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 Cassina, Tacchini, Mario Bellini, Gianfranco Frattini, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
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 Lina Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Lina is a re-edition of one of the earliest projects designed by Gianfranco Frattini, one of the great masters of Italian design. Nominated in 1955 for the Compasso d’oro, the armcha...
Leather, Fabric
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Lounge Chair in Green Upholstery and Teak
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, lounge chair, model 877, fabric, teak, Italy, 1959 This grand lounge chair is based on a solid construction, featuring strict lines and angular shap...
Fabric, Teak
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
Sesann armchairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina 1970
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Sesann armchairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina 1970s, Polyuretane, leather, tubolar chromed steel structure, wooden base. Excellent condition. Reupholster in new vi...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Armchair 877 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Armchair 877 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, New Beige Upholstery
Fabric, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini Space Age Black Leather Sesann Armchair for Cassina, 1972
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann armchair, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. It features black leather upholstery and a chrome tubular cage as structur...
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini, Wingback Armchair Model 877, Cassina 1959
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Argelato, BO
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, lounge chair, model 877, fabric, teak, Italy, 1959 This grand lounge chair is based on a solid construction, featuring strict lines and angular shap...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Sesann Armchairs by Gianfranco Fratinni in Leather for Cassina Italian
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Pair of Sesann armchairs designed by the Italian designer Gianfranco Fratinni for Cassina in 1969. Chrome-plated tubular steel frame and brown lea...
Chrome
Customizable Tacchini Agnese Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric Model 849, one of his most famous armchairs, was designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1956. Awarded honorable mention at the 3rd Compasso d’Oro, Agnes...
Leather, Fabric
Chrome Metal Lounge Chair with Loose Cushions by Gianfranco Frattini, Italy
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York City, NY
Lounge Chair by Gianfranco Frattini, Italy, circa 1970s. Sleek, low lounge chair with chrome-plated metal frame, tubular legs, and unique arm and backrests typical of acclaimed f...
Chrome
Mid-Century Pair of Sesann Armchairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Pair of Sesann Armchairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1970s - New Upholstery
Metal
Pair of Armchairs Mod. 849 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Armchairs Mod. 849 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1950s
Fabric, Wood
Set of 2 Gianfranco Frattini Chairs Modell 830, 1950s, Cassina, Italy
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This pair of "Model 830" armchairs was designed by Gianfranco Frattini for the Italian company Cassina in the 1950s. Both pieces are upholstered in dark green fabric and are supporte...
Fabric, Wood
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric An icon of Italian design in the 1970s, the Sesann collection by Gianfranco Frattini was part of a new vision of contemporary living in which ergono...
Leather, Fabric
Armchair Designed by Gianfranco Frattini 1960 Model '880'
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Berlin, DE
This sophisticated piece of furniture, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1960 for Cassina, stands out for its scultural and futuristic line. The cover, renewed like the foam, is mad...
Leather, Rosewood
Armchairs "849" by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1950s, set of 2
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of brown leather and wood armchairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. Model: 849. Seat height: 40 cm. Stamped Cassina. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR R...
Leather, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini Black Leather Sesann Armchair for Cassina, 1972, Set of 2
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
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
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
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
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
Mid-Century Pair of Sesann Armchairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Pair of Sesann Armchairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1970s - Original Leather
Leather
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
Iconic Mid Century Armchair Sesann by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an iconic example of Italian radical design of the 1970s, the Sesann armchair was designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in 1970 and remains one of...
Steel
Original Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina armchairs. Model 877 Italy c1959
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
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
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
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
$15,200
H 27.56 in W 94.49 in D 35.44 in
Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, Cognac Leather, 1969
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, cognac leather, Italy, 1969 Designed in 1969 by Gianfranco Frattini, the Sesann collection marked a turning point in upholstered furni...
Leather
Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
Sesann 180cm Sofa Mays Color 01 - Cat. M Frame T07 Painted Black Walnut T43 Feet A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs...
Fabric
$9,602 / item
H 26.38 in W 70.87 in D 37.1 in
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cozy forms that evoke feelings of warmth and sensuality, thanks to the...
Leather, Fabric
$9,602 / item
H 26.38 in W 70.87 in D 37.1 in
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
$10,693 / item
H 26.38 in W 94.49 in D 37.1 in
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
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
$4,163
H 40.95 in W 33.86 in D 37.41 in
Italian mid-century modern armchair 877 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1959
By Cassina, Gian Franco Frattini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern armchair 877 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1959 Armchair mod. 877 in brown velvet-like fabric. The backrest has two lateral headrests at the top, thi...
Fabric, Wood
$24,000 / set
H 29.5 in W 30 in D 32 in
Gianfranco Frattini, Lounge Chairs, Plywood, Fabric, Italy, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of plywood, brass and red fabric lounge chairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Cassina, Italy, c. 1950s. Wood has recently been refinished. Vintage fabric in...
Fabric, Plywood
$7,363 / item
H 26.38 in W 43.21 in D 37.1 in
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric An icon of Italian design in the 1970s, the Sesann collection by Gianfranco Frattini was part of a new vision of contemporary living in which ergono...
Leather, Fabric
$9,472 / item
H 26.38 in W 94.49 in D 38.18 in
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that evoke feelings of warmth and sensuality, thanks to the...
Leather, Fabric
$4,074Sale Price|40% Off
H 26.37 in W 43.3 in D 37 in
Original SESANN Indoor Lounge Chair by Gianfranco Frattini - made in Italy
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Carson, CA
The Sesann armchair designed by Frattini is an icon of 1970s Italian design, the absolute representation of softness, inviting one to give in to the beauty of the most authentic comf...
Chrome
$4,422 / item
H 28.74 in W 33.7 in D 29.92 in
Customizable Tacchini Agnese Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric Model 849, one of his most famous armchairs, was designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1956. Awarded honorable mention at the 3rd Compasso d’Oro, Agnes...
Leather, Fabric
"Sesann" Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Roma, IT
A vintage sofa from "Sesann" Series, realized by Frattini in 1970. Alcantara upholstery, tubular chromed steel. Cassina label. Inches 23.6 (h) x 66.9 x 35.4 (d). An iconic expres...
Steel
Gianfranco Frattini Pair of Armchairs in Red Velvet
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini, pair of armchairs, velvet, chromed metal, wood, Italy, 1970s Soft, cozy armchairs by Italian designer Gianfranco Frattini. Due to their shape, the chairs evok...
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 30.32 in W 19.69 in D 18.12 in
Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Set of Eight Armchairs in Leather and Walnut
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, set of eight armchairs model ‘831’, leather, walnut, 1981 This delicate set of eight armrests is designed by the Italian m...
Leather, Walnut
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Gianfranco Frattini in Chromed Metal
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini, pair of lounge chairs, fabric and chromed metal, Italy, 1970s A Postmodern set of two easy chairs that features bulky shapes. A tubular chromes steel frame fo...
Metal
Sold
H 28.75 in W 33.08 in D 28.75 in
Pair of Armchairs "849 " by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Armchairs "849 " by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1960s
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 30.71 in W 22.64 in D 30.32 in
Original Pair of Gianfranco Frattini 836 Lounge Chairs, Cassina, Italy, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A rare pair of original lounge chairs by Gianfranco Frattini, produced by Cassina, Italy, 1950s. In good original condition - wooden frames, patinated brass legs and presumably orig...
Metal
Tariff Tacchini Lina Armchair
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
just tariff
Fabric
Sesann Armchairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Oakville, CA
Design care of Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. Made in Italy, 1970s. Reupholstered by Joe Banone in his Paris Atelier [recently worked on all seating in Lenny Kravitz's home as seen...
Chrome
Sold
H 40.56 in W 33.47 in D 36.23 in
Armchair and ottoman mod 877 Gianfranco Frattini Cassina 1959 white mohair
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Poltrona modello ‘877’, disegnata da Gianfranco Frattini per Cassina nel 1959. La struttura è in legno di teak, mentre l’imbottitura in espanso è rivestita in lana mohair bianco. Un ...
Mohair, Wood
Sold
H 25.6 in W 37.8 in D 42.52 in
Mid-Century Pair of Sesann Armchairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Pair of Sesann Armchairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s
Chrome
Sold
H 30.32 in W 26.78 in D 29.53 in
Gianfranco Frattini per Cassina Coppia di Poltrone Mod.836, Italia 1960s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Naples, IT
Gianfranco Frattini per Cassina rara coppia di poltrone modello 836 con struttura in noce, gambe in tubolare metallico verniciato nero e cuscini di schienale e seduta rivestiti in te...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 27.75 in W 21 in D 19 in
Rare set 4 Gianfranco Frattini Chairs for Bernini.. Modernist , Made In Italy
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Buffalo, NY
PRICED PER CHAIR !!! Rare set of 4 Italian Modernist . Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini mid-century modern and stylish chairs with Italian Rosewood seat back, circular upholstered se...
Steel
Sesann Armchair
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in London, GB
A newly reupholstered "Sesann" armchair in luxurious baby pink velvet, designed by renowned Italian architect Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Cassina in 1969 (first edition).
Stainless Steel