Four, Coronado, Armchair Green Leather Afra & Tobia Scarpa B&B Italia circa 1960

These innovative high back armchairs and ottoman are a Classic B&B Italia 1966 design symbolising relaxation, as the suspension system made from harmonic steel bands inserted into the structure of the back guarantees comfort.

The design and materials of the Coronado were revolutionary in 1966 combining industrial culture with an aesthetic that merged Classic modern furniture features with modern living requirements. These armchairs and ottoman are in exceptional condition having come from a Collector’s holiday home so they been used lightly.

The Coronado project is one of the foundation projects from the research of Afra and Tobia Scarpa. It emerged from the idea of matching an iron frame with the revolutionary technology of cold moulded polyurethane foam, which B&B Italia introduced to the furnishing sector.

It is one of the most interesting examples of all-inclusive design. In addition to the intrinsic innovations that Coronado presented in terms of design, materials and technologies, the design also included optimising production times and B&B Italia’s international reputation.

The project consisted of four distinct structural pieces (held together with only two screws). This made it possible to use separate processes, with the added advantage that the disassembled pieces could be easily stored and shipped all over the world.

The product design and aesthetics created its success. The proportioned sizes and anti-traditional image free from heavy lines that were so popular in the mid-1960s. Coronado was conceived as a trait-d'union between period furniture and the growing desire for modernity, and it fulfilled the expectations of the upper middle class at that time.

Afra & Tobia Scarpa
They focused on the technical and aesthetic possibilities of materials in their designs and their pieces can be found in museums across the United States and Europe, including collections in MoMA and the Louvre Museum. They have collaborated with companies such as B&B Italia, San Lorenzo Silver, and Knoll International.

They have won a number of awards such as the Compasso d'Oro in 1969 and the International Forum Design in 1992. Their design work consists of architecture and everyday household items including, furniture, clothing, interior design, art glass. The couple were greatly influenced by Tobia’s father, Carlo Scarpa, a Venetian architect and designer.

Measurements:
Armchair- Width 96cm, height back 78cm, seat 57cm, depth 93cm
Ottoman- Width 70cm, height 51cm, depth 35cm.
 

Dimensions

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Condition report