Vico Magistretti designed the original red “Carimate” chair model in 1959 for the homonymous golf club in Italy. The chair received exposure in the XII Triennale in 1960 in the section dedicated to rural design and setting. During an interview, Magistretti said that chairs were his favourite furniture to create and went on to design iconic pieces such as this pair.

These “Carimate” chairs show off the design aesthetic of Vico Magistretti, with simple lines and innovative functionality. His love of simple lines manifests in the beech frames’ refined shape. Magistretti believed that ‘less is more’, and each of his creations proved it, even these Carimate chairs. He designed the first version of this model for the Italian company, Cassina. Before, the Carimate chair was supposed to be one single, exclusive piece. The wooden structure is in line with Italian tradition, yet it is also modern and innovative, thanks to the pairing of materials and construction. By the 1960s, Magistretti could have easily used plastic, the modern material, however he preferred wood and straw. This love for traditional materials somewhat ironically made these chairs stand out from their contemporaries, becoming a symbol of modern Italian design. The tightly woven seats have a geometric pattern consisting of triangles, showcasing the expert craftsmanship. This chair model was a bestseller for years thanks to its mixing of rural simplicity with urban sophistication. From the smooth lines of the wooden supports and legs, to the beautiful beech, these Cassina produced versions of the famous “Carimate” model are rare finds.

"To be truly contemporary, one must always have a hand in the past and a hand in the future." said Vico Magistretti. And indeed, ever since its creation, the “Carimate” model has had a long history that continues nowadays, having been picked up by Fritz Hansen to reproduce. A mix of Scandinavian style and Italian tradition, these chairs from the original Cassina production remain timeless and invaluable.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wood and rush seats have some small marks and scratches.

Dimensions:

22.83 in W x 20.47 in D x 29.33 in H; Seat height 17.32 in; Arm height 24.8 in

58 cm W x 52 cm D x 74.5 cm H; Seat height 44 cm; Arm height 63 cm

About the designer

Vico Magistretti (October 6, 1920 – September 19, 2006) was an Italian architect who was also active as an industrial designer, furniture designer, and academic.

During the second world war, to avoid being deported to Germany, he left Italy during his military service and moved to Switzerland. While in the country he taught at the local university and took courses at the Champ Universitaire Italien in Lausanne.

While in Switzerland he met Ernesto Nathan Rogers, who turned out to be his maestro. At that time Magistretti took part in work on the extraordinary experimental neighbourhood on the edge of Milan known as QT8, where a group of architects and planners were given complete freedom. Magistretti built its 'poetic' round church. He returned to Milan in 1945, graduating from the Politecnico di Milano University in 1945. He later designed mass-produced appliances, lighting, and furniture for companies such as Cassina, Artemide, and Oluce. These designs won several awards, including the Compasso d'Oro and the Gold Medal of the Chartered Society of Industrial Artists & Designers in 1986.

Magistretti's works have been shown in the most important international museums in Europe, USA, and Japan. Some have also been included in various permanent exhibitions in museums such as MoMa. Vico Magistretti received many awards, among which: the Gold Medal at the 1951 Triennale, the Grand Prix at the 1954 Triennale, two Compasso d'Oro awards in the years 1967 and 1979 as well as the Gold Medal of the Chartered Society of Industrial Artists & Designers in 1986.