Centro Studi Poltronova Revisits 1962-72
Centro Studi Poltronova preserves the legacy of the original Italian manufacturer of the same name, both by reissuing iconic pieces from the 60’s and with a new publication.
Whether one believes the hype about the Memphis revival or not, there is no denying the significance of the radical ’60s design movement. In fact, Centro Studi Poltronova has been reissuing iconic pieces by the likes of Archizoom and Ettore Sottsass since 2005 when it was founded to preserve the legacy of the original Italian manufacturer of the same name. This year sees two new reissues from the archives: Superstudio’s 1968 “Sofo” seating system and Cristiano Toraldo di Francia’s “Aurola” and “Boreale” Rings, dating back to 1966. The former is made from half a block of polyurethane, cut in such a way that there is no waste, while the latter were originally made from offcuts of plexiglass from store signs.
Besides production, Centro Studi Poltronova also manages a rich archive, which is the source of the material of a new publication documenting the work of Archizoom, Ettore Sottsass, and Superstudio from 1962–72. Edited by Francesca Balena Arista, Poltronova Backstage (Fortino Editions, 2016) includes previously unpublished photographs — taken by the designers themselves — along with recollections from Dario Bartolini, Andrea Branzi, Gilberto Corretti, Paolo Deganello, Adolfo Natalini, Cristina Morozzi, Barbara Radice, and Cristiano Toraldo di Francia, with a foreword by Michele di Lucchi.
For the Fuorisalone itself, Centro Studi Poltronova has organized the exhibition “Domestic Icons”, featuring several items that are currently available in its catalog: Gherpe, Joe, Passiflora, Sanremo, Superonda, and Ultrafragola. Spearheaded by creative director Pier Paolo Taddei, the exhibition is on view at Area 35 Art Factory (Via Vigevano 35) from 12–17 April.
Articles you also might like
For TLmag39: The Culture of the Object, Emanuele Quinz spoke with Marco Sammicheli, Curator and Director of Design at the Triennale de Milano, about design, the culture of the object and its relationship to the museum.
Italian designer Chiara Ferrari transformed a former leather factory into a live/work space committed to design and collaboration.
For our S/S 2021 issue: TLmag35: Tactile/Textile/Texture, Francesca Picchi wrote a fantastic essay about the impact and importance of Italian sofa design post WWII – from innovative materials that allowed for more avant garde forms to the brilliant branding that made the world take notice.
Angelo Mangiarotti: When Structures Take Shape, an exhibition dedicated to the Italian architect, designer and artist, is on view at the Triennale Milano through April 23, 2023.