1919 Armchair

Overview

The 1919 armchair is credited to Renzo Frau. The page says it is named after the year in which it was designed and is archived under the code 128, and that it reinterprets the classic bergère with a characteristic capitonné backrest.

Image source: Poltrona Frau — 1919 Armchair · © Poltrona Frau and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official product page ↗ · Image use & copyright policy

Construction

A seasoned solid beech frame, hand-tied biconical steel springs on jute belts, rubberised horsehair in the seat, vegetable horsehair, shaped by hand, for the backrest and armrests, and a loose seat cushion of goose down. Each chair is numbered.

Specifications

• Armchair, 5145111: W 90 cm, D 95 cm, H 93 cm
• Versions: without plate, or with an ashtray plate or glass-holder plate, mounted left or right
• Feet: beech stained dark walnut (05), front feet with brass wheels in a golden or gunmetal grey finish

Model 128 and the 1919 catalogue

According to the page, the armchair is archived as model 128 and is thought to have been custom-designed by Renzo Frau for Filiberto Ludovico of Savoy, Duke of Pistoia. It adds that, despite the private commission, it became one of Poltrona Frau's first and biggest public successes. The product sheet states that model 128 entered Renzo Frau's catalogue from 1919 and took up the opulent features of rococo armchairs.

Footrest and book stand

Compared with its predecessors, the page says, the 1919 adds the strength of its capitonné backrest, a special extension for use as a footrest, and an optional small bookstand with an arm. The sheet describes the small book stand as supported by an arm anchored to the side, and the page links the optional piece to the Duke's ashtray, the Duke being a famous cigar smoker.