Poltronova is known for embracing the creativity that opposites can introduce to a space. Its radical modernist furniture and lighting fixtures are simultaneously grounded in classic aesthetics and inspired by what were then new and provocative artistic movements in mid-century Italy, when the company was founded. This tension resulted in unique and extraordinary pieces at the manufacturer, from eccentric, glove-shaped armchairs to striking dining tables that feature a mix of materials and textures.
Italian designer Sergio Cammilli founded Poltronova in Tuscany in 1957. That same year, it won the Compasso d’Oro for the Panchetto chair designed by Luciano Nustrini. Revolutionary Italian architect Ettore Sottsass — a maestro of postmodern design who would later establish the Memphis Group — came on board as an art director in 1958. Poltronova manufactured many of his furniture and ceramic designs. Sottsass’s lighting, seating and other works for Poltronova showcase the designer’s bold experimentation with solid wood, glass, metal and laminate materials.
Other established names in Italian furniture design collaborated with Poltronova’s Sottsass and Cammilli, including Giovanni Michelucci, Gae Aulenti and Angelo Mangiarotti. However, the company truly set itself apart in its collaborations with Superstudio and Archizoom Associati, groups that were part of an irreverent, avant-garde movement in art and design that took shape during the 1960s in Florence, Turin and Milan. Collectives associated with the movement — which would one day be called Italian Radical design — drew on Pop art and minimalism and explored working with unconventional materials to create colorful, quirky and uniquely shaped objects and furnishings. At the time, Poltronova also worked with up-and-coming names in the art world, like painter Max Ernst and sculptor Mario Ceroli.
Poltronova showcased its groundbreaking designs in many exhibitions, such as “La Casa Abitata,” which was held in Florence in 1965. At Milan's Eurodomus trade show in 1970, Poltronova debuted an entire bedroom collection designed by Sottsass — including his sensuous Ultrafragola mirror. The brand’s furnishings were included in a 1972 exhibition at New York’s Museum of Modern Art called "Italy: The New Domestic Landscape," and in 1977, Poltronova again won the Compasso d’Oro for a book called Fare Mobili con Poltronova (Making Furniture with Poltronova).
Poltronova's enduring and acclaimed furniture designs came to be loved far outside Italy. During the 1960s, importer Charles Stendig represented the company and helped introduce it to the American market.
In 2005, Poltronova established the Centro Studi Poltronova to recreate some of the company's iconic furniture. The brand has also recently collaborated with English architect Nigel Coates, who worked with a Poltronova master craftsman in Italy to design a series of limited-edition furniture in 2011, including the Domo chair.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Poltronova tables, seating, storage cabinets and more.
"Locus" White Metal Chairs Design Gae Aulenti for Poltronova Italy 1960s
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of four Italian midcentury modern design dining chairs or out door chairs model “Locus” designed by Gae Aulenti and produced by Poltronova from 1964...
Metal
Mario Ceroli “Fratina” Chair for Poltronova, 1972, Italy, Pine, Stamped
By Poltronova, Mario Ceroli
Located in Almelo, NL
Mario Ceroli “Fratina” Chair in Pine for Poltronova, 1972, Italy Designed by Mario Ceroli in 1972 and produced by Poltronova, the “Fratina” chair is one of the most striking example...
Pine
Gae Aulenti for Poltronova Panca Bianca "Locus Solus," Italy 1964
By Poltronova, Gae Aulenti
Located in Naples, IT
Locus Solus is a series of outdoor furniture designed by architect Gae Aulenti in 1967, produced by Poltronova, Zanotta and later acquired by Exteta. The elements of the series are: ...
Metal
Pair of Fratina chairs designed by Mario Ceroli for Poltronova, Italy 1972
By Poltronova, Mario Ceroli
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Pair of iconic Fratina chairs, designed by the designer Mario Ceroli for Poltronova in 1972. Known for their bold and sculptural form, the Fratina chairs are a perfect example of Cer...
Wood, Pine
Set of 4 pink Locus Solus chairs by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1960s
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in amstelveen, NL
A set of 4 lacquered metal Locus Solus chairs by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1964. The round seat is perforated sheet metal. The structure, which forms the backrest, armrests, and le...
Steel
Luciano Nustrini, PA1 Chair, designed 1957, made by Poltronova
By Luciano Nustrini, Poltronova
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Luciano Nustrini (1928-1999), PA1 Chair, made by Poltronova, Italy 1950s This fabulous little chair is about as 1950s as you can get! Constructed with a curved walnut ply backrest,...
Steel
Italian Lounge Chairs by Rosario Vernuccio for Poltronova, 1958
By Rino Vernuccio, Poltronova
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Lounge Chairs by Rosario Vernuccio for Poltronova, 1958 Set of 4 lounge chairs or low chairs, designed by Rosario Vernuccio in 1958. Manufactured from Poltronova in the 196...
Metal
Mario Ceroli “Fratina” Sculptural Chair for Poltronova, 1972
By Mario Ceroli, Poltronova
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Ceroli “Fratina” sculptural chair for Poltronova, wood, Italy, 1972 An iconic blend of radical design and archaic inspiration, the “Fratina” chair by Mario Ceroli was designed...
Wood
Set of Six "Torbecchia" Chairs by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova, Italy, 196
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Milan, IT
Set of six "Torbecchia" chairs by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova. Sturdy solid walnut frame and movable leather-padded seating.
Leather, Walnut
sedia poltronova modello elisa design giovanni battista bassi 1964
By Poltronova
Located in taranto, IT
Sedia poltroncina modello "Elisa", disegnata da Giovanni Battista Bassi per Poltronova nel 1964. Misura cm 71 di altezza, cm 50 di profondità, cm 60 di larghezza e cm 45 di altezza...
Wood
Gae Aulenti for Poltronova Set of 4 Chairs "Locus Solus," Italy 1964
By Poltronova, Gae Aulenti
Located in Naples, IT
Locus Solus is a series of outdoor furniture designed by architect Gae Aulenti in 1967, produced by Poltronova, Zanotta and later acquired by Exteta. The elements of the series are: ...
Metal
Gae Aulenti Space Age Locus Solus Armchairs and Ottoman for Poltronova, 1964
By Poltronova, Gae Aulenti
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of 2 Locus Solus Lounge Chairs and Ottoman by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova – Restored This rare set includes two lounge chairs and one ottoman from the Locus Solus series, designe...
Iron
Mario Ceroli “Fratina” Sculptural Chairs for Poltronova, 1972, Set of 2
By Mario Ceroli, Poltronova
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Ceroli “Fratina” sculptural chairs for Poltronova, wood, Italy, 1972, Set of 2 An iconic blend of radical design and archaic inspiration, the “Fratina” chairs by Mario Ceroli ...
Wood
Mario Ceroli Set of Two Fratina High Chair in Pine by Poltronova 1972
By Mario Ceroli, Poltronova
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Set of two Fratina chairs in pine wood designed by Mario Ceroli in 1972 and produced by Poltronova. Mario Ceroli showed this chair for the first time during the Shakespearean piece...
Pine
Modern Italian beech wood and white leather chairs by Poltronova 1960s
By Poltronova
Located in MIlano, IT
Set of four chairs with solid beech wood structure with curved backrest. The seat of the chair is in white leather with crossed bands. Produced by Poltronova in approx. 1960. Excelle...
Leather, Wood
Mario Ceroli Set of Eight Fratina High Chair in Pine by Poltronova 1972
By Mario Ceroli, Poltronova
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Set of eight Fratina chairs in pine wood designed by Mario Ceroli in 1972 and produced by Poltronova. Mario Ceroli showed this chair for the first time during the Shakespearean piece of Richard III created by Luca Ronconi of which Mario Ceroli curated the scenography. The Fratina chair is probably the most recognizable and important object of the Mobili della Valle series, where Mario Ceroli began a three-dimensional transposition of the pictorial compositions of Giorgio De Chirico's "Mobili nella Valle". Ceroli started to work on this collection in 1965 recreating three unusually shaped pieces of sculptural wooden furniture...
Pine
Coppia sedie "Fratina SC190", design M. Ceroli, Prod. Poltronova, Italia 1972
By Poltronova, Mario Ceroli
Located in Napoli, IT
Timbro pirografico originale 'Ceroli poltronova'
Pine
$22,000 / set
H 26.19 in W 22.05 in D 22.05 in
Gae Aulenti “Locus Solus” Dining Chairs for Poltronova, 1964, Set of 10
By Poltronova, Gae Aulenti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gae Aulenti “Locus Solus” dining chairs for Poltronova, metal, Italy, 1964, set of ten Designed in 1964 by Gae Aulenti, the “Locus Solus” dining chairs are a vivid expression of Ita...
Metal
$1,250
H 26.19 in W 22.45 in D 21.86 in
Early Gae Aulenti for Zanotta 'Locus Solus' Tubular Armchair in Steel
By Gae Aulenti, Zanotta
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gae Aulenti for Zanotta, 'Locus Solus' armchair, chromed tubular steel, blue leatherette, Italy, 1964 This Locus Solus armchair, designed by Gae Aulenti and produced by Zanotta, is ...
Steel
Locus Solus chair designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova 1964
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Sedia Locus Solus disegnata da Gae Aulenti per Poltronova 1964. Una prima produzione in buone condizioni, seduta restaurata in bouclè. Struttura in metallo cromato, cotone. La sedia ...
Metal, Chrome
$12,521Sale Price|20% Off
H 37.41 in W 43.31 in D 68.9 in
Leather 'Joe' Chair Designed by De Pas, D'Urbino, Lomazzi for Poltronova, Italy
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in London, GB
This super sized, super cool, leather 'Joe' chair has now become a design classic. Designed by Jonathan De Pas, Donato D'Urbino and Paolo Lomazzi in 1970, this contemporary re-editio...
Metal
Poltronova, Sofa, Pine, Fabric, Italy, 1970s
By Poltronova
Located in High Point, NC
A Russian pine and yellow fabric designed by Poltronova, Italy, 1970s. Vintage fabric presents with light staining as illustrated. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimen...
Fabric, Pine
$5,289Sale Price|25% Off
H 32.29 in W 28.35 in D 39.38 in
Locus Solus armchair by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1964
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Locus Solus armchair designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova 1964. A first production in excellent condition, restored. Structure in painted metal,...
Iron
"Locus Solus" daybed by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1960s
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in bruxelles, BE
Daybed, meridian with cushion in yellow fabric with white stitching and metal structure by Gae Aulenti. Model: Locus Solus. Wear due to time and age FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RE...
Metal
$440 / item
H 31.5 in W 27.17 in D 15.56 in
White Rabbit Chair, Designed by Stefano Giovannoni, Made in Italy
By Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. The idea of the rabbit, a gentle, lovable and shy animal, comes from the association of its silhouette with that of a seat, where the rabbit's ears become the backrest of the chair. Designed for adults and children, this rabbit chair...
Plastic
$3,761 / set
H 32.68 in W 16.15 in D 17.72 in
Pair Of 699 Superleggera Chairs Designed By Gio Ponti For Cassina. Italy, 1957.
By Gio Ponti
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of Superleggera chairs designed by Gio Ponti for Figli Di Amadeo Cassina. Made of solid ash wood and rattan. Italy, 1957. Their construction challenge lies in the triangular sec...
Rattan, Wood
$1,451 / set
H 26.78 in W 21.66 in D 21.26 in
5x Original Locus Solus Stühle Poltronova Gae Aulenti Metall design
By Poltronova, Gae Aulenti
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen von fünf wunderschönen und sehr seltenen Armlehnstühlen des italienischen Traditionsherstellers Poltronova aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Design stammt vo...
Metal
Latonda chair designed by Mario Botta for Alias, Italy 1987
By Alias, Mario Botta
Located in Milano, IT
Latonda chair designed by Mario Botta for Alias, Italy 1987 The bent steel tube traces a fluid curve that gracefully moves through space. The two inclined circles, broken at the cen...
Steel
'Fratina' Chair by Mario CEROLI, 1972 SIGNED
By Mario Ceroli
Located in Berlin, Berlin
A Totem Chair designed by Mario Ceroli. Italy, Poltronova, 1972. Two 'FRATINA' chairs by Mario Ceroli, produced by Mobili Nella Valle for Poltronova. Unrefined Russian pine, stamped...
Pine
Gae Aulenti 'Locus Solus' Tubular Armchairs
By Poltronova, Gae Aulenti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, set of six 'Locus Solus' armchairs, chromed tubular steel, black leather, Italy, 1964 Set of six 'Locus Solus' armchairs. Th...
Steel
Set of Four Yellow 'Locus Solus' Chairs by Gae Aulenti
By Poltronova, Gae Aulenti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, set of four Locus Solus armchairs, lacquered tubular steel, Italy, 1964 Do you also love the movie La Piscine? You can bring its famous poolside furnit...
Steel
Pair Of 1960s Locus Solus Chairs By Gae Aulenti For Poltronova
By Poltronova
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A refined example of Italian modernist design, this pair of 1960s Locus Solus chairs by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova showcases a bold yet refined tubular aesthetic. Constructed from co...
Chrome
Sold
H 26.38 in W 22.84 in D 21.66 in
"Locus Solus" Chairs by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1960s, set of 6
By Poltronova, Gae Aulenti
Located in bruxelles, BE
Set of 6 chromed metal and black leather chairs designed by Gae Aulenti in the 60s. Model: Locus Solus. Seat height: 42 cm. Wear due to age and time of chairs. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST ...
Metal
Sold
H 26.38 in W 22.84 in D 21.66 in
"Locus Solus" Chairs by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1960s, set of 4
By Poltronova, Gae Aulenti
Located in bruxelles, BE
Set of 4 chromed metal and black leather chairs designed by Gae Aulenti in the 60s. Model: Locus Solus. Seat height: 42 cm. Wear due to age and time of chairs. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST ...
Metal
Sold
H 74.81 in W 19.3 in D 16.54 in
Italian modern throne chair by Mario Ceroli for Poltronova, 1970s
By Poltronova, Mario Ceroli
Located in MIlano, IT
Large chair, reminiscent of a throne especially due to the height of the seat. The backrest, which is indeed very large, has a curved and rounded shape at the end, as are the sides o...
Wood
Sold
H 75.2 in W 22.05 in D 20.48 in
Fratina chairs in pine wood designed by Mario Ceroli in 1972 by Poltronova.
By Poltronova, Mario Ceroli
Located in Almelo, NL
Set of two Fratina chairs in pine wood designed by Mario Ceroli in 1972 and produced by Poltronova. Mario Ceroli showed this chair for the first time during the Shakespearean piece of Richard III created by Luca Ronconi, in which Mario Ceroli curated the scenography. The Fratina chair is probably the most recognizable and essential object of the Mobili della Valle series, where Mario Ceroli began a three-dimensional transposition of the pictorial compositions of Giorgio De Chirico's "Mobili nella Valle." Ceroli started to work on this collection in 1965, recreating three unusually shaped pieces of sculptural wooden furniture...
Pine
Sold
H 26.38 in W 21.86 in D 20.67 in
"Locus" White Metal Chairs Design Gae Aulenti for Poltronova Italy 1960s
By Poltronova, Gae Aulenti
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of four Italian midcentury modern design dining chairs or out door chairs model “Locus” designed by Gae Aulenti and produced by Poltronova from 1964...
Metal
Sold
H 74.81 in W 23.23 in D 19.69 in
Pair of Fratina chairs by Mario Ceroli for Mobili Nella Valle for Poltronova
By Poltronova
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Fratina chairs by Mario Ceroli for Mobili Nella Valle for Poltronova, Italy 1972
Wood
Sold
H 38 in W 75 in D 49 in
Leather 'Joe' Chair by De Pas, D'Urbino, Lomazzi for Poltronova, Italy 1980s
By Poltronova, Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic 'Joe' glove chair in a buttery soft tan leather was Designed by Jonathan De Pas, Donato D'Urbino and Paolo Lomazzi in the 1970's and signed by all three designers. This chair, combining elegant Italian design with the game of Baseball was made in recognition of the beloved American Baseball player, Joe Di Maggio who was admired by all 3 of these designers. A great little baseball shaped pillow in soft leather comes with the chair adding comfort and uniqueness. An extremely comfortable and monumental lounge chair...
Metal
Gae Aulenti set of two lounge chairs 1960s.
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in bari, IT
Set of two lounge chairs from the Locus Solar series by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova late 1960s.
Metal
Set of 8 Elisa Chairs, Giovanni Bassi, Poltronova, 1075 ca
By Poltronova
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This Set of 8 Elisa Chairs, designed by Giovanni Bassi for Poltronova circa 1970, stands as an exemplary testament to the innovative spirit and aesthetic brilliance of 20th-century I...
Velvet, Wood