Simon International Armchairs

Rare and extraordinary Viscontea armchair, designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Simon Gavina—a refined industrial reinterpretation of the Sanluca armchair from twenty years earlier and a true icon of 1980s Italian design. This piece is often mistakenly attributed to the Gavina Technical Studio; however, the reissue was entrusted to the Castiglioni brothers, as clearly stated in Simon’s original advertising materials. Published in leading design magazines of the time, the Viscontea is a perfect synthesis of formal experimentation and enveloping comfort. Its bold and sculptural silhouette, marked by the iconic “double curve” of the backrest—evoking the profile of a noble collar or the shape of a stylized pelican—makes the Viscontea instantly recognizable and visually striking. The fully padded structure, upholstered in original bright green Alcantara, emphasizes the theatrical nature of the seat and the craftsmanship behind its creation, while the enveloping volume invites the sitter into a protective, immersive comfort zone that balances art and function. Produced by Simon International under the direction of Dino Gavina, this armchair stands as one of the pinnacles of the Castiglioni brothers’ collaboration—brilliant interpreters of the radical and innovative thinking that brought Italian design to global fame. The original upholstery, bearing the Simon label beneath the shell, guarantees the authenticity of the piece. A collector’s item that is increasingly rare on the market, this armchair doesn’t just furnish a space—it defines it. Ideal for both contemporary interiors and curated collections, the Viscontea is a visionary tribute to 20th-century design. In near-perfect condition, with only minimal signs of use on the base—otherwise, it appears as new. Simon International was founded in 1968 by Dino Gavina with the aim of moving beyond traditional industrial logic and restoring a cultural and poetic dimension to design, where furniture becomes a conceptual and intellectual expression. The name “Simon” was chosen to represent a new, abstract, and international identity. The brand stood out for its production of sophisticated, minimal, and architectural furnishings—often straddling the line between art and design—crafted with premium materials and artisanal care. Simon collaborated with masters such as Carlo Scarpa, Kazuhide Takahama, Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Marcel Breuer, Man Ray, Tobia Scarpa, and Mario Ceroli, creating pieces that have become true cult classics of Italian design—frequently published and now highly sought after by collectors. In 2013, Cassina acquired the Simon collection, preserving its original vision and reintroducing its iconic pieces through the “SimonCollezione.” Simon remains one of the most radical and visionary experiences in 20th-century Italian design. Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni were among the most influential and innovative Italian designers of the 20th century, key figures in the golden age of Italian design, celebrated for their ability to blend functionality, irony, and formal research into everyday objects elevated to icon status. Sons of the sculptor Giannino Castiglioni, both earned architecture degrees from the Politecnico di Milano and began working together in the 1950s, founding a studio known for its experimental and deeply interdisciplinary approach that combined architecture, art, engineering, and popular culture. They collaborated with the most important Italian design companies, including Flos, Zanotta, Cassina, Kartell, and Simon Gavina, creating historically significant products such as the Arco lamp, Toio lamp, Mezzadro seat, Sella...

Arnolfo armchair by Ufficio Progetti Gavina. Structure in lacquered multilayered wood. Padding in polyurethane. Recently upholstered with original chenille velvet. Bibliography: Fon...