As one of the founding fathers of modern Italian design, prolific architect and industrial designer Ludovico Magistretti (known by his nickname Vico) was guided by his philosophy, “There is no excuse for bad design.” His architectural projects are widely revered, and an ingenious meld of form and function can be found in his stylish and deceptively simple table lamps, sofas, armchairs and other mid-century furnishings.
Born in Milan, Magistretti followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather (both architects) to study architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. At the outbreak of World War II, he fled to Switzerland, and it was there he met his role model and mentor, renowned humanist architect Ernesto Nathan Rogers. Magistretti was inspired by Rogers’s vision to revive postwar Italy, and they collaborated on several reconstruction projects. Among Magistretti’s first architectural designs is a “poetic” round church, which he created for the QT8, an experimental Milanese neighborhood.
When Magistretti returned to Milan in 1945, he worked at his father’s architectural firm. It wasn’t until the early 1950s that he expanded his talents into design while working with furniture artisans.
In the 1960s, Magistretti began his 30-year working relationship with famed entrepreneur Cesare Cassina of the Cassina furniture manufacturing company. In their design approach, the two men shared a vision of the relationship between modernity and tradition and enjoyed a close bond (Magistretti designed Cassina’s luxurious villa in 1965). However, their friendship was not without contention.
Legend has it that upon seeing the prototype for Magistretti’s Maralunga sofa, Cassina hated it so much that he punched it, breaking the back of the sofa, which crumpled into itself.
“Right, great, it looks perfect to me like that,” an unfazed Magistretti allegedly responded, and the Maralunga’s slumped, adjustable-height backrest was born. Incidentally, the Maralunga sofa won Italy’s Compasso d’Oro award as did his Eclisse lamp for Artemide and his Atollo lamp for Oluce.
Magistretti died in 2006, but his designs live on in galleries, museums and private residences and offices around the world.
Find a range of vintage Vico Magistretti furniture and lighting on 1stDibs.
Artemide Catalog, 1970
By Vico Magistretti, Sergio Mazza, Artemide
Located in New York, NY
1970 Artemide catalog, showcasing progressive lighting, furniture, and accessory designs in plastic, glass, and metal by a roster of design luminaries, almost all Italian, many of them trained architects. Founded in 1959 by Ernesto Gismondi and Sergio Mazza, the company produced such icons of Italian Rational...
Paper
Atelier International Limited & Cassina Trade Catalogue Binder, 1988
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Atelier International Limited & Cassina Trade catalogue Binder, 1988. Rare anthology of Cassina / AI offerings including the Master’s Collection in the...
Paper
Sothebys Catalogue Latin American Art
By Sotheby's
Located in Mexico City, MX
Auction catalog with outstanding works of Latin American Art. Ideal for collectors, galleries and art lovers. Illustrated editions, reference piece for collectors.
Paper
Christies Catalogue Latin American Sale
By Christie's
Located in Mexico City, MX
Auction catalog with outstanding works of Latin American Sale. Ideal for collectors, galleries and art lovers. Illustrated editions, reference piece for collectors.
Paper
$1,322Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.55 in W 12.6 in D 11.23 in
Rare Knoll International Vintage Catalogue, Early 1980s
By Knoll
Located in Milan, IT
A rare and striking vintage catalogue from Knoll International, dating back to the early 1980s. This substantial hardcover edition, bound in elegant fabric, comprises 90 richly desig...
Metal
Atelier International Limited (Cassina) Trade Catalog, 1988
By Le Corbusier, Cassina, Atelier International, Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in New York, NY
Atelier International catalog in original printed plastic ring binder, with tabbed sections for Seating, Armchairs, Tables, Storage, and Office Furniture. The roster of designers fea...
Plastic, Paper
$1,180
H 14.18 in W 29.53 in D 3.55 in
Nickel-Plated Metal 1970s Coat Rack Clitoquattro by Sergio Mazza for Artemide
By Artemide, Sergio Mazza
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Hat stand in matt nickel-plated brass. very good condition.
Brass, Nickel
Knoll International Catalogs
By Knoll
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Introducing a captivating collection of vintage Knoll catalogs, a must-have for design enthusiasts and collectors alike. This carefully curated assortment showcases the iconic furniture designs and timeless style that have made Knoll a revered name in the industry. Each catalog in this collection offers a glimpse into the rich history of Knoll, featuring a range of beautifully photographed interiors, furniture arrangements, and detailed product descriptions. Immerse yourself in the mid-century modern aesthetic, as these catalogs transport you to an era of sleek lines, organic forms, and innovative design concepts. Discover the vision of legendary designers such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Eero Saarinen, and Harry Bertoia, whose iconic creations are showcased within these pages. Explore the iconic Barcelona Chair, the elegant Tulip Table, or the sculptural Diamond Chair, among many other timeless masterpieces that have defined Knoll's legacy. As you peruse these vintage catalogs, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that Knoll is renowned for. The catalogs offer insights into the design philosophies behind each piece, providing a fascinating glimpse into the creative process and the ideas that shaped these iconic designs. This collection is not only a valuable resource for design professionals and enthusiasts but also a visual delight for anyone passionate about mid-century modern aesthetics. The catalogs serve as a source of inspiration for interior designers, architects, and collectors seeking to create spaces that exude elegance, sophistication, and enduring style. Each catalog has been meticulously preserved, showcasing the original graphics, typography, and design elements that capture the essence of the era. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of vintage design, this collection of vintage Knoll catalogs is a rare treasure that will enrich your understanding and appreciation of design history. Don't miss the opportunity to own this remarkable collection of vintage Knoll catalogs, a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the most influential design companies in the world. Immerse yourself in the golden age of modern design and be inspired by the timeless creations that continue to shape the aesthetic landscape even today. A wonderful collection of twelve Knoll International...
Paper
Adrian Alan Catalog, First Edition
Located in valatie, NY
Adrian Alan Catalog. First edition hardcover. Adrian Alan was established in 1964, Adrian Alan is an international family run business and one of the world...
Paper
Blue Chips Catalogue
Located in valatie, NY
Blue Chips from Jim's of Lambertville. 128 pp. A gallery catalogue from Jim's of Lambertville, an art dealer specializing in Pennsylvania impressionist and m...
Paper
Elton John Sotheby's Sale 1988 Four-Volume Catalogue(Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
This is the 4 volume set of sales catalogues produced by Sotheby's for the Elton John sale in 1988. The collection is amazing and the stage costumes and glasses are probably as expec...
Paper
Basquiat a Venezia, Exhibition Catalog 1999
By (after) Jean-Michel Basquiat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibition catalog: Venezia (Venice), Fondazione Bevilacqua La Masa, 1999 Catalog produced for the occasion of the exhibition "Jean-Michel Basquiat a Ven...
Paper
$2,124
H 9.06 in W 7.09 in D 0.2 in
Pablo Picasso Exhibition Catalog, Pinturas, Softcover, Barcelona, 1960
By Pablo Picasso
Located in Barcelona, ES
Original Exhibition Catalog – Pinturas by Pablo Picasso, Sala Gaspar, 1960 Artist: Pablo Picasso Exhibition: Pinturas – Sala Gaspar, Barcelo...
Paper
$150
H 10.63 in W 9.25 in D 1.38 in
Picasso Lithographs Catalog Raisonnee, Modern Art Book, France, 1970
By (after) Pablo Picasso
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Picasso Lithographs, Catalog Raisonnee, 1970 Printed By S.P.A.D.E.M, Paris Translated from French by Jean Didry Printed In France "Profuse black & white photos and color illustr...
Paper