Model Tl2 Desk / Dining Table by Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy, 1951
About the Item
- Creator:Franco Albini (Designer),Poggi (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 28 in (71.12 cm)Width: 71 in (180.34 cm)Depth: 27.5 in (69.85 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1951
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Slight surface scratching.
- Seller Location:Skokie, IL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8194234533452
Franco Albini
While working under the polymath Gio Ponti — arguably the most important figure in 20th-century Italian modernism — furniture designer Franco Albini nurtured a love for modern forms combined with traditional craft techniques.
Albini is widely known for working with organic materials such as rattan and cane for his chairs and other seating, but he also played a pivotal role in the Italian rationalist movement of the early 20th century, which saw architects and furniture makers applying a strict emphasis on geometry in their work. Rationalists drew on Ancient Roman architecture but rejected ornament, much in the way that Le Corbusier and celebrated Bauhaus figures such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe had in their modernist furniture.
Albini received his degree in architecture from the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1929, and, in 1931, he founded his practice in Milan, where he tackled workers’ housing and other reconstruction projects. A gifted urban planner, he also developed the Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Rosso and Tesoro di San Lorenzo museums in Genoa. While Albini is revered for his Margherita chair — a Triennale Milano award winner created for Bonacina in 1951 — he also collaborated with manufacturers Poggi and Cassina in the 1940s on seating, tables and more that embodied his artistic vision. Of that mid-century work, the one piece that perhaps best captures this vision is the iconic Luisa chair.
With its cherry red upholstery and sinuous wooden legs that seem to float aboveground, the Luisa is a genuine masterpiece. It is also a testament to Albini’s perfectionism, as it endured several prototypes — including one made by Knoll in the late 1940s — and took approximately 15 years to design. Poggi launched the final version of the armchair in 1955, earning Albini the prestigious Compasso d’Oro from Italy’s Association for Industrial Design. It is produced today by Cassina. Albini named the chair for someone who likely saw the process firsthand: his personal secretary of two decades, Luisa Colombini.
Find vintage Franco Albini furniture on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Skokie, IL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Franco Albini rare folding chair for Poggi, Italy, 1952By Franco AlbiniLocated in Skokie, ILFranco Albini nurtured a love for modern forms combined with traditional craft techniques while working under Italian master Gio Ponti and played a pivotal role in the Italian ration...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsBrass
- Franco Albini rare "Fiorenza" lounge chair for Arflex, Italy, 1953By Arflex, Franco AlbiniLocated in Skokie, ILThis highly collectible model was manufactured by Arflex for only one year. An early variant of the iconic "Fiorenza" armchair, this stunning pair of armchairs consist of a sculptura...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsBrass
- Extension Dining Table in Solid Teak by Inger Klingenberg, 1962By Inger KlingenbergLocated in Skokie, ILInger Klingenberg teak extension dining table for France & Son, Denmark, 1962 Additional Information: Materials: Solid teak Dimensions: 27 1/2" H x 80" W x 34" D Condition: Sol...Category
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsTeak
- Set of "Pirkka" Dining Table and 4 Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara, circa 1950By Ilmari TapiovaaraLocated in Skokie, ILIlmari Tapiovaara "Pirkka" dining table and set of four chairs for Laukaan Puu, Finland circa 1950 Early set of Ilmari Tapiovaara "Pirkka" dining table and set of four chairs for ...Category
20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsBeech
- Angelo Lelii model 14165 "Flexa" table lamp for Arredoluce ItalyBy Angelo Lelii, ArredoluceLocated in Skokie, ILAngelo Lelii model 14165 "Flexa" table lamp for Arredoluce Italy Angelo Lelii model 14165 "Flexa" table lamp for Arredoluce Italy, 1975 Additional Information: Materials: Chrome pl...Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsTravertine, Aluminum, Steel
- Angelo Lelii Model 12445 Adjustable Table Lamp for Arredoluce, Italy, circa 1954By Angelo Lelii, ArredoluceLocated in Skokie, ILAngelo Lelii model 12445 adjustable table lamp for Arredoluce, Italy, circa 1954 Additional Information: Materials: Enameled aluminum, marble, nickel-plated brass, frosted glass ...Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsSteel, Aluminum
- Franco Albini teak dining Table Model TL2 'Cavalletto' for Poggi, Italy 1950sBy Poggi, Franco AlbiniLocated in Chiavari, LiguriaA dining table or desk Model TL2 by Franco Albini, better known as "Cavalletto", is an iconic piece designed by the esteemed Italian maestro in the 1950s. This table embodies the ess...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsBrass
- 20th Century Franco Albini Table Model TL2 "Cavalletto" in Wood for Poggi 1950sBy Poggi, Franco AlbiniLocated in Turin, TurinIconic table designed by the great Italian maestro Franco Albini in the 50s. The model is TL2 better known as "Cavalletto" (in english "Trestle") since it reminds of lightness and wi...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsMetal
- Wooden Dining Table TL22 Model by Franco Albini for Poggi 60sBy Franco Albini, PoggiLocated in Padova, ITWooden dining table TL22 model by Franco Albini for Poggi 60s. Born in Milan in 1905, Franco Albini is an Italian architect, urban planner and furniture designer, active between the 1930s and 1960s. He studied at the Milan Polytechnic and completed his apprenticeship under the guidance of the architect and designer Gio Ponti, and played a key role in the formulation of the Italian Rationalist movement in the years before the Second World War. Albini works with several well-known mid-century manufacturers, among which Cassina, Arflex, Poggi, Arteluce, Brionvega, and Knoll stand out, and many of his designs are still in production today. He has received many honors for his work, including three Compasso d'Oro. The professional story of the furniture maker Roberto Poggi...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsWood
- Rare Mahogany 'TL2' Cavalletto Table / Desk by Franco Albini for Poggi, ItalyBy Franco Albini, PoggiLocated in London, GBA rare mahogany version of the Cavaletto or TL2 table designed by the great neo-rationalist designer, Franco Albini. Designed in 1950 for manufacturers Poggi...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsSteel
- Franco Albini for Poggi Table or Desk, Italy, 1960sBy Franco Albini, PoggiLocated in Almelo, NLFranco Albini for Poggi table or desk, Italy, 1960s Walnut table TL22 model by Franco Albini for Poggi Italy 1960s. It is in excellent condition, with a minor patina on the wood parts. This unique table or desk would be an eye-catching addition to any interior, such as a living room, family room, screening room, or office. It also perfectly fits in a hospitality or corporate location like a boutique hotel lobby or luxury loft. When you choose for used mid...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsWood, Walnut
- Trestle Table 'TL2' Franco Albini for Poggi 1950sBy Franco AlbiniLocated in Milano, ITEasel table model 'TL2' designed by Franco Albini and produced by Poggi from the 1950s. Reported to the Compasso d'Oro, this table's main characteristic is that it appears to be a te...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tables
MaterialsWood
