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.
Sesann armchair in original brown velvet by G. Frattini for Cassina Italy 1970
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Sesann armchair designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina 1970s, Polyuretane, original mohair velvet, tubolar chromed steel structure, wooden base. Excellent condition. Sesann...
Metal
1970s Italian Cognac Leather & Chrome Sesann Lounge Armchair by Frattini Cassina
By Tacchini, Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Gianfranco Frattini, Mario Bellini
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
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
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
Iconic Mid Century Armchair Sesann by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
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
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Pair of Sesann armchairs in leather 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
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
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
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
Customizable Tacchini Agnese Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
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
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
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Armchair in White 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
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Luxury leather Armchair - Red
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
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 - White 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 - 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 - 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
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Blue fabric Armchair - Walnut
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 - 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 - 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 - 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 bl...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Pink fabric Armchair - Pink
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...
Wood, Fabric
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Armchair in Leather Green / 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
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 - Light blue 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 - Brown Leather Armchair Walnut
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
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 - Blue
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
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 - Red
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
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 Loren 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...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Armchair in Splendor 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...
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" Armchair in Leather Brown / 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 Leather Black / 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 Leather Beige / 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
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
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - White fabric Armchair - Pink
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 - 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
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 - Blue fabric 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 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 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 - 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 - 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 - Red 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 bl...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Red 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 - Light blue 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 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 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