Overview
Set of six “Gaudì” armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy, late 1960s. One of the most iconic mono-bloc seating designs of post-war Italian design, selected for the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Description
The Gaudì armchair represents a key moment in Vico Magistretti’s research, where traditional construction is abandoned in favor of a continuous and sculptural form.
Made from molded plastic, the chair is conceived as a monobloc structure generated from a single design gesture. Legs, seat, and armrests merge seamlessly into a fluid and organic form, combining industrial experimentation with strong formal clarity.
The characteristic oval opening in the backrest serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, becoming a defining visual element of the design. The surfaces, soft yet tensioned, retain the subtle variations and material vibrations typical of early plastic productions, far removed from the uniformity of contemporary manufacturing.
The set features a refined chromatic alternation in warm ivory and dark brown, enhancing the visual rhythm and reinforcing the graphic identity of the design.
Design & Significance
This project marks a fundamental shift in Italian design, moving from traditional craftsmanship toward industrial production without losing formal quality.
Magistretti transforms plastic from a purely technical material into a medium capable of expressing continuity, lightness, and architectural rigor. The Gaudì chair stands as one of the earliest and most successful examples of this approach.
Technical Details
Product: Set of six “Gaudì” armchairs
Designer: Vico Magistretti
Manufacturer: Artemide
Period: Late 1960s
Materials: Molded plastic (monobloc)Dimensions: Height 72 cm | Width 59 cm | Depth 54 cm
Condition: Very good condition with signs of time and use consistent with age, including light surface abrasions, micro-scratches, and a natural patina of the plastic. These elements do not affect structural integrity or aesthetic readability.
Functionality: Ergonomic seating with integrated armrests, stable and suitable for everyday use
Collectibility
An iconic and highly collectible set, particularly desirable in this complete configuration of six pieces. Suitable for both residential and contract environments, as well as for collectors seeking historically significant design.
Designer & Manufacturer
Vico Magistretti was one of the leading figures of post-war Italian design, known for combining formal clarity with industrial innovation. His work explored new materials and production techniques, redefining the relationship between function and form.
The collaboration with Artemide represents a key moment in this research, particularly in the late 1960s, when the company was pioneering the use of plastics and industrial processes to create accessible yet architecturally rigorous design objects.