Items Similar to Congress XL Bookcase produced by Lips Vago in the 1960s Set of 2
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 37
Congress XL Bookcase produced by Lips Vago in the 1960s Set of 2
$13,125.63per item
£9,711.33per item
€10,900per item
CA$18,148.52per item
A$19,924.81per item
CHF 10,394.82per item
MX$241,117.97per item
NOK 130,282.90per item
SEK 122,760.74per item
DKK 82,992.90per item
Quantity
About the Item
This extraordinary bookcase, model Congresso, was designed and produced by Lips Vago in 1967, representing one of the most innovative and iconic modular systems of Italian design of the 1960s.
Winner of the prestigious SMAU Industrial Design Award in the same year, the Congresso bookcase immediately established itself as a symbol of a rational and functional approach, capable of merging architecture and furniture into a single design gesture.
The version presented here is the XL, the rarest and most sought-after of all, today regarded as a true collector's item.
Unlike the standard version with 5 shelves per side, this imposing configuration reaches 3 meters in height and hosts 7 shelves per side, for a total of 14 double-faced shelves.
Its double structure makes it a sculptural piece of great impact, perfect as a central divider within lofts, galleries, and public spaces, or as an architectural installation capable of redefining the environment.
A historical detail of absolute significance is that these bookcases were adopted by the Vatican Archives, confirming their solidity and the institutional vocation of a system conceived to endure over time and to preserve treasures of knowledge.
Today they have become extremely rare on the market: we have 4 identical modules available, for a total of 4 linear meters, a unique opportunity to furnish an entire space with both aesthetic and historical coherence.
Made of military green steel, typical of Lips Vago's industrial language, the bookcase retains all its original expressive power: the shelves are adjustable and sliding with a simple gesture, allowing for extreme versatility of use. The solid base guarantees stability, while the rigorous proportions confirm the rationalist and minimalist vocation of the project.
Published several times in magazines such as Domus, the Congresso bookcase is today an icon of Italian design, out of production for decades. This XL version is an extremely rare model, practically impossible to find on the international market, and represents a true opportunity for collectors, galleries, and architects seeking a unique piece that unites history, functionality, and sculptural strength.
Perfect condition, with slight signs of age and small points of rust that lend it an extraordinary original patina, a testament to its authenticity and lived beauty.
Product Name: Congress XL Bookcase produced by Lips Vago in the 1960s
Designer: Lips Vago
Year of Design: 1967
Style: Italian Rationalism and Modernism of the 1960s
Main Materials: Military green painted steel
Distinctive Design: Double-sided structure, 3 meters tall, with 7 shelves per side (14 total), solid base, adjustable and sliding shelves, rigorous and minimalist architectural lines
Dimensions: Height 300cm Width 100cm Depth 70cm 4 modules available for a total of 400cm linear
Comfort: Maximum functionality and storage capacity, with adjustable shelves allowing versatile use in different contexts
Typical Use: Central divider for lofts and galleries, furnishing for public and institutional spaces, also ideal as a high-impact architectural installation
Design Icon: Winner of the SMAU Industrial Design Award 1967, published in Domus, adopted by the Vatican Archives, symbol of modular and functional Italian design of the 1960s
Versatility: Perfect both for contemporary environments and historical contexts, usable as a bookcase or as a sculptural architectural divider
Current Condition: Excellent vintage condition with slight signs of age and small points of rust that give it an original patina of great charm
Additional Notes: Please note that this item is in excellent vintage condition. Minor signs of age may be present, which do not affect its functionality. We invite you to take these features into consideration before purchasing.
A total of 4 modules of the Congress bookcase are available. They can also be purchased separately by visiting our seller page.
Lips Vago was one of the most important Italian companies in the production of modular metal systems in the postwar period, based in Milan. Born from the encounter between the industrial tradition of Lips, a historic Dutch company specialized in storage and security systems (safes), and the Italian reality of Vago, the company established itself from the 1950s as a point of reference in the creation of metal furnishings for offices, archives, libraries, and institutional spaces.
The strength of Lips Vago lay in the union of industrial functionality and rationalist design, with solutions that responded to the new needs of the economic boom: modularity, durability, order, and storage capacity. Their systems were conceived not only as furniture, but as true interior architectures, capable of organizing space and adapting to different contexts.
The most iconic project remains the Congresso bookcase (1967), winner of the prestigious SMAU Industrial Design Award in the same year. Published several times in Domus, it was also adopted by the Vatican Archives, confirming its solidity and institutional relevance. The bookcase, with its rigorous proportions, adjustable shelves, and double-sided structure, represents one of the most significant examples of how Lips Vago managed to merge architectural rationalism and functional innovation.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the company became a protagonist of the Italian and international scene, offering furnishings that spoke the modernist language and integrated perfectly into executive offices, public spaces, and avant-garde domestic environments.
Today, Lips Vago pieces, long out of production, are considered rarities in the vintage design market, appreciated by collectors, architects, and galleries for their ability to combine industrial aesthetics, modularity, and history.
- Creator:Lips Vago (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 118.12 in (300 cm)Width: 39.38 in (100 cm)Depth: 27.56 in (70 cm)
- Style:Industrial (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1967
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. A total of 4 modules of the Congress bookcase are available. They can also be purchased separately by visiting our seller page.
- Seller Location:Conversano, IT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8395246735942
About the Seller
5.0
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2023
1stDibs seller since 2023
18 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Conversano, Italy
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllCongress XL Bookcase produced by Lips Vago in the 1960s
By Lips Vago
Located in Conversano, IT
This extraordinary bookcase, model Congresso, was designed and produced by Lips Vago in 1967, representing one of the most innovative and iconic modular systems of Italian design of ...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Industrial Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Congress XL Bookcase produced by Lips Vago in the 1960s Set of 3
By Lips Vago
Located in Conversano, IT
This extraordinary bookcase, model Congresso, was designed and produced by Lips Vago in 1967, representing one of the most innovative and iconic modular systems of Italian design of ...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Industrial Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Congress XL Bookcase produced by Lips Vago in the 1960s Set of 4
By Lips Vago
Located in Conversano, IT
This extraordinary bookcase, model Congresso, was designed and produced by Lips Vago in 1967, representing one of the most innovative and iconic modular systems of Italian design of ...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Industrial Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Pair of Artona Bookcases by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto Italy 1970
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Conversano, IT
Stunning pair of "Artona" bookcases designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto. Crafted entirely from ebony plywood with solid rosewood accents, they feature leather-covered doors...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Bookcases
Materials
Crystal
Crossing Bookcase by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, 1970s
By Saporiti, Giovanni Offredi
Located in Conversano, IT
A radical icon of 1970s Italian design, the "Crossing" bookcase by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti represents one of the most striking structural experiments of the era. More than a si...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Bookcases
Materials
Smoked Glass, Birdseye Maple
African Rosewood Bookcase by Angelo Mangiarotti for La Sorgente dei Mobili
By Angelo Mangiarotti, La Sorgente Dei Mobili
Located in Conversano, IT
Discover the extraordinary modular bookcase "Programma S11" in African Rosewood by Angelo Mangiarotti for La Sorgente dei Mobili. Part of the versatile S11 collection, designed to fu...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Rosewood
You May Also Like
Lips Vago 'Congresso' Bookcases
By Lips Vago
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lips Vago, 'Congresso' shelving units, black lacquered steel, Italy, 1960s.
Constructed from steel sheets, the 'Congresso' shelf is a sturdy yet unassuming bookcase that can be used...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
$3,300 / item
Lips Vago Double 'Congresso' Bookcase in Metal
By Lips Vago
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lips Vago, 'Congresso' shelving unit, white lacquered steel, Italy, 1960s.
Constructed from steel sheets, the double 'Congresso' shelf is a sturdy yet unassuming bookcase that can b...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Lips Vago set of two Congresso industrial shelving unit 1970s
By Lips Vago
Located in bari, IT
Lips Vago industrial metal shelving unit Congress model early 1970s. Black lacquered metal frame. The five shelves are adjustable in height.
Lips Vago, an Italian company founded in...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Pair of extra high bookcases in grey metal "Congress" by Lips Vago from the 70s
By Lips Vago
Located in Vigevano, PV
Made of sheet steel, the "Congress" shelf is a sturdy and unobtrusive bookcase that can be used on either side, making it a versatile addition to any space. The metal sheets at the e...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Industrial Bookcases
Materials
Metal
"Triennale" bookcase by Lips Vago, painted metal, Italy 1954
By Lips Vago
Located in Argelato, BO
Rare and extraordinary "Triennale" model painted iron bookcase, designed by Lips Vago Italia.
It is a sophisticated bookcase, with an unmistakable style, presented for the first tim...
Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Iron
Industrial Congresso Bookcase or Shelving System in White Steel by Lips Vago
By Lips Vago
Located in London, London
'Congresso' shelving unit by Lips Vago. In white lacquered steel, Italy, 1960s. With adjustable shelves. One available in white and a further seven in different colours. Please see a...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
