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.
Franco Albini, Armchair, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Knoll, Franco Albini
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and light grey fabric armchair or side chair, model 48, designed by Franco Albini and produced by Knoll, USA, 1950s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent...
Fabric, Wood
Set of 6 Franco Albini "Luisa" Chairs, Production Carlo Poggi, 1950s
By Franco Albini, Succ. Carlo Poggi
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Set of 6 Italian wood and fabric chairs armchairs Model "Luisa" designed by the Italian designer Franco Albini and produced by Poggi Pavia 1955. Bibliographie: Italien 1950er Jahre,...
Fabric, Wood
$4,250Sale Price / set|50% Off
Early Franco Albini Pair of Oak "Luisa"/ N°48 Dining Chair by Knoll, ca. 1949
By Franco Albini
Located in Geneva, CH
Early pair of black naugahyde and oak N°48 chair by Franco Albini produced by Knoll between 1948 and 1952. Good condition, 2 little damages on corners of the seat cushion ( picture ...
Naugahyde, Oak
Franco Albini Midcentury Brazilian Dining Chair jacaranda and fabric
By Forma Brazil, Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, ES
Franco Albini (1905-1977) Six dining chairs with arms (Price per chair) Manufactured by Forma Brazil Brazil, 1950s Solid jacaranda wood and fabric Measurements 58 cm x 55 cm x 77 ...
Upholstery, Jacaranda
Luisella dining chairs by Franco Albini, ed.Poggi 1955
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Renens, CH
Rare suite of six “Luisella” chairs by Franco Albini for Carlo Poggi, Pavia, Italy 1955. Teak and cotton fabric. After working for some 15 years on several prototypes of the model, Italian designer, architect and urban planner Franco Albini (1905-77) completed what is considered a masterpiece: the Luisa armchair, with armrests, and Luisella, the chair without armrests. The final teak version was put into production by Carlo Poggi in 1955. The Luisa is often compared to the equally minimal and robust Leggera chair, designed by architect and designer Giò Ponti, with whom Albini apprenticed after graduating in architecture from Milan's Polytechnic University in 1929. Albini's blend of functionalism and style earned him numerous awards, including the 1955 Compasso d'Oro, a prestigious Italian prize for excellence in industrial design. (Award created by Gio Ponti in 1954). It is also in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The Luisa chair, with armrests, is still produced by Cassina. The Luisella chair, without armrests, is no longer produced. The chairs has been bought by the first owner together with a Chelsea Table by Vittorio Introini for Saporiti that we have also in stock at the Galleria...
Fabric, Wood
$3,084 / set
H 49.22 in W 19.69 in D 21.66 in
Pair of High Back Golem Chairs by Vico Magistretti for Poggi, Italy 1969
By Mario Bellini, Poggi, Vico Magistretti, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Pair of stunning high-back SD51 Golem chairs by Vico Magistretti for Poggi, 1969 Italy. This Post Modern chair plays on the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic of Carlo, Afra and Tobia Scar...
Leather, Wood, Bentwood, Paint
Midcentury Jano Chairs by Kazuhide Takahama Cassina
By Simon Gavina Editions, Kazuhide Takahama
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration are these wonderful Jano chairs designed by Kazuhide Takahama. Featuring original upholstery on chrome steel frame. These are original and produced by Simon Gavina and now Cassina. Fits perfectly in any midcentury or Postmodern home...
Chrome
Custom Set of Eight Baker Furniture Ebonized Dining Chairs
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Two arm and six side chairs in a midcentury style with curved and open X form backs. The frames were custom ebonized, raised on square tapering legs, splayed in the back. The seats u...
Fabric, Wood
$18,000 / set
H 32.09 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in
Set of Brazilian Rosewood and Straw Dining Chairs. Brazilian Midcentury Design
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
The set of six Brazilian Mid-Century Modern dining chairs are made of rosewood (Jacaranda) and cane seat. The structure has a square section design with four feet, made in solid ros...
Straw, Rosewood
$33,698 / set
H 31.3 in W 18.51 in D 20.48 in
Kurt Østervig Set of 10 Dining Chairs, Walnut & Fabric, 1950s
By Kurt Østervig
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare set of 10 dining chairs designed by Kurt Østervig. Produced by Bramin in Denmark.
Fabric, Walnut
$22,846 / set
H 36.23 in W 31.5 in D 36.23 in
Franco Albini Set of Two "Model PL19", Manufactured by Poggi
By Poggi, Franco Albini
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
$11,194
H 29.53 in W 56.3 in D 31.5 in
Italian mid-century modern sofa LP34 by Franco Albini Franca Helg Poggi, 1966
By Franco Albini and Franca Helg, Poggi
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern sofa LP34 by Franco Albini Franca Helg Poggi, 1966 Couch model DV33 with wooden frame and fabric upholstery. The seat, backrest, and armrests are padded an...
Fabric, Wood
$39,980
H 29.53 in W 25.6 in D 70.87 in
Franco Albini & Franca Helg for Poggi, Mid-century Rocking Chair Mod. PS16, 1956
By Franco Albini and Franca Helg, Poggi
Located in Milan, IT
Franco Albini & Franca Helg for Poggi, Italian Mid-century Wooden Rocking Lounge Chair Model PS16 Manufactured by Poggi, Pavia, Italy. Together with a certificate of authenticity ...
Fabric, Wood
$1,427
H 29.93 in W 23.63 in D 21.66 in
Midcentury Franco Albini Rattan and Bamboo Shell-Shaped Armchair, Italy, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing midcentury Rattan shell armchair. This piece was produced in Italy in the 1950s and is attributed to the mastery of Franco Albini. The uniqueness of this armchair is due t...
Bamboo, Rattan
$34,000
H 30.75 in W 63.75 in D 27.5 in
Franco Albini, Early Rocking "PS16" Chaise Lounge, Sycamore, 1960s, Poggi, Italy
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in High Point, NC
A rare and early "PS16", cotton, cord and sycamore rocking chaise lounge designed by Franco Albini and produced by Poggi, Italy, 1950s-1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Pr...
Cotton, Cord, Sycamore
Margerita Rattan Chair by Franco Albini, Bonacina, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic Italian mid-century design by Franco Albini, crafted for Bonacina in the 1950s. The Margherita chair features a sculptural woven rattan frame with a flaring pedestal base and ...
Rattan
$22,846 / set
H 36.62 in W 32.68 in D 30.71 in
Pair of Armchairs PL19 by Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy, 1960s
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Mid-Century Modern space age Italian design pair of armchairs or lounge chairs model PL19 by Franco Albini for the editor Poggi. Famous design like Gio Ponti, Gianfranco Frattini, Ca...
Metal
$1,656
H 32.29 in W 20.48 in D 25.2 in
1958 Ray and Charles Eames, Fabric, Adjust, Tilt, Office Chair 4 Wheels No Arms
By Charles and Ray Eames, Vitra
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach...
Aluminum
Franco Albini Sofa mod. DV33 for Poggi
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Franco Albini (1905-1977) lived in Milan where he stuied Architecture at the Politecnico. He started his career at Gio Ponti's studio, with whom he collaborated before getting in tou...
Fabric, Wood
$20,561 / set
H 30.52 in W 21.66 in D 22.05 in
Set of 8 " Luisa" Chairs by Franco Albini, Italy, c.1955
By Franco Albini
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 8 " Luisa" Chairs by Franco Albini, Italy, c.1955
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 29.93 in W 21.46 in D 22.05 in
Franco Albini Set of Eight 'Luisa' Dining Chairs in Red Upholstery
By Franco Albini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Franco Albini, set of 8 'Luisa' dining chairs, walnut, red velvet upholstery, Italy, design 1949-1955 The 'Luisa' armchair by Franco Albini, designed between 1949 and 1955, won th...
Velvet, Walnut
Set of 2 Franco Albini, "Luisa" chairs, Production Poggi, Pavia
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This set of two Italian chairs was designed by Franco Albini for Poggi in the 1950s. The "Luisa" model is a simple, timeless design and is made of walnut wood and red fabric on the b...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 29.75 in W 21.75 in D 21 in
Franco Albini Luisa Dining Chairs for Poggi, set of 6, Italy, 1950's
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in New York, NY
Luisa dining chairs by Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy, 1950's This set of iconic minimalist Luisa chairs retains their original green wool upholstery and patina. They have not been...
Wool, Walnut
Sold
H 30.32 in W 18.12 in D 22.05 in
Set of 6 SD9 "Luisella" Chairs by Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy, 60's
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Padova, IT
Born in Milan in 1905, Franco Albini is an Italian architect, urban planner and furniture designer, active between the 1930s and 1960s. He studied at the Milan Polytechnic and completed his apprenticeship under the guidance of the architect and designer Gio Ponti, and played a key role in the formulation of the Italian Rationalist movement in the years before the Second World War. Albini works with several well-known mid-century manufacturers, among which Cassina, Arflex, Poggi, Arteluce, Brionvega, and Knoll stand out, and many of his designs are still in production today. He has received many honors for his work, including three Compasso d'Oro. The professional story of the furniture maker Roberto...
Faux Leather, Wood
Set of 4, Cassina “Luisa” Dining Chairs Black Leather
By Franco Albini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
SET OF 4 Chair designed by Franco Albini in 1953. Relaunched in 2013. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Each chair is signed with Cassina stamp. Floating back seat, similar to Pier...
Leather
Sold
H 30.71 in W 22.05 in D 22.05 in
Franco Albini Italian Wood and Fabric Armchair Model Luisa for Poggi, 1950s
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of five famous and amazing solid wood and fabric chairs armchair model Luisa designed by Italian designer Franco Albini and produced by Poggi Pavia from 1955. Solid wood structu...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 30.5 in W 11 in D 22 in
Franco Albini Luisa Dining Chairs Italian Design for Poggi Set of 6 Circa 1950
By Franco Albini
Located in Chicago, IL
A set of 6 Luisa chairs designed by Franco Albini for Poggi, Pavia. The chairs have all have been reupholstered and are mahoghany and red Cassina fabric...
Fabric, Mahogany
Sold
H 29.93 in W 22.05 in D 22.84 in
Franco Albini Italian Wood and Leather Armchair Model Luisa for Poggi, 1950s
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Couple of famous and amazing walnut wood and leather armchair model Luisa designed by Italian designer Franco Albini and produced by Poggi Pavia from 1955. Please note that the item...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 21.66 in D 21.66 in
Franco Albini Italian Wood and Leather Armchairs Model Luisa for Poggi, 1950s
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Couple of famous and amazing wood and leather armchairs model Luisa designed by Italian designer Franco Albini and produced by Poggi Pavia from 1955. Please note that the items are ...
Leather, Wood
Franco Albini "Model 48" Armchairs, Knoll, 1952
By Knoll, Franco Albini
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of 6 Franco Albini dining chairs. Produced by Knoll in 1952. Frames have been refinished, original upholstery in excellent shape.
Walnut
Margherita Rattan Armchair by Franco Albini for Bonacina, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in Brussels, BE
Margherita rattan armchair by Franco Albini for Bonacina, 1950s.
Wood
Sold
H 30 in W 22 in D 23 in
Set of Ten Fully Restored Vintage Franco Albini Dining Chairs produced by Knoll
By Franco Albini, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
From the estate of a local architect, this set of ten Franco Albini dining chairs was produced by Knoll and is quite rare to see in a such an impressive number. New foam, new lacquer...
Maple
Franco Albini Luisa and Luisella Dining Chairs
By Franco Albini
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy. A set of two Luisa and four Luisella dining chairs, all professionally reupholstered in Supersoft Nubuck leather. Armchairs feature the wonderful “knu...
Franco Albini Dining Chairs
By Franco Albini
Located in San Francisco, CA
Franco Albini designed dining chairs for Herman Miller. Adjustable backs, maple frames in very good original condition. Reduced in price from list $8800.00 to net $5,800.00.
Upholstery, Wood
Franco Albini Dining Set
By Franco Albini
Located in Chicago, IL
ALBINI for Poggi, Luisa dining chairs, set of Eight. Set includes four armchairs and four side chairs. Arm height 24.50
Steel