Rare and important African rosewood sideboard belonging to the “Programma S11” series, one of the most emblematic of Angelo Mangiarotti’s work for La Sorgente del Mobile of Arosio, produced in the early 1960s.
The “Programma S11” series represents a turning point in the history of Italian furniture: a modular collection conceived for contemporary living, based on an essential and architectural language, where every technical and constructive detail becomes an expressive element.
In this project Mangiarotti translates the principles of his architectural thinking — balance, structural logic, sincerity of materials — into a perfectly calibrated domestic form.
The sideboard is characterized by a pure horizontal volume, articulated by three doors and by a column of four drawers with recessed handles carved directly from the solid wood, a distinctive feature that expresses the desire to eliminate all decorative superfluity in favor of a functional and integral design.
The proportions are harmonious and balanced; the absence of metal or applied elements accentuates the continuity of the surfaces, and the deep, warm grain of the African rosewood gives the piece a sculptural presence of great elegance.
Produced by La Sorgente del Mobile, an Arosio-based company among the most sensitive to architectural and material experimentation of the 1960s, this “Programma S11” sideboard reflects the close connection between rational design and high-level Brianza cabinetmaking.
The result is an object of extraordinary purity and rigor, capable of synthesizing the essence of Italian modernism: sober, refined, structurally intelligent, and at the same time endowed with a unique plastic presence.
A rare piece of great historical importance, a testament to Mangiarotti’s vision as a total architect, in which interior design integrates with architecture into a single coherent system of thought and proportion.
Excellent condition with tiny signs of time consistent with its age.
Product Name: Programma S11 sideboard by Angelo Mangiarotti for La Sorgente del Mobile 1960
Designer: Angelo Mangiarotti
Year of Design: Early 1960s
Style: Italian Modernism, rational architectural design
Main Materials: Solid and veneered African rosewood
Distinctive Design: Pure and rigorous horizontal structure, articulated by three doors and a vertical column with four drawers.
Dimensions: Length 250 cm | Depth 42 cm | Height 73 cm
Comfort: Large storage capacity
Typical Use: High-end living or dining furniture, perfect as a sideboard, credenza, or storage unit in residential contexts, showrooms, or authored interiors.
Design Icon: The “Programma S11” sideboard represents a milestone in Italian design of the 1960s, an expression of Mangiarotti’s vision as a total architect.
Versatility: Its sober and architectural language makes it suitable for both classic and contemporary interiors, dialoguing with materials such as marble, glass, and chromed metals.
Current Condition of the Design: Excellent vintage condition, with minimal signs of time consistent with age. The piece retains its original finish and an extraordinary chromatic depth of African rosewood, a species that is now rare and subject to CITES protection.
Additional Notes: Please note that this object is in excellent vintage condition. Minor signs of time may be present, which do not affect its functionality. We invite you to consider these characteristics before purchase.
Angelo Mangiarotti (1921–2012) was a renowned Italian architect and designer, known for his influential contributions in the fields of architecture and industrial design. Born in Milan, Mangiarotti studied architecture at the Politecnico di Milano, where he later also taught. His career spanned teaching, building design, and industrial design.
Mangiarotti was one of the protagonists of the Modern Movement and worked in collaboration with other well-known designers and architects, contributing significantly to the landscape of Italian design. He worked on a wide range of projects, including buildings, furniture, and also sculptures.
His approach to design was characterized by a strong focus on functionality, simplicity, and materiality. Many of his works are recognized for their timeless elegance and their ability to combine innovative forms with solid practicality.
The modular furniture series “Programma S11” is just one example of his creations in the field of furniture design.
Mangiarotti left a lasting legacy in the world of design and architecture, with many of his works still appreciated and sought after today.