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Lips Vago Mid Century Congress Metal Shelving System 1960s

$8,824.58per set
£6,534.16per set
€7,500per setVAT Included
CA$12,291.38per set
A$12,504.89per set
CHF 7,166.55per set
MX$150,566.68per set
NOK 83,763.77per set
SEK 84,131.39per set
DKK 57,190.62per set

About the Item

This extraordinary bookcase, model Congresso, was designed and produced by Lips Vago in 1967, representing one of the most innovative and iconic modular systems of Italian design of the 1960s. Winner of the prestigious SMAU Industrial Design Award in the same year, the Congresso bookcase immediately established itself as a symbol of a rational and functional approach, capable of merging architecture and furniture into a single design gesture. The version presented here is the XL, the rarest and most sought-after of all, today regarded as a true collector's item. Unlike the standard version with 5 shelves per side, this imposing configuration reaches 3 meters in height and hosts 7 shelves per side, for a total of 14 double-faced shelves. Its double structure makes it a sculptural piece of great impact, perfect as a central divider within lofts, galleries, and public spaces, or as an architectural installation capable of redefining the environment. A historical detail of absolute significance is that these bookcases were adopted by the Vatican Archives, confirming their solidity and the institutional vocation of a system conceived to endure over time and to preserve treasures of knowledge. Today they have become extremely rare on the market: we have 4 identical modules available, for a total of 4 linear meters, a unique opportunity to furnish an entire space with both aesthetic and historical coherence. Made of military green steel, typical of Lips Vago's industrial language, the bookcase retains all its original expressive power: the shelves are adjustable and sliding with a simple gesture, allowing for extreme versatility of use. The solid base guarantees stability, while the rigorous proportions confirm the rationalist and minimalist vocation of the project. Published several times in magazines such as Domus, the Congresso bookcase is today an icon of Italian design, out of production for decades. This XL version is an extremely rare model, practically impossible to find on the international market, and represents a true opportunity for collectors, galleries, and architects seeking a unique piece that unites history, functionality, and sculptural strength. Perfect condition, with slight signs of age and small points of rust that lend it an extraordinary original patina, a testament to its authenticity and lived beauty. Please note that this item is in excellent vintage condition. Minor signs of age may be present, which do not affect its functionality. We invite you to take these features into consideration before purchasing. A total of 4 modules of the Congress bookcase are available. They can also be purchased separately by visiting our seller page. If you would like to receive additional photos of this item, please feel free to contact us directly through the 1stDibs messaging system. We will be happy to provide you with further images and any additional details you may need. Lips Vago was one of the most important Italian companies in the production of modular metal systems in the postwar period, based in Milan. Born from the encounter between the industrial tradition of Lips, a historic Dutch company specialized in storage and security systems (safes), and the Italian reality of Vago, the company established itself from the 1950s as a point of reference in the creation of metal furnishings for offices, archives, libraries, and institutional spaces. The strength of Lips Vago lay in the union of industrial functionality and rationalist design, with solutions that responded to the new needs of the economic boom: modularity, durability, order, and storage capacity. Their systems were conceived not only as furniture, but as true interior architectures, capable of organizing space and adapting to different contexts. The most iconic project remains the Congresso bookcase (1967), winner of the prestigious SMAU Industrial Design Award in the same year. Published several times in Domus, it was also adopted by the Vatican Archives, confirming its solidity and institutional relevance. The bookcase, with its rigorous proportions, adjustable shelves, and double-sided structure, represents one of the most significant examples of how Lips Vago managed to merge architectural rationalism and functional innovation. In the 1960s and 1970s, the company became a protagonist of the Italian and international scene, offering furnishings that spoke the modernist language and integrated perfectly into executive offices, public spaces, and avant-garde domestic environments. Today, Lips Vago pieces, long out of production, are considered rarities in the vintage design market, appreciated by collectors, architects, and galleries for their ability to combine industrial aesthetics, modularity, and history.
  • Creator:
    Lips Vago (Manufacturer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 118.12 in (300 cm)Width: 39.38 in (100 cm)Depth: 27.56 in (70 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 3
  • Style:
    Industrial (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Steel
  • Place of Origin:
    Italy
  • Period:
    1960-1969
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1967
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. To receive a tailored shipping quote based on your delivery location, please feel free to contact us through 1stDibs messages .
  • Seller Location:
    Conversano, IT
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU8395246736042

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