A Joseph Fenby Tripolina Folding Chair

A rare and inportant pair of the 'Tripolina' folding chairs designed by Joseph B. Fenby. Tripolina folding chairs present a wooden frame with metal fixings and a beautiful removable seat realized in high-quality leather. These lounge chairs are designed for practicality and remarkable comfort while reflecting casual elegance. They also strike an important design statement that references the history of furniture as they were among the first folding chairs. These design icons were manufactured by the Italian Viganò company during the 1930s and are in completely original condition with a beautiful patina. They are stamped "Brevettato" on frames; the leather seats have been replaced. The original “Tripolina” chair was invented by the Englishman Joseph Beverley Fenby. It was patented in the United Kingdom in 1877 and in the United States in 1881. It was used in military campaigns, where it was ideal because it was designed to fold up compactly — while still being comfortable and stable. It was manufactured by Fenby’s own company in the UK and shortly after in Wisconsin, USA. Later, it was manufactured by the Italian Viganò company in Tripoli, Libya.. Used by ordinary people and presidents alike, it’s been an extraordinarily versatile chair for nearly 150 years. This first folding chair from the late 19th century, 1881. It inspired a lot of midcentury modern designers, of which the best known example is the 'Butterfly chair' by Antonio Bonet, Juan Kurchan and Jorge Ferrari Hardoy. However, these later adaptions do not match the elaborate folding wood construction, style and deep comfort of the original "Tripolina" chair. Literature: Domus n. 97, January 1936; I. de Guttry, M. P. Maino, Il mobile déco italiano, p. 56, Laterza, 1988.. Additional References: Military and campaign furniture, Napoleon, Folding and portable...

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