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.
Postmodern Italian Model Megaron Parete Wall Lamp by Gianfranco Frattini, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Hamburg, DE
Minimalist wall lamp from the Italian manufacturer Artemide based on a design by Gianfranco Frattini from the late 70s. The wall lamp version of the well-known floor lamp from Artem...
Metal
Pair of Gianfranco Frattini for Artemide Wallights, Italy, 1960s
By Artemide, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Gianfranco Frattini for Artemide Wallights, Italy, 1960s.
Metal
$1,475
H 77.96 in Dm 11.82 in
Postmodern Italian Floor Lamp RT3 Designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Relco
By Gianfranco Frattini, Relco Italia
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This floor lamp was designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Relco. It can both be used as an uplighter and as a reading light. With built-in dimmer. No longer in production.
Steel
$2,133 / item
H 6.3 in Dm 14.57 in
1 of 6 ‘Sigma Grande’ Sconces by Sergio Mazza for Artemide, Italy 1960s
By Sergio Mazza, Artemide
Located in Echt, NL
Original ’Sigma Grande’ sconces in very good condition. We have six of these lamps available. Designed by Sergio Mazza Manufactured by Artemide, Italy...
Brass, Nickel
1960s Sergio Mazza 'Sigma' Wall or Ceiling Light for Artemide, 1960s
By Sergio Mazza, Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s Sergio Mazza 'Sigma' Wall or Ceiling Light for Artemide, 1960s. Executed in nickeled brass and pressed opaline glass by Sergio Mazza for Artemide, Italy, circa 1960s. Born in...
Brass, Nickel
Artemide Floor Lamp by Gianfranco Frattini, 1997
By Gianfranco Frattini, Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Floor lamp model 'Megaron' by Gianfranco Frattini for Artemide, 1979, in white laquered metal.
Aluminum
$4,742 / set
H 15.75 in W 10.24 in D 15.36 in
Studio BBPR Pair of Polimnia Wall Lamps for Artemide, Italy 1960s
By Studio BBPR, Artemide
Located in Milan, IT
Studio BBPR Pair of Polimnia Wall Lamps for Artemide, Italy 1960s
Nickel, Brass
$2,489 / set
H 3.75 in Dm 9.85 in
Vico Magistretti for Artemide "Manai" Glass Brass Wall Lights, Italy 1960s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design sconces or wall lamps model Mania designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide in 1963 with Murano white glass models and brass detail with Murano Glass...
Brass
Italian Postmodern Wall Light, 1970s
Located in Milan, IT
Monumental Italian Postmodern wall light. Carries 3 light bulbs.
Metal
Pair of 1960s Sergio Mazza 'Sigma' Wall or Ceiling Lights for Artemide
By Sergio Mazza, Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s Sergio Mazza 'Sigma' wall or ceiling lights for Artemide, 1960s. Executed in nickeled brass and pressed opaline glass by Sergio Mazza for Artemide, Italy, circa 1960s. Each light has been professionally rewired for US electrical and accommodates two standard e27 60 watt max bulbs. Price is per pair. One pair available. Born in Italy in 1931, Sergio Mazza created numerous iconic designs for Artemide throughout the 1960s, from a range of lighting to fiberglass molded...
Brass, Nickel
1979 Artemide Megaron Floor Lamp by Gianfranco Frattini
By Artemide, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Toronto, CA
Original 1979 design of the elegant uplighter by Gianfranco Frattini. The striking floor lamp radiates with its timeless appearance.
Aluminum, Steel
$2,040 / item
H 71.88 in Dm 13.75 in
Gianfranco Frattini 'Megaron' Floor Lamp for Artemide in Aluminum
By Artemide, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gianfranco Frattini 'Megaron' floor lamp for Artemide in aluminum. New modern edition of the design classic by Gianfranco Frattini from 1979. The elegant uplighter radiates with it...
Aluminum, Steel
$7,500 / set
H 15 in W 7.5 in D 11 in
Sergio Mazza "Gamma" Sconces for Artemide, a set of 2, Italy circa 1960s
By Sergio Mazza, Artemide
Located in Long Island City, NY
Sergio Mazza "Gamma" sconces, a set of 2. Made in Italy in 1960s. Glass, nickel plated brass. Arm and head can pivot. Dimensions depend on position of the arm and the shade. Takes on...
Brass, Nickel
Bright Yellow Italian Floor Lamp by Gianfranco Frattini, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Dronten, NL
A striking example of mid-century Italian design, this vibrant yellow floor lamp by Gianfranco Frattini embodies both playfulness and sophistication. Designed in the 1970s, the piece...
Steel
Sold
H 17.33 in W 2.37 in D 11.03 in
"Daniele" Gianfranco Frattini for Luci 1970s Italian Design Wall Lamp, Set of 5
By Gianfranco Frattini, LUCI Illuminazione
Located in Brescia, IT
Deep red aluminum and plastic details Very good condition Light source R7s halogen 118mm (max 300W) Set of 5 wall lamps.
Aluminum
Sold
H 4.73 in W 5.91 in D 14.57 in
Five Wall Lamps by Gianfranco Frattini Lacquered Aluminum Vintage, Italy, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Artemide
Located in Milano, IT
A group of five wall lamps designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Artemide, lacquered aluminum. Megaron Parete model. Manufactured in Italy, 1970s.
Aluminum