Three-Seater Sofa by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Paolo Arnaboldi, Italy 1957 (sold)
Three-Seater Sofa by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Paolo Arnaboldi, Italy 1957 (sold)
This rare three-seater sofa by Finnish deisgner Ilmari Tapiovaara for Paolo Arnaboldi was a commission of the Italian manufacturer La Permanente Mobili Cantù in 1957. The production of this model was short and ceased in the 1960s.
This mid-century design premiered at the “Seconda Mostra Selettiva e Concorso Internazionale del Mobile’” in Cantù, Italy in the same year, and won the gold medal for ‘Living Room Design’. It is easy to see why Tapiovaara’s design was generously awarded in Italy: from the leather support straps to the elegant brass details, this three-seater sofa has a modern yet organic look paired with exquisite Italian craftsmanship in its execution.
The original pillows of this three-seater can be added on request for reference. We would however strongly recommend having them redone. Please don’t hesitate to ask us for the best possibilities, for as we work with some of the best upholsterers in the Netherlands.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The leather has a beautiful patina. Leather and wood have some marks and scratches.
Dimensions:
77.96 in W x 31.5 in D x 29.53 in H; Seat height 9.84 in
198 cm W x 80 cm D x 75 cm H; Seat height 25 cm
Exhibitions:
Gold medal for living room design - 'Seconda Mostra Selettiva e Concorso Internazionale del Mobile’ Cantù, Italy 1957
Literature:
‘Rivista Dell Arredamento’, September 1958, article ‘Vetrina' unpaginated , image 10
1957 ‘Seconda Mostra Selettiva e Concorso Internazionale del Mobile’ original exhibition catalogue, p 14 .
About the designer:
Ilmari Tapiovaara graduated in 1937 as interior architect from the department of furniture design of the Central School of Arts and Crafts. Even before graduating, Tapiovaara went abroad to work for Alvar Aalto in Artek's London office in 1935. Right after completing his education Tapiovaara got a position of assistant at the office of Le Corbusier, in France. These were not the only times he learned from international masters; he also worked with Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in Chicago, in 1953. Read more about Ilmari Tapiovaara. ~H.
