The brainchild of the Fratelli Gugliermetto company, Gufram was born in 1966 in Turin, Italy, massively inspired by the avant-garde artistic culture that reigned in Europe during the 1960s and '70s. The brand is known for its CACTUS coat stand and sculptural seating such as the Pratone chair as well as other massive, innovative pieces that fall somewhere between art and furniture.
Starting in the mid-1960s, proponents of Italian Radical Design — which included forward-looking collectives like Archizoom and Studio 65 — broke with formality and convention by fusing the joy of Pop art with the systems of mass production.
One of the brands that formed as a result of these experiments was Gufram, a manufacturer at the forefront of the country’s Radical Design movement. The Gugliermetto brothers teamed up with emerging artists to harness exciting new materials — among them, polyurethane foam, which was originally used in the transportation industry as insulation to keep buses and trains warm.
Despite being credited for revolutionizing Italian design, until the mid-1970s, Gufram was largely unknown outside the small Italian town where it was founded. Nearly six years after the brand’s inception, though, word got out about a furniture brand transforming polyurethane foam into gigantic works of art. So, Gufram brought its playful and witty design concept across the Atlantic to New York’s Museum of Modern Art, where it had its first international show.
Gufram produced much of the Pop furniture — the CACTUS coat rack by Guido Drocco and Franco Mello and the Bocca sofa, in the shape of big red lips, by Studio 65 — that came to define the Anti-Design movement. (Through a relationship with Gufram, the latter was imported to the United States by Charles Stendig, a collector and pioneering importer who helped spark America’s interest in furniture from Finland, Switzerland and Italy during the 1960s and ‘70s.)
Although furniture can be serious business, it’s just as often playful, provocative, energizing and even liberating. Perhaps nothing embodies these characteristics better than postmodern Italian design. And one of the most iconic pieces to originate during Italy’s fertile period of postmodern furniture design is the Pratone chair, designed in 1971 by Giorgio Ceretti, Piero Derossi and Riccardo Rosso.
Representing a magnified portion of a grassy meadow, the Pratone chaise provides a lounging place for an individual or a group. “It is so unlike anything else that it stands out and is still iconic after 50 years,” said Charley Vezza, Gufram’s global creative orchestrator.
Made of painted polyurethane foam, the Pratone chair immediately became the symbol of a new and different approach to interiors when it debuted.
Gufram has become a favorite of the international art crowd and glitterati, and its products have made their way to the world’s most renowned museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Vitra Design Museum and more.
British fashion designer Paul Smith and American multi-hyphenate artist A$AP Rocky have collaborated with Gufram over the years. Interior designer Tony Ingrao has called the Pratone chair one of his favorite works and featured the larger-than-life piece in an exhibition he curated at R & Company in 2016.
Find new and vintage Gufram chairs, sofas, mirrors and other Gufram furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
$320 / item
Guframini Pratone
By Gufram Furniture
Located in Milan, IT
Gufram icons have become smaller and have turned into Guframinis! Designed in a 1:8 scale the new miniatures perfectly reproduce the famous original sculptures. Each "mini" creation ...
Resin
GUFRAM Another Green Cactus Sculptural Coatrack by Drocco & Mello
By Guido Drocco and Franco Mello, Gufram Furniture
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Cactus is the icon of Italian design that has revolutionized the domestic landscape. Made of flexible polyurethane this hall tree with four cantilever arms is as tall as a person and...
Other
$345 / item
Guframini Cactus
By Gufram Furniture
Located in Milan, IT
Gufram icons have become smaller and have turned into Guframinis! Designed in a 1:8 scale the new miniatures perfectly reproduce the famous original sculptures. Each "mini" creation ...
Resin
Another Green Cactus, Coat Stand / Sculpture by Drocco / Mello for Gufram
By Gufram Furniture
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
The subject of several, free and often ambiguous interpretations, Cactus is the icon of Italian design that has revolutionized the domestic landscape, by subverting the borders betwe...
Other
$22,800Sale Price|20% Off
Rare 1986 Limited Edition Gufram Multipli Cactus, Signed & Numbered 1257 of 2000
By Guido Drocco and Franco Mello, Gufram Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare and highly collectible limited edition Gufram 'Cactus' coat / hat rack sculpture designed by Guido Drocco and Franco Mello, part of the legendary Italian Radical Design and Po...
Polystyrene
GUFRAM Sunrise Cactus by Drocco & Mello - Paul Smith limited edition 1/169
By Guido Drocco and Franco Mello, Gufram Furniture, Paul Smith
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Gufram and Paul Smith renew their collaboration to present the SUNRISE CACTUS®, a bold new interpretation of the iconic piece originally designed by Guido Drocco and Franco Mello in ...
Other
GUFRAM Cactus Infrared Sculptural Coatrack by Drocco & Mello
By Guido Drocco and Franco Mello, Gufram Furniture
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Cactus: The Invisible Spectrum is a collection by Gufram that features three unique and surprising Cactus inspiried by the optical wavelenght range. Gufram makes exceptionally visibl...
Other
$2,800 / item
Gufram "the End Stool Is Black" by Toiletpaper
By Toiletpaper, Gufram Furniture, Maurizio Cattelan & Pierpaolo Ferrari
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The funeral look of this furniture-sculpture is tempered by the softness of the polyurethane that makes it: in perfect Gufram tradition nothing is as it seems. "THE END in BLACK" is ...
Paint
GUFRAM Another White Cactus Sculptural Coatrack by Drocco & Mello
By Gufram Furniture, Guido Drocco and Franco Mello
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Cactus is the icon of Italian design that has revolutionized the domestic landscape. Made of flexible polyurethane this hall tree with four cantilever arms is as tall as a person and...
Other
Gufram Punch A Wall Limited Edition Sculptural Punching / Boxing Bag Studio Job
By Studio Job (Job Smeets), Gufram Furniture
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Studio Job for Gufram, Punch A Wall is a provocative collectible object that transforms an ordinary boxing bag into a surreal work of Italian Radical Design. Produced as ...
Other
GUFRAM Cactus Gammablue Sculptural Coatrack by Drocco & Mello
By Guido Drocco and Franco Mello, Gufram Furniture
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Cactus: The Invisible Spectrum is a collection by Gufram that features three unique and surprising Cactus inspiried by the optical wavelenght range. Gufram makes exceptionally visibl...
Other
GUFRAM Cactus Ultraviolet Sculptural Coatrack by Drocco & Mello
By Guido Drocco and Franco Mello, Gufram Furniture
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Cactus: The Invisible Spectrum is a collection by Gufram that features three unique and surprising Cactus inspiried by the optical wavelenght range. Gufram makes exceptionally visibl...
Other
$10,200 / item
GUFRAM Nerocactus Sculptural Coatrack by Drocco & Mello
By Gufram Furniture, Guido Drocco and Franco Mello
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Cactus is the icon of Italian design that has revolutionized the domestic landscape. Made of flexible polyurethane this hall tree with four cantilever arms is as tall as a person and...
Other
$280 / item
Guframini Bocca
By Gufram Furniture
Located in Milan, IT
Gufram icons have become smaller and have turned into Guframinis! Designed in a 1:8 scale the new miniatures perfectly reproduce the famous original sculptures. Each "mini" creation ...
Resin
$555 / item
Guframini God
By Gufram Furniture
Located in Milan, IT
Gufram icons have become smaller and have turned into Guframinis! Designed in a 1:8 scale the new miniatures perfectly reproduce the famous original sculptures. Each "mini" creation ...
Resin
Another White Cactus - Coat Stand / Sculpture by Drocco/Mello for Gufram
By Gufram Furniture
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
The subject of several, free and often ambiguous interpretations, Cactus is the icon of Italian design that has revolutionized the domestic landscape, by subverting the borders betwe...
Other
Gufram "the End Stool Is Black" by Toiletpaper
By Toiletpaper, Gufram Furniture, Maurizio Cattelan & Pierpaolo Ferrari
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The funeral look of this furniture-sculpture is tempered by the softness of the polyurethane that makes it: in perfect Gufram tradition nothing is as it seems. "THE END in BLACK" is ...
Paint
ClassiCon Black Usha Umbrella Stand in Steel by Eckart Muthesius
By Eckart Muthesius
Located in New York, NY
It is a sign of a most mature culture when articles of everyday use also come to catch the aesthetic eye. Coiling upwards like a snake at a snake-charming is Eckart Muthesius‘ spiral...
Steel
Set of 3 Graphite Pin Wall Decor by Zieta
By Zieta
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Graphite Pin wall decor by Zieta Dimensions: Diameter 10, 12, 14 cm Material: Carbon steel. Finish: Powder-coated. Available in colors: ...
Steel
$470
H 9.06 in W 6.89 in D 1.97 in
Murano Glass Fish Sculpture, Blue/ Green Tones , Mid Century - Italy ca. 1970
By Murano Glass Sommerso
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Extraordinary designed, beautifully colored Murano glass fish sculpture from the period around 1970. Another highly decorative piece in our fine Murano glass selection. This fantasti...
Murano Glass
ClassiCon Usha Umbrella Stand in Steel by Eckart Muthesius
By Eckart Muthesius
Located in New York, NY
It is a sign of a most mature culture when articles of everyday use also come to catch the aesthetic eye. Coiling upwards like a snake at a snake-charming is Eckart Muthesius‘ spiral...
Steel
Copper Pin Wall Decor by Zieta
By Zieta
Located in Geneve, CH
Copper pin wall decor by Zieta Dimensions: diameter 16 cm Material: Copper. Finish: Polished. Available in 10, 12, 14, and 16 cm. Availab...
Copper
From $1,343 / item
+ 2 moreH 67.72 in Dm 13.78 in
Bubble Clothes Stand in Black Aniline Structure, by Skrivo
By Skrivo Design, Miniforms
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The bubble standing clothes stand is available in black aniline wooden spheres, with a lacquered structure in white, black, silk grey, dusty grey or intense blue. Born in Croatia...
Wood
$258
H 7.88 in W 3.75 in D 4.14 in
Art Deco Charles Lemanceau for Saint-Clément fawn sculpture, 1930's, green glaze
By Saint-Clément, Charles Lemanceau
Located in BELFORT, FR
French Art Deco ceramic fawn sculpture, designed by Charles Lemanceau for the ceramic manufacture Saint-Clément in the 1930's. Perfect condition.
Ceramic
$9,500 / item
H 84 in W 13 in D 10 in
Coat Rack Sculptural Modern Spherical Geometric Handmade Carved Blackened Steel
By J.M. Szymanski
Located in Bronx, NY
COAT RACK J.M. Szymanski d. 2017 This unique coat stand is contemporary sculpture. A solid cast sphere supports a slender stand, which can hold between 5-...
Steel
$1,000
H 2.56 in W 5.91 in D 11.62 in
Modern Cast Iron Vintage Bootjack by Luber Guß Vienna, circa 1970
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage bootjack from cast iron beetle like shape circa 1970s. Manufactured by Luber Guß Vienna. The vintage condition is good. approx. measures: Width: 15 cm Len...
Iron
$6,311Sale Price / item|15% Off
H 66.93 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
Gufram Another White Cactus Coat Stand By Drocco/Mello
By Gufram Furniture
Located in New York, NY
The subject of several, free and often ambiguous interpretations, Cactus is the icon of Italian design that has revolutionized the domestic landscape, by subverting the borders betwe...
Textile
$2,375
H 9.5 in W 13 in D 6.5 in
Loet Vanderveen Bronze Reclining Horse Sculpture Signed Numbered Limited Edition
By Franz Hagenauer, Loet Vanderveen
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Loet Vanderveen Limited Edition Bronze Reclining Horse Sculpture, Signed & Numbered 230/500 A striking limited edition bronze horse sculpture by renowned Dutch-American sculptor Loet Vanderveen (1921–2015). Expertly cast in patinated bronze, the sculpture depicts a reclining horse with its head gracefully raised in a powerful, expressive pose, as if neighing, capturing both strength and serenity through Vanderveen's distinctive stylized aesthetic. Known for his masterful interpretations of wildlife, Vanderveen combined the elegance of Art Deco, the simplified forms of Mid-Century Modern design, and subtle Cubist influences to create sculptures celebrated for their timeless appeal. The rich dark patina is beautifully contrasted by warm bronze highlights on the tail, emphasizing the refined modeling and exceptional craftsmanship. This example is signed "Loet ©" and numbered 230/500 on the underside, from a strictly limited edition of only 500 casts. Highly collectible, Vanderveen's bronze animal sculptures are sought after by collectors of modern sculpture, equestrian art, and fine decorative objects. Perfect for display on a desk, bookshelf, mantel, or cocktail table, this elegant bronze horse makes a sophisticated statement in both traditional and contemporary interiors. Artist: Loet Vanderveen (Dutch/American, 1921–2015) Title: Reclining Horse Edition: 230/500 Origin: USA Date: Late 20th Century Material: Patinated bronze, the piece features a distinct dark-and-light golden-brown patina Style: Mid-Century Modern / Art Deco / Modernist Dimensions: 13 in x 9.5 in. Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a rich original patina. Signed "Loet ©" and numbered 230/500 on the underside. An exceptional and highly collectible work by one of the most celebrated animal sculptors of the 20th century, ideal for collectors of bronze sculpture, equestrian art, Mid-Century Modern design, and wildlife sculpture. Keywords: Loet Vanderveen, Loet bronze...
Bronze
Sold
H 104.34 in W 31.5 in D 27.56 in
1st Edition Cactus Coat Rack by Guido Drocco & Franco Mello for Gufram, 1960s
By Guido Drocco and Franco Mello, Gufram Furniture
Located in London, GB
1st edition cactus designed by Guido Drocco and Franco Mello. Italian Radical Design. c1968. Manufactured by Gufram This piece is one of the 1st edition of 2000 made in 1968. They w...
Plastic, Foam
Sold
H 65.75 in Dm 29.53 in
Cactus Coat Rack Designed by Guido Rocco & Franco Mello, Edited by Gunfram
By (after) Andy Warhol, Guido Drocco and Franco Mello, Gufram Furniture
Located in Madrid, ES
Cactus model coat rack designed by Guido Drocco and Franco Mello. Edited by Gufram. Special edition of 99 copies in collaboration with the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts....
Other
Gufram Another White Cactus Designed by Drocco / Mello in Stock
By Gufram Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Coat stand of soft polyurethane finished by hand with Guflac The subject of several, free and often ambiguous interpretations, Cactus is the icon of Italian design that has revoluti...
Plastic
Cactus/Another Green by Gufram+Broken Mirror/ Grey by Gufram
By Gufram Furniture
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cactus/Another Green by Gufram +Broken Mirror/ Grey by Gufram + half shipping cost to Thailand
Other
Sold
H 66.93 in Dm 23.63 in
Pop-Art TOTEM Cactus by Guido Drocco & Franco Mello for Gufram No. 487, Italy
By Gufram Furniture, Guido Drocco and Franco Mello
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage original, Pop-Art four-armed coat ‘Cactus' stand, produced in 1986 as number 487 /2000 designed by Guido Drocco & Franco Mello for GUFRAM in soft polyurethane, finished by ha...
Foam, Paint
Sold
H 29.93 in W 45.28 in D 39.38 in
1972, Studio 65, Gufram, Large Capitello, Used by Erwin Olaf & Karin Bloemen
By Gufram Furniture, Studio 65
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
Beautiful object. Used for a photoshoot by Erwin Olaf, to shoot Karin Bloemen. From first owner. Some color difference and stains appeared over time. Some small damages. (see pict...
Polymer
Sold
H 29.53 in W 25.2 in D 18.51 in
1972, Piero Gilardi by Gufram, Sassi, Sedilsasso, Sasso Authentic Vintage
By Gufram Furniture, Piero Gilardi
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
The three rocks are a spectacular iconic set. Every rock has a unique appearance and feel of structure, which makes them a realistic set of rocks. The biggest rock is in very good...
Polystyrene
Sold
H 66.93 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
Gufram Cactus 1986 N°746/2000 G. Drocco F. Mello designed 1972 out of Prod
By Gufram Furniture, Guido Drocco and Franco Mello
Located in Munster, NRW
Wonderful, original Gufrma Cactus in green - comes with original certificate. 1,70cm high....very nice condition! The version in green is out of production since 2010. polyuret...
Foam