Iconic Vico Magistretti 'Maralunga' Armchair and Ottoman by Cassina
The iconic 'Maralunga' armchair was designed in 1973 by the highly celebrated Italian designer Vico Magistretti. The progressive design utilised a fully-upholstered metal frame that was not only functional but incredibly comfortable. It also happened to be aesthetically inspiring and voluptuous in a way that only Italians can manage. The unique backrest is fully adjustable allowing the chair to be used in either a high or low back option.
In 1979 the Maralunga won the coveted Compasso d'Oro design award and it's popularity skyrocketed. This lead to many imitations and a change in the direction of chair design throughout the world. By 1981 the Maralunga had been selected for entry into the NY MoMA permanent collection, cementing its place as one of the icons of modern design.
This chair was imported from the United States in vintage condition by a prominent Auckland vintage furniture dealer, it has been restored and recovered and does not retain a maker's label.
Each piece is checked and carefully hand restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior.
Each piece is checked and carefully restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior.
- Joints checked and reglued
- Timber cleaned and stains removed
- Veneer repairs if needed
- Surfaces polished / refinished
The items showcased in our gallery are constantly changing – not all items are on display at once.
Please enquire if there is a specific piece you would like to view and we’ll make sure it’s in the gallery.
All pieces are available for collection in person from our Ponsonby gallery. We are also happy to provide a quote for delivery throughout New Zealand.
Please enquire for delivery options.
Iconic Vico Magistretti 'Maralunga' Armchair and Ottoman by Cassina
Note: We showcase a curated edit from the Mr. Bigglesworthy catalogue. Please contact us to view specific items.
Vico Magistretti (1920 – 2006) was a highly influential Italian designer and architect, known for his innovative and progressive designs. He was born in Milan, Italy and was the son of an architect, which influenced his career path. During World War II, to avoid deportation to Germany, Magistretti moved to Switzerland, where he continued his studies and met Ernesto Nathan Rogers, a significant influence on his work.
After the war, Magistretti graduated from the Politecnico di Milano in 1945 and began working at his father's firm. His early work included urban design projects in Milan, but he soon transitioned to designing mass-produced furniture and lighting. Magistretti collaborated with several prominent companies, including Artemide, Cassina, De Padova, Flou, Fritz Hansen, Kartell, and Schiffini. His designs won numerous awards, including the Compasso d'Oro and the Gold Medal of the Chartered Society of Industrial Artists & Designers.
One of Magistretti's first significant projects was the round church in the experimental Milan neighborhood of QT8. This project showcased his ability to blend poetic and functional elements in his designs. His first major success in furniture design came with the Carimate chair, produced by Cassina, which became a bestseller and mixed rural simplicity with urban sophistication.
Throughout his career, Magistretti's work was characterized by its simplicity and elegance. He believed that simplicity was the most complicated thing in the world and strived to create designs that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing. His contributions to architecture and design have left a lasting impact on the industry, and his works are considered milestones of Italian design.
Today, Magistretti's legacy continues to inspire designers and architects worldwide, and his innovative approach to design remains highly relevant.
Sources:
Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vico_Magistretti)
Domus (www.domusweb.it/en/biographies/vico-magistretti)
