Vico Magistretti Furniture
Italian, 1920-2006
As one of the founding fathers of modern Italian design, prolific architect and industrial designer Ludovico Magistretti (known by his nickname Vico) was guided by his philosophy, “There is no excuse for bad design.” His architectural projects are widely revered, and an ingenious meld of form and function can be found in his stylish and deceptively simple table lamps, sofas, armchairs and other mid-century furnishings.
Born in Milan, Magistretti followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather (both architects) to study architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. At the outbreak of World War II, he fled to Switzerland, and it was there he met his role model and mentor, renowned humanist architect Ernesto Nathan Rogers. Magistretti was inspired by Rogers’s vision to revive postwar Italy, and they collaborated on several reconstruction projects. Among Magistretti’s first architectural designs is a “poetic” round church, which he created for the QT8, an experimental Milanese neighborhood.
When Magistretti returned to Milan in 1945, he worked at his father’s architectural firm. It wasn’t until the early 1950s that he expanded his talents into design while working with furniture artisans.
In the 1960s, Magistretti began his 30-year working relationship with famed entrepreneur Cesare Cassina of the Cassina furniture manufacturing company. In their design approach, the two men shared a vision of the relationship between modernity and tradition and enjoyed a close bond (Magistretti designed Cassina’s luxurious villa in 1965). However, their friendship was not without contention.
Legend has it that upon seeing the prototype for Magistretti’s Maralunga sofa, Cassina hated it so much that he punched it, breaking the back of the sofa, which crumpled into itself.
“Right, great, it looks perfect to me like that,” an unfazed Magistretti allegedly responded, and the Maralunga’s slumped, adjustable-height backrest was born. Incidentally, the Maralunga sofa won Italy’s Compasso d’Oro award as did his Eclisse lamp for Artemide and his Atollo lamp for Oluce.
Magistretti died in 2006, but his designs live on in galleries, museums and private residences and offices around the world.
Find a range of vintage Vico Magistretti furniture and lighting on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Vico Magistretti
Set of 2 Kartell Maui Soft Trevira Chair in Acid Green by Vico Magistretti
By Vico Magistretti, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Maui chairs form a family with a rich variety of colours and shapes, both hard and soft, capable of satisfying specific needs, at home or in professiona...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Maui Swivel Chair Adjustable in Pale Blue by Vico Magistretti
By Vico Magistretti, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Maui chairs form a family with a rich variety of colours and shapes, both hard and soft, capable of satisfying specific needs, at home or in professional environments. Thanks to ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Maui Soft Trevira Chair in Blue by Vico Magistretti
By Vico Magistretti, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Maui chairs form a family with a rich variety of colours and shapes, both hard and soft, capable of satisfying specific needs, at home or in professiona...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Steel
Vico Magistretti “Carimate” Chairs for Cassina, Black Wood, 1960, set of 4
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" dining chairs for Cassina, black lacquered wood and straw seat, Italy, 1960, set of four.
Vico Magistretti’s “Carimate 892/115” chair, crafted for Cassin...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Straw, Wood
Kartell Maui Swivel Chair Adjustable in Navy Blue by Vico Magistretti
By Vico Magistretti, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Maui chairs form a family with a rich variety of colours and shapes, both hard and soft, capable of satisfying specific needs, at home or in professional environments. Thanks to ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Maui Soft Trevira ArmChair in Red by Vico Magistretti
By Vico Magistretti, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Maui chairs form a family with a rich variety of colours and shapes, both hard and soft, capable of satisfying specific needs, at home or in professional environments. Thanks to ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Steel
Set of 2 Kartell Maui Soft Trevira Chair in Beige by Vico Magistretti
By Vico Magistretti, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Maui chairs form a family with a rich variety of colours and shapes, both hard and soft, capable of satisfying specific needs, at home or in professiona...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Steel
Set of 2 Kartell Maui Soft Trevira Chair in Teal by Vico Magistretti
By Vico Magistretti, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Maui chairs form a family with a rich variety of colours and shapes, both hard and soft, capable of satisfying specific needs, at home or in professiona...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Sonora Suspension Lamp in Black Gold by Vico Magistretti for Oluce
By Oluce, Vico Magistretti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The story of Sonora is one of a pure geometrical shape, pursued by Magistretti throughout his entire life. The creative path followed by the architect and designer in his projects is...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Metal
Italian mid-century modern ceiling lamp Omega Vico Magistretti Artemide, 1960s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern ceiling lamp Omega Vico Magistretti Artemide, 1960s
Chandelier mod. Omega with round lampshade. The ceiling attachment is made of bronzed nickel-plated met...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Metal
Clitunno Floor Lamp in Bronze Edition by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1963
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Barcelona, ES
Clitunno floor lamp designed in 1963 by Vico Magistretti for the Italian company Artemide. Rare edition in bronze finished and opal glass.
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Steel
Vico Magistretti “Carimate” Chairs for Cassina, Black Wood, 1960, set of 8
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" dining chairs for Cassina, black lacquered wood and straw seat, Italy, 1960, set of eight.
Vico Magistretti’s “Carimate 892/115” chair, crafted for Cassi...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Straw, Wood
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1960, Set of 12
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" dining chairs for Cassina, black lacquered wood and straw seat, Italy, 1960, set of twelve.
The "Carimate" chair is one of Vico Magistretti’s most famous...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Straw, Wood
Set of 4 Plywood School Chairs by Vico Magistretti
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Toronto, CA
A set of 4 simple, stackable plywood chairs from designer Vico Magistretti. Use as desk and side chairs, or as a dining set. Cool but not too cool for school.
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Wood, Plywood
Set of Golem Chairs by Vico Magistretti for Poggi Pavia, 1968
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Budapest, HU
When design meets creativity, we achieve the most unique results. Take, for example, these Golem chairs that look as if a musical note has come to life. Designed by Vico Magistretti ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
Vico Magistretti, Chandelier Model Saturno, Venini, Out Production, Italy
By Venini, Vico Magistretti
Located in Milan, Italy
A chandelier model Saturno designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Venini, Murano, 1990. Out production.
Category
1990s Italian Modern Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Steel
Model Regina of Africa Armchair by Vico Magistretti, ca. 1979
By Vico Magistretti
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Folding armchair model Regina d'Africa from the Broomstick Series, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1979, in an elegant black version.
This refined chair features a solid beechwood f...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Wood, Beech
Golem chairs by Vico Magistretti, set of 6, 1970s
By Vico Magistretti, Poggi
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 6 dining chairs model 'Golem' designed by Vico Magistretti voor Poggi.
The chairs are made of black lacquered wood and upholstered with black skai.
Beautiful slim and modern...
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Leather, Lacquer
Six stackable 'T8' small tables by Vico Magistretti for Azucena, Italy, 1954
By Azucena, Vico Magistretti
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Six stackable 'T8' small tables by Vico Magistretti for Azucena, Italy, 1954
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Wood
Set of 2 white plastic armchairs "Vicario" model by V. Magistretti for Artemide
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Padova, IT
The Vicario armchair was designed by Vico Magistretti at the end of the 1960s for Artemide. In production from 1970 until the mid-1970s.
Made of ABS plastic, this armchair is characterized by fluid shapes and a perfect relationship between design, functionality and comfort.
An icon of Italian design in a futuristic style, it was used in the TV series "Spazio 1999" and is currently exhibited in the largest museums in the world including the MoMA and the Metropolitan Museum Of Art in New York and the Musée Des Arts Décoratifs De Montreal in Canada.
Ludovico "Vico" Magistretti (Milan, 6 October 1920 - Milan, 19 September 2006) was one of the most important Italian designers, architect and urban planner. His clean and essential design has characterized and inspired the world of creating furniture for the home, office and company throughout the second part of the twentieth century.
The legendary Italian lighting company Artemide was founded in the province of Milan in 1959 by the designer and engineer Ernesto Gismondi, born in Sanremo in 1931, and by the designer Sergio Mazza, born in Milan in 1931. As is known, it was the latter who designing the Alfa Lamp...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Ceiling Lamp "L'impiccato" by Vico Magistretti, 1978
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ceiling Lamp L'impiccato
Manufactured by Artemide Italy, 1978
Steel, Iron
220 cm length, adjustable height
88,6 in length, adjustable height
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Steel, Iron
Cirene chandeliers by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1960
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Vico Magistretti's 1960 Cirene chandeliers for Artemide are revolutionary works of design that embody the elegance and innovation of their time. Featuring clean, geometric lines, the...
Category
1960s Modern Vintage Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Two Seater in Bouclé Lacquered Wood Sofa Model "Carimate"
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Two Seater in Bouclé Lacquered Wood Sofa Model "Carimate"
Vico Magistretti (October 6, 1920 – September 19, 2006) was an Italian architect who was also active as ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Wood
FOUR CIRENE 03 DINING ARMCHAIRS DESiGNED BY VICO MAGISTRETTI FOR DE PADOVA
By Vico Magistretti
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this suite of four Vico Magistretti Cirene 03 bent Ash dining chairs made for De Padova
Please note the de...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Ash
Vico Magistretti Model Vm110 Vico Duo
By Vico Magistretti, Fritz Hansen
Located in Berkeley, CA
The Vico Duo is a stylish veneer stacking chair by Vico Magistretti that is versatile and perfectly suited for agile workspace and hospitality design.
Frit...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Oak
Sedie modello ''Golem'' di Vico Magistretti per Poggi, 1960s, set di 6
By Vico Magistretti, Poggi
Located in Quarrata, IT
Sedie di Vico Magistretti prodotte da Poggi, in Italia, negli anni '60.
Struttura in legno laccato marrone originale e sedute nuovamente ritappezzate in pelle di camoscio.
Category
1960s Vintage Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Leather, Suede, Wood
DIM Ceiling Lamp by O-Luce Alluminium Metal Italy 1970s
By Oluce, Vico Magistretti
Located in Milano, IT
Ceiling lamp with reflected light, chromed metal, enamelled aluminum.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
CIRENE 03 OFFICE DESK ARMCHAIR DESiGNED BY VICO MAGISTRETTI FOR DE PADOVA
By Vico Magistretti
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this Vico Magistretti Cirene 03 bent Ash office desk chair made for De Padova
Please note the delivery fee...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Ash
Vico Magistretti Idomeneo Bed Light Oluce, Italy, 1985
By Oluce, Vico Magistretti
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare Idomeneo 120 bed reading light designed by Vico Magistretti, manufactured by Oluce Italy 1985. This is a fantastic wall lamp great as a bed reading light because of the two full...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Metal
Set of 2 Kartell Maui Soft Trevira Chair in Red by Vico Magistretti
By Kartell, Vico Magistretti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Maui chairs form a family with a rich variety of colours and shapes, both hard and soft, capable of satisfying specific needs, at home or in professiona...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1960, Set of 12
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" dining chairs for Cassina, green lacquered wood and straw seat, Italy, 1960, set of twelve.
The "Carimate" chair is one of Vico Magistretti’s most famous...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Straw, Wood
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1960, Set of 10
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" dining chairs for Cassina, black lacquered wood and straw seat, Italy, 1960, set of ten.
The "Carimate" chair is one of Vico Magistretti’s most famous ...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Straw, Wood
Vico Magistretti & Per Skovholt, Elegant Comfi Senior Chair 'Mobi Chair, 2000
By Fredericia, Vico Magistretti
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach,...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Organic Modern Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Metal
Vico Magistretti, 1st Edition Chimera Floor Lamp for Artemide, Italy, 1960s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in PARIS, FR
Great vintage condition for this 1st edition of the iconic Chimera floor lamp designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide and produced in Italy during the 60s.
Metal base with very s...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamp "Snow" by Vico Magistretti for O-Luce, Italy, 1970
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern floor lamp "Snow" by Vico Magistretti for O-Luce, Italy, 1970.
Large white plexiglas shade and a circular Carrara marble base.
Condition :
Good condition
Des...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vico Magistretti Furniture
Materials
Marble
Vico Magistretti furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Vico Magistretti furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Vico Magistretti furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 434 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 156 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Vico Magistretti were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Joe Colombo, Carlo Nason, and Gaetano Sciolari. Prices for Vico Magistretti furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $125 and can go as high as $33,600, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,860.
Creators Similar to Vico Magistretti
Questions About Vico Magistretti Furniture
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Carimate chair for Cassina is one of the most celebrated pieces of Vico Magistretti but this designer is also well known for the Eclipse Table Lamp, Selene Stacking Chair, Chimera Lamp and more. He is seen as one of Italy’s most influential industrial designers, furniture designers and architects. Shop a collection of Magistretti furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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