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.
1970s Italian Cognac Leather & Chrome Sesann Lounge Armchair by Frattini Cassina
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Mario Bellini, Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Original 1970s Sesann sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina upholstered in aniline cognac / camel colored calfskin leather. Gianfranco Frattini was born in Italy, in Padua, on 15...
Chrome
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric and chrome frame A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that evo...
Leather, Fabric
$13,972 / set
Set of 8 Gianfranco Frattini chairs
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, MI
Set of 8 very rare Gianfranco Frattini in curvet walnut wood, with green velvet re-upholster.
Bentwood
$6,890Sale Price / set|50% Off
Caprille Dining Chair Set, Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Black & Pink, 1980
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Cassina Caprile dining chair set by Gianfranco Frattini. Gorgeous original woven textile with shades of pink and peach. Lovely lacquered wood frame. Labeled. Gianfranco Frattini real...
Textile, Wood
Set of 4 Model 102 Chairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of four Model 102 dining chairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s. These chairs exemplify the refined craftsmanship and structural clarity of Frattini’s d...
Wool, Cotton, Walnut
Gianfranco Frattini Black Leather Sesann Armchair for Cassina, 1972, Set of 2
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of 2 Sesann armchair, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. They feature black leather upholstery and a chrome tubular cage a...
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini Black Leather Sesann Two-Seater Sofa for Cassina, 1972
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann two-seater sofa, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. It features black leather upholstery and a chrome tubular cage as s...
Chrome
Italian Dining Chairs by Gianfranco Frattini Reupholstered
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of Four Clean Lined Italian Dining Chairs, designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Lema S.P.A., Italian, circa 1960s. The chairs are currently being reupholstered and can be complete...
Upholstery, Plastic, Wood, Maple
Gianfranco Frattini, Rare Pair of Wingback Armchairs Model 877 (First Edition)
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Argelato, BO
Rare pair of Wingback armchairs from an important chalet in the Italian Alps. Designed by the Italian Architect Gianfranco Frattini for the Cassina company in 1959. The fabric, in ex...
Fabric, Wood
Rare Bull Sofa in Terra Alcantara by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Italy, 1987
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Elegant two-seat loveseat designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in 1987 and is covered in beautiful terracotta alcantara. The integrated headrests curve around to envelop the sitter. Designed with individually zippered upholstery panels to allow for different fabrics or leathers to be combined. Sits on four black lacquered turned wood feet. This model is no longer in production and was only produced for 1 year. They are documented in the famous Italian Reportorio book. The inside is a metal tubular structure completely covered with foam for super comfortable seating pleasure. The sofa has a high comfort level and is not on the market often. Designer: Gianfranco Frattini Manufacturer: Cassina Country: Italy Model: Bull sofa...
Ultrasuede
Gianfranco Frattini Black Leather Sesann Living Room Set for Cassina, 1972
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann dining room set, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. It is composed of a two-seater sofa and two armchairs. It features...
Chrome
Italian modern brown leather sofa Sesann Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brown leather sofa Sesann Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s Sofa model Sesann in brown leather. The seat, the backrest and the two armrests follow curved and roun...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini Ocher Velvet Sesann Living Room Set for Cassina, 1972
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann dining room set, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. It is composed of a three-seater sofa and an armchair. It features o...
Chrome
Original Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina armchairs. Model 877 Italy c1959
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in London, GB
Wonderfully restored pair of Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina armchairs Model 877 Italy c1959 Large and very, very comfortable armchairs. Completely restored. Green velvet and walnut.
Velvet, Wood, Upholstery, Walnut
Chair by Gianfranco Frattini, 1960
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
This extraordinary chair was designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina 1960. The construction of the 'Model 904' is made of solid walnut wood. The seat and back are upholstered. Th...
Wool, Walnut
Gianfranco Frattini Beige Wool Bouclé Sesann Two-Seater Sofa for Cassina, 1972
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann two-seater sofa, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. It features wool bouclé upholstery and a chrome tubular cage as s...
Chrome
Set of 8 “107” Italian Dining Chairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1960s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Paris, FR
Set of eight model “107” dining chairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s. A refined Italian modern classic, defined by its two-part curved backrest and archit...
Wood, Velvet
Sesann - Sofa in fabric by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini W 240 cm (94.49 in)
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
Sesann: Icon of Italian Comfort Sesann is more than a sofa: it is a manifesto of softness and authentic comfort, designed by the master Gianfranco Frattini in the 1970s. With its en...
Fabric
Customizable Tacchini Giulia Lounge Armchair with Ottoman by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
A re-edition of the famous model 877 by Gianfranco Frattini, from 1957, named for the wife of Gio Ponti, the designer’s great teacher and mentor. Giulia is Frattini’s modern interpre...
Leather, Fabric
6 walnut chairs, Model 104, by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s.
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in MADRID, ES
6 walnut chairs Model 104 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s. Set of 6 upholstered in Namay Samay fabric. Gianfranco Frattini was an architect and designer of furnitur...
Walnut
Sesann - Armchair in leather by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
Sesann Armchair: Icon of Italian Comfort Sesann is more than an armchair: it is a manifesto of softness and authentic comfort, designed by the master Gianfranco Frattini in the 1970s...
Leather
Sesann - Sofa in fabric by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini W 240 cm (94.49 in)
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
Sesann: Icon of Italian Comfort Sesann is more than a sofa: it is a manifesto of softness and authentic comfort, designed by the master Gianfranco Frattini in the 1970s. With its env...
Fabric
Superb 1958, 3 Seat, Gianfranco Frattini, '872' Leather Sofa, Cassina, Italy
By Gianfranco Frattini, Figli di Amadeo Cassina
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Superb and very rare 1958 '872' sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy. This 3 seat sofa has been newly upholstered with new Pantera TM foam and finished in superb dark brow...
Nickel
Sesann - Sofa black leather by Gianfranco Frattini Tacchini W 240 cm (94.49 in)
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
Sesann: Icon of Italian Comfort Sesann is more than a sofa: it is a manifesto of softness and authentic comfort, designed by the master Gianfranco Frattini in the 1970s. With its env...
Leather
Sesann - Armchair in fabric by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
Sesann Armchair: Icon of Italian Comfort Sesann is more than an armchair: it is a manifesto of softness and authentic comfort, designed by the master Gianfranco Frattini in the 1970s...
Fabric
Oliver - Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
Oliver Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini Re-edition of the model 872, originally designed by Maestro Gianfranco Frattini in 1957, Oliver testifies to the timeless success of the ...
Steel
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Barstools in Stained Walnut and Red Leatherette
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, bar stools, model '112', walnut, leatherette, Italy, 1959 These barstools, model 112, were first created for the Stork Club restaurant in Milan. Th...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Gianfranco Frattini, Italian Mid-Century Modern Set of 4 Wooden Chairs, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milan, IT
Beautiful Set of 4 wooden chairs by Gianfranco Frattini, 1950s: a perfect Italian Mid-Century addition in a well curated dining room. Subtle geometric transitions between curves and...
Leather, Wood
Sesann - Sofa in leather by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini W 240 cm (94.49 in)
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
Sesann: Icon of Italian Comfort Sesann is more than a sofa: it is a manifesto of softness and authentic comfort, designed by the master Gianfranco Frattini in the 1970s. With its env...
Leather
Italian Modern Black Leather Wood 3seat Sofa Bull by Frattini for Cassina, 1980s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black leather wood 3-seater sofa Bull by Frattini for Cassina, 1980s 3-seater sofa Bull model with the rectangular seat, that is made up of padded cushions covered in ...
Leather, Wood
$1,769Sale Price / set|20% Off
Quattro Sedie '101' di Gianfranco Frattini Produzione Cassina Anni '60
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, IT
Set di quattro sedie da pranzo vintage con struttura in legno a vista, seduta con imbottitura in espanso e rivestimento in tessuto blu originale del periodo.
Fabric
$13,972Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Set of Vintage Sofas by Gianfranco Frattini in Purple Velvet
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, IT
Wonderful set of sofas designed by Gianfranco Frattini in the 50's, of fine Italian manufacture. The three-seater sofa is composed of three seats and a small table inserted into the...
Iron
Gianfranco Frattini chairs, mod. 107, 1961, set of 16
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Gianfranco Frattini chairs mod 107 from 1961. Set of 16: an important set of seats of the Italian design of the 60s, characterized by formal elegance, construction quality and great ...
Wood
Midcentury Set of 7 Dining Chairs Mod 101 by Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Midcentury set of 7 dining room chairs mod. 101 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960. Signed. Teak wood. Solid and stable. Fully restored.
Teak
Agnes - Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Ref. Model 849 of 1956
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
Agnes Armchair Designed by Gianfranco Frattini Agnese is one of Gianfranco Frattini's most celebrated armchairs-the 849 model from 1956-and stands as a timeless icon of Italian desi...
Fabric, Wood
Stool Designed by G. Frattini Cassina from Hotel Parco Dei Principi, Published
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Beautiful ,elegant bar stool from the 'Hotel Parco dei Principi' in Rome dating from 1960 . Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1959 for the Stork Club, Milan. Gio Ponti used them...
Brass
Sesann - Sofa in fabric by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini W 240 cm (94.49 in)
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
Sesann: Icon of Italian Comfort Sesann is more than a sofa: it is a manifesto of softness and authentic comfort, designed by the master Gianfranco Frattini in the 1970s. With its env...
Fabric
Oliver - Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
Oliver Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini Re-edition of the model 872, originally designed by Maestro Gianfranco Frattini in 1957, Oliver testifies to the timeless success of the ...
Steel
Lina - Iconic Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
The Lina armchair, designed by Gianfranco Frattini, combines solidity and lightness in a welcoming, timeless design. Its elegant presence transforms any space, offering comfort and s...
Fabric, Wood
1950s Italian Armchairs in the Style of Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Practicing both industrial design and architecture, focusing mostly on interiors, Gianfranco Frattini is one of the members of the generation that created the Italian design movement...
Metal, Brass