Chair Model Poltrona Lady by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Milan, 1950s
About the Item
- Creator:Marco Zanuso (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 31.5 in (80 cm)Width: 30.71 in (78 cm)Depth: 20.87 in (53 cm)Seat Height: 14.97 in (38 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Delft, NL
- Reference Number:
Marco Zanuso
Italian designer Marco Zanuso helped cement his country’s place as a world leader in furniture design that used new materials in revolutionary ways.
Zanuso was part of a generation of furniture designers who encouraged a sharp departure from the traditionalism and classicalism that reigned over the design industry before the war. These designers, who are associated with what we now call mid-century modernism, experimented with new technologies and materials to deliver on the world’s newfound need for streamlined products that represented the future.
After graduating from the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1939 with a degree in architecture, Zanuso served in the Navy during World War II. Soon after the war, he opened his own design firm in Milan in 1945. He later became an editor at well-regarded design magazines Domus and Casabella. He used this editorial platform to both promote new Italian designs as well as his own pieces, some of which he made using unconventional materials like foam and latex. For instance, his famous Lady armchair from 1951 is a composition of foam rubber and Nastro Cord, a recently invented textile band of rubberized fabric that eliminated the need for metal springs. It was one of several pieces he designed for Italian manufacturer Arflex, along with the 1949 Antropus chair and the 1951 Sleep-o-matic sofa.
Zanuso often collaborated with other like-minded creatives. From 1955 until 1957, he was Olivetti’s architect, designing factories across Brazil, and for nearly two decades, he collaborated with German designer Richard Sapper. The pair’s most famous product is the 4999 children’s chair, manufactured in the 1960s by Kartell in Italy. The stackable chair was the first to be manufactured entirely of injection-molded plastic. Zanuso and Sapper also partnered on the 1962 Brionvega Doney 14, the first European-made portable transistor TV; its sleek, compact and curvy form deeply influenced the design of television sets that followed, which were far more sculptural in form than the rigid boxes that characterized early models.
From the 1970s onward, Zanuso taught architecture and industrial design at the Polytechnic University of Milan. He still exercised his creative talents, planning the headquarters for computer companies and renovating Italian theaters.
Each of Zanuso’s elegant works were demonstrative of a forward-looking sensibility. His projects saw an integration of novel industrial materials that not only helped emphasize the beauty of good design but also played a role in rendering these well-made products accessible to everyday consumers.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Marco Zanuso furniture, including armchairs, sofas, table lamps and other items.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Delft, Netherlands
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Gallery Collection Chairs by Giorgetti, Model 6141/0By Giorgetti S.p.A.Located in Delft, NLGallery Collection chairs by Giorgetti, model 6141/0 2 gigantic armchairs, designed by Giorgetti, Italy, 1980s. Model 6141/0 from the Gallery Co...Category
20th Century Italian Armchairs
MaterialsLeather, Beech
- Skai Upholstered Armchair with Teak Legs, 1950sLocated in Delft, NLA beautiful quality, Skai upholstered armchair with teak legs 1950s Unknown maker and place of origin The measurements are: Total height is 87 cm Seat heigh...Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Armchairs
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Skai Upholstered Round Shaped Armchair with Teak Legs, 1950sLocated in Delft, NLA Vintage Skai upholstered round shaped armchair with teak legs 1950s. Unknown maker and place of origin The meassurements are: Total height is 78 cm Seat height is 38 cm 87 cm wid...Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Armchairs
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Leather Lounge Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 1950sBy Theo Ruth, ArtifortLocated in Delft, NLLeather Lounge Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 1950s A beautiful leather lounge chair with a highly winged back 2 toned in new upholstered high quality Italian black and red leathe...Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Lounge Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Wood
- Leather Lounge Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 1950sBy Theo Ruth, ArtifortLocated in Delft, NLLeather Lounge Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, 1950s A beautiful leather lounge chair with a highly winged back 2 toned in new upholstered high quality Italian black and yellow gol...Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Lounge Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Wood
- Theo Ruth Lounge Chairs for Artifort, 1950sBy Theo Ruth, ArtifortLocated in Delft, NLTheo Ruth lounge chairs for Artifort The Netherlands, 1950s One lounge chair with a highly winged back and 3 rows buttons One lounge chair with a low winged back and 2 rows buttons T...Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Marco Zanuso Senior Armchair for Arflex, 1950sBy Marco ZanusoLocated in Los Angeles, CAThe Marco Zanuso Senior Armchair for Arflex, designed in the 1950s, is an iconic piece featuring brass legs that add a touch of luxury to its sleek and elegant design.Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsBrass
- Authentic Marco Zanuso Lady Chair, Arflex, in Pure Mohair, Italy, 1950sBy Arflex, Marco ZanusoLocated in London, GBAn original and authentic Marco Zanuso lady chair, Arflex, Italy, 1950s. In good structural condition and newly upholstered in a luxurious, grey (with a hint of brown) 100% mohair fa...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsBrass
- 1950's Italian Lady Armchair of Marco Zanuso for ArflexBy Marco ZanusoLocated in Paris, FRThe Iconic 20th-century collectible vintage Lady chair was designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in Italy in 1951. The very comfortable design features splayed expertly polished brass ...Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsBrass
- Lady chair in green velvet by Marco Zanuso for ArflexBy Marco ZanusoLocated in Milano, LombardiaThe armchair features a completely new green velvet fabric. It is important to remember that Zanuso was inspired by the automotive design method [source-less] for the creation of the...Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsVelvet
- Marco Zanuso Lady Chair Arflex, Italy, 1951By Marco Zanuso, ArflexLocated in Roosendaal, Noord BrabantIconic so called 'Lady chair' designed by Marco Zanuso and manufactured by Arflex, Italy, 1951. This lady chair has chrome-plated legs and original upholstery in grey. The upholstery...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Mid Century Baby Armchair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 1950sBy Arflex, Marco ZanusoLocated in Oud Beijerland, NLVery rare "Baby" chair designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in the 50's. This lounge chair is very comfortable and classic elegant. This chair has been totally restored and reupholste...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsMetal