Pair of Alky Armchairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, Italy, 1972
About the Item
- Creator:Castelli (Workshop/Studio),Giancarlo Piretti (Designer)
- Design:
- Dimensions:Height: 26.38 in (67 cm)Width: 26.38 in (67 cm)Depth: 33.47 in (85 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Insurance may be requested by customers as additional service, contact us for more information.
- Seller Location:Roma, IT
- Reference Number:
Alky Chair
In the 1960s, Giancarlo Piretti (b. 1940), who earned a degree in art education at the Academy of Fine Arts of Bologna and taught interior design, began working with the Italian manufacturer Castelli, where he would go on to produce some of the most popular chairs in the world. In 1969, he debuted the Alky, a sculptural, modernized riff on a slipper chair that appears to float above the ground.
Unlike most chairs, the Alky doesn’t have a distinctive base and seat; rather the entire form appears as one continuous piece, originally upholstered in velvet and wool and set on narrow, aluminum feet.
Much of Piretti’s popularity in the United States can be attributed to Castelli’s exhibition “The Piretti Collection” at the 1988 iteration of the NeoCon design exposition in Chicago. There, his ergonomic office seating earned him a slew of awards and led to increased global attention.
Compared to Piretti’s widely revered folding chairs and wheeling desk chairs (the Plia, of which millions have sold, is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art; the DSC 106 is among Castelli’s best known), the Alky — no longer in production — is by far the most sumptuous design. Yet, as much as its shapely silhouette has made it a favorite of interior designers in residential and commercial spaces alike, it is also rooted in comfort. Its foam-covered back and seat give soft resistance, and the Alky chair’s organic shape perfectly cradles the sitter — a true mark of the modernist dedication to human-centric design.
Giancarlo Piretti
Giancarlo Piretti was born in Bologna, Italy, in 1940. He attended art schools there and subsequently taught Interior Design. During that time, he was also designing furniture for Anonima Castelli. He has won numerous awards and has items in many museums, including MoMA, New York. He still lives and works in Bologna with his son, designer Alessandro Piretti.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Rome, Italy
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Nine Amanta Armchairs by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy 1973By Mario Bellini, C&B ItaliaLocated in Roma, ITNine Amanta Armchairs by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy 1973. Manufacturer label under the base. Plastic and padded leather. Very rare set manufactured by C&B, then replaced ...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Sofas
MaterialsMetal
- Armchair "Okay" by Adriano Piazzesi, Italy, 1970By Space Age Products, Adriano PiazzesiLocated in Roma, ITVintage Armchair "Okay" realized by Adriano Piazzesi for Space Age, Italy, 1970s. Leather and steel. Very good condition. Adriano Piazzesi was a great Italian designer who oper...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsSteel
- Armchair "Okay" by Adriano Piazzesi, Italy, 1970By Space Age Products, Adriano PiazzesiLocated in Roma, IT"Okay" Vintage Armchair by Adriano Piazzesi. Realized for Space Age in 1970s. Leather and steel. Very good condition. Adriano Piazzesi was a great Italian designer who operate...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsSteel
- Wave Sofa by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, Italy 1970By Saporiti, Giovanni OffrediLocated in Roma, ITWave Sofa by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, Italy 1970. Cm 385,00 x 75,00 x 105,00. Steel and padded fabric. Good cond...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Sofas
MaterialsSteel
- Up Du5 and Du6 Armchair and Ottoman by Gaetano Pesce for B&B, 1970sBy B&B Italia, Gaetano PesceLocated in Roma, ITArmchair Gaetano Pesce for b&b - ITitalia series UP DU5 and DU6. Measures: 103 x 120 x 130 cm. It includes ottoman diameter 60 cm. An icon on international post-war design, and one...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Sofas
MaterialsMetal
- Camaleonda Sofa 8 modules + Ottoman by M. Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy 1970sBy Mario Bellini, C&B ItaliaLocated in Roma, ITMario Bellini, Camaleonda Sofa Set 8 modules+ottoman, realized for C&B, first series 1970 ca. Original C&B Label. Wood, Metal and Leather Height: 65cm Width: 95cm Depth: 95 cm ...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Sofas
MaterialsLeather
- Alky armchair by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli Italy 70sBy Castelli, Giancarlo PirettiLocated in PARIS, FRGiancarlo Piretti designed this Alky armchair for the renowned Castelli publishing house. This Italian designer studied at the Instituto Statale d'Arte before beginning his career with Anonima Castelli. For more than two decades, he has created a wide range of furniture, including the Plia chair...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Space Age Armchairs
MaterialsVelvet, Foam
- Alky armchair by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli Italy 1970sBy Castelli, Giancarlo PirettiLocated in PARIS, FRThis alky armchair was designed by giancarlo piretti for the famous castelli publishing house. This Italian designer studied at the instituto statale d'arte before starting his caree...Category
Vintage 1970s Space Age Armchairs
MaterialsMetal, Aluminum
- Alky Lounge Chair by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, 1980sBy Castelli, Giancarlo PirettiLocated in Oud Beijerland, NLLovely and comfortable Alky chair. Designed by Giancarlo Piretti in 1969, produced by Castelli Italy. Both chairs have the original wool fabric, color red. The chairs are professi...Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsAluminum
- Alky Chair By Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli 1970sBy Giancarlo PirettiLocated in Čelinac, BAGiancarlo Piretti Alky Chair for Castelli1970sCategory
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric
- Sistema 61 Modular Sofa by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, Italy, 1970sBy Giancarlo PirettiLocated in Rotterdam, NLModular 'Sistema 61' sofa by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, Italy 1970s. Innovative system consisting of four seating elements, 5 back - armrests and two c...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric
- Alky Armchair by Giancarlo PirettiBy Giancarlo PirettiLocated in Toronto, ONThe Alky armchair, created by Giancarlo Piretti in the late 1960s, continues to captivate with its distinctive lounge chair design, which remains unparalleled even today. This multif...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Chairs
MaterialsWool, Bouclé