare and Exquisite "Fiorenza" Armchair by Franco Albini, Italy, c. 1953. This highly collectible model was manufactured by Arflex for one single year. An early variant of the iconi...
Walnut
Armchair "Fiorenza" in Original Red Color, by Franco Albini in 1952 for Arflex
By Arflex, Franco Albini
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This pair of Italian "Fiorenza" armchairs was designed by Franco Albini for Arflex. The elegantly shaped wooden frame supports the furniture body, which is covered with the original ...
Fabric, Wood
Italian mid-century modern armchair Margherita by Albini for Bonacina, 1960s
By Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern armchair Margherita by Franco Albini for Bonacina, 1960s Armchair model Margherita with backrest and seat made of curved and woven rattan. At the center of...
Fabric, Rattan
1950s Italian Franco Albini for Bonacina "Margherita" Rattan Arm Chairs
By Franco Albini, Bonacina
Located in Miami, FL
An iconic pair of “Margherita” rattan armchairs, designed in the 1950s by Italian modernist Franco Albini for Bonacina. A pioneering blend of traditional craftsmanship and modernist ...
Rattan
'Margherita' armchair by Franco Albini, 1950s-60s
By Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in Milano, IT
Armchair made of wood and guinea cane in good overall condition with some signs of time as visible in photos. Absent pillow.
Wicker, Wood
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design
By Franco Albini, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Franco Albini in 1959. Relaunched in 2009. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. In 1952, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini designed Tre Pezzi...
Metal
Two 'Luisa' Armchairs by Franco Albini in Oak, Metal and Fabric, Italy, 1949
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Franco Albini, Pair of Luisa Chairs, Italy, 1949 Designed by Franco Albini in 1949 and originally produced by Poggi, the Luisa Chair is one of the most iconic works of Italian postw...
Metal
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair by Cassina, Modern Fabric & Metal
By Cassina, Franco Albini
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the material. In 1959, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini designed Tre Pezzi, a contemporary restatem...
Metal
Set of Two Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchairs by Cassina
By Cassina, Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Franco Albini in 1959. Relaunched in 2009. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. In 1952, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini design...
Metal
Franco Albini for Bonacina Set Margherita Chair and Ottoman, Italy, 1950s
By Franco Albini, Bonacina
Located in Naples, IT
Iconic chair with pouff Mod. Margherita in curved wicker and cushion covered in ivory boucle' fabric. Designed in 1960. by Franco Albini for Bonacina .Suitable for outdoor and indoor...
Bamboo, Rattan
$1,228Sale Price|30% Off
Poltrona a dondolo Mid Century in bambù e rattan, Italia, anni '60
By Franco Albini
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Una bellissima poltrona lounge a dondolo italiana degli anni '60 in bambù, rattan e paglia di Vienna. Nello stile della "Rocking Chaise" di Franco Albini per Poggi. Oggetto vintage i...
Bamboo, Rattan
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design
By Cassina, Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Franco Albini in 1959. Relaunched in 2009. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. In 1952, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini designed Tre Pezzi...
Metal
Mid Century Modern Fiorenza Italian Armchairs Designed By Franco Albini, 1950
By Franco Albini
Located in Ibiza, Spain
The structure is made of solid ash wood, steam bent, with the characteristic “X” shape that defines the side supports. They are upholstered in graphite blue wool tweed15000, with hig...
Wool, Wood
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design
By Cassina, Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Franco Albini in 1959. Relaunched in 2009. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. In 1952, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini designed Tre Pezzi...
Metal
Franco Albini PL19 Tre Pezzi Armchair for Poggi Pavia, Italy, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Paris, FR
Armchair designed by Franco Albini (1905-1977) and Franca Helg Model n° PL19, 'Tre pezzi' Lacquered metal, brass and recently eupholstered in white sheep wool skin. Early original m...
Metal
Franco Albini 1933 Triënnale Lounge Chair, Black Frame, Natural Leather
By Franco Albini
Located in Dronten, NL
An icon of early Italian modernism, the Franco Albini Triënnale Lounge Chair (1933) exemplifies the rationalist ethos that defined the progressive design culture of interwar Italy. O...
Steel
Vintage Rare Bauhaus German Leather Armchair by Franco Albini for Tecta, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This exceptionally rare chair with arms was designed by Franco Albini in 1933 and produced by Tecta during the 1950s. The frame is made of tubular chrome-plated steel but the seat an...
Chrome
Mid-Century Franco Albini Fiorenza Graphite-blue Wool Ash Italian 1950 Armchair
By Franco Albini
Located in Madrid, ES
The Fiorenza armchair, designed by Franco Albini in the early 1950s, is a hallmark of post-war Italian design and was first produced by Arflex in 1952. The chair’s elegant frame is...
Wool, Wood, Ash
Franco Albini Luisa Chair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design
By Cassina, Franco Albini
Located in Berlin, DE
Chair designed by Franco Albini in 1953. Relaunched in 2013. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Prices vary dependent on the chosen material/color.
Fabric, Wood, Leather
Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” Armchair for Poggi, Italy, Set of 4
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” armchair for Poggi, wood and leather, Italy, designed in 1953, set of four. Originally designed in 1939 and refined through multiple iterations, the 832 “L...
Leather, Wood
Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” Armchair for Poggi, Italy, 1953, Set of 6
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” armchair for Poggi, wood and leather, Italy, 1953, set of six. Originally designed in 1939 and refined through multiple iterations, the 832 “Luisa” armchai...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Red Armchair Fiorenza by Franco Albini for Arflex, Italy
By Franco Albini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Armchair Fiorenza by Franco Albini for Arflex, Italy.
Fabric, Wood
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern
By Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchari For Cassina LEATHER Y : Softness and durability blend in these high-quality leathers, providing a distinctive...
Steel
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design
By Cassina, Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Franco Albini in 1959. Relaunched in 2009. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. In 1952, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini designed ...
Metal
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design
By Cassina, Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Franco Albini in 1959. Relaunched in 2009. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. In 1952, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini designed Tre Pezzi...
Metal
Iconic Margherita armchair by Franco Albini for Bonacina, Italy, 1950s
By Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in Milano, IT
Margherita armchair by Franco Albini, Bonacina, Italy, 1950s The iconic Margherita armchair, designed by Franco Albini for Bonacina. The armchair is made of rattan. At the time, Albi...
Rattan
Pair of rattan armchairs Margherita by Franco Albini for Bonacina, Italy, 1950s
By Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of Margherita armchairs by Franco Albini for Bonacina, 1950s Two white-painted pieces, excellent condition, minor signs of aging. After the war, Albini experimented with elastic...
Rattan
Franco Albini for Knoll Model 48 Arm Chair
By Knoll, Franco Albini, Gio Ponti, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful No. 48 chair designed by Franco Albini and produced by Knoll. The chair was offered from 1949 until 1967. Blonde wood architectural frame. Upholstery appears to have been...
Wood
$5,797Sale Price / item|20% Off
Arflex Fiorenza Armchair in Steelcut Blue Fabric & Black Frame by Franco Albini
By Arflex, Franco Albini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Symbol of comfort, Fiorenza armchair appears in Pirelli's 1950s advertisement as symbol of the foam rubber potential, considered at that time the mos...
Fabric
Set of Two Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchairs by Cassina
By Franco Albini, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Franco Albini in 1959. Relaunched in 2009. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. In 1952, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini designed ...
Metal
Italian mid-century modern armchair Margherita by Albini for Bonacina, 1960s
By Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern armchair Margherita by Albini for Bonacina, 1960s Armchair model Margherita with backrest and seat made of curved and woven rattan. At the centre of the se...
Rattan
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design
By Cassina, Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Franco Albini in 1959. Relaunched in 2009. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. In 1952, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini design...
Metal
Set of Two Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchairs by Cassina
By Franco Albini, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Franco Albini in 1959. Relaunched in 2009. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. In 1952, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini design...
Metal
$5,797Sale Price / item|20% Off
Arflex Fiorenza Armchair in Steelcut Red Fabric and Black Frame by Franco Albini
By Franco Albini, Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Symbol of comfort, Fiorenza armchair appears in Pirelli's 1950s advertisement as symbol of the foam rubber potential, considered at that time the mos...
Fabric
Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” Armchair for Poggi, Italy, 1953
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” armchair for Poggi, wood and leather, Italy, 1953 Originally designed in 1939 and refined through multiple iterations, the 832 “Luisa” armchair reached its...
Leather, Wood
1950s Franco Albini “French Riviera” Rattan Armchair, Italy
By Franco Albini
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition - Wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina - Sturdy and stable - Coffee Table dimensions : Height 54cm ,Diameter 70cm
Rattan
Rare No. 48 Armchair by Knoll International
By Franco Albini
Located in Munich, DE
Designed by Franco Albini and made by Knoll International.
Wood
Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” Armchair for Poggi, Italy, 1953, Set of 8
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” armchair for Poggi, wood and leather, Italy, 1953, set of eight. Originally designed in 1939 and refined through multiple iterations, the 832 “Luisa” armch...
Leather, Wood
Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” Armchair for Poggi, Italy, Set of 2
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” armchair for Poggi, wood and leather, Italy, designed in 1953, set of two. Originally designed in 1939 and refined through multiple iterations, the 832 “Lu...
Leather, Wood
Franco Albini PL19 Pair of Three Piece Armchairs for Poggi Pavia Italy Circa 1959
By Franco Albini
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
The "Modello PL19" or "I tre Pezzi" armchairs, designed by Franco Albini and Franca Helg, manufactured by Poggi Pavia, Italy. The chairs have a lacquered metal frame and are upholste...
Iron