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.
Frattini Mid-Century Pink Fabric and Wood Bergère Armchair, Model 877, for Cassina
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Conversano, IT
Overview Elegant “Giulia” Bergère Armchair, Model 877, designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina and produced in Italy in 1959, distinguished by its imposing wingback silhouette. T...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Blue fabric Armchair - Grey
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
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
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - White fabric Armchair - Red
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - White fabric Armchair - Green
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini -White fabric Armchair - Walnut
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Red fabric Armchair - Green
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully bl...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Red fabric Armchair - Black
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully bl...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Red fabric Armchair - Walnut
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Light blue Armchair - Red
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Armchair in Green fabric / Black
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann armchair stands as a timeless masterpiece of Italian design. It is a defin...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Armchair in Leather Red / Chrome
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann armchair stands as a t...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Armchair in Red fabric / Chrome
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann armchair stands as a t...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Armchair in Brown fabric / Black
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann armchair stands as...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Italian Luxury Sofa in Beige / Chrome
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Sofa — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa stands as a timeless ...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Armchair in Leather Black / Chrome
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann armchair stands as a t...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Italian Sofa in Blue fabric / Black
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Sofa — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa stands as a timeless ...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Italian Sofa in Blue fabric / Chrome
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Sofa — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa stands as a timeless ...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Sofa in Leather Green / Chrome
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Sofa — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa is a...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Sofa in Leather Red / Chrome
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Sofa — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa is a...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Sofa in Leather Anilina -Black/Chrome
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Sofa — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa is a...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Sofa in Leather Anilina Black
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Sofa — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa is a true icon of Italian design and the absolute r...
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
Sofa Model 830 with Light Grey Velvet, Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina, Italy, 1955
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This "830" sofa was designed by Gianfranco Frattini in the 1950s and manufactured by the Italian company Cassina. The body of the piece of furniture is newly covered with light grey ...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - White fabric Armchair - Black
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - White fabric Armchair - Pink
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - White fabric Armchair - Grey
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Blue fabric Armchair - Blue
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Blue fabric Armchair - Pink
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Blue fabric Armchair - Green
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Blue fabric Armchair - Red
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Blue fabric Armchair - Walnut
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Light blue Armchair - Blue
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully bl...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Light blue Armchair - Black
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Light blue Armchair - Walnut
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully bl...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Light blue fabric Armchair
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Pink fabric Armchair - Grey
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Pink fabric Armchair - Walnut
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Pink fabric Armchair - Sky
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Pink fabric Armchair - Black
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Pink fabric Armchair - Red
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully bl...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Brown Leather Armchair - Pink
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testa...
Leather, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Brown Leather Armchair-Black
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testa...
Leather, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Brown Leather Armchair - Red
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testa...
Leather, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Brown Leather Armchair-Green
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testa...
Leather, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Leather Armchair - Light blue
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testa...
Leather, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Black Leather Armchair - Grey
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testa...
Leather, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Black Leather Armchair Walnut
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testa...
Leather, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Black Leather Armchair Pink
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testa...
Leather, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Black Leather Armchair Green
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testa...
Leather, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Black Leather Armchair
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testa...
Leather, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Luxury leather Armchair Black
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testa...
Leather, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Luxury leather Armchair Pink
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testa...
Leather, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Luxury leather Armchair Green
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testa...
Leather, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Armchair in Pink Velvet / Black
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann armchair stands as a t...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Armchair in Pink Velvet / Chrome
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann armchair stands as a t...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Armchair in Splendor fabric / Black
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann armchair stands as a t...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Armchair in Light blue fabric / Black
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann armchair stands as a t...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Armchair in Light blue fabric / Chrome
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann armchair stands as a t...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Armchair in Brown fabric / Chrome
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann armchair stands as a t...
Metal