1919
The “1919” armchair, named after the year in which it was designed, is
actually archived under the code “128”. It is thought that it was
custom-designed by Renzo Frau for Filiberto Ludovico of Savoy, Duke of
Pistoia. Despite being commissioned by a specific customer, it became one of Poltrona
Frau’s first and biggest public successes.
Reinterpretation of the classic bergère model, compared with its
progenitors the “1919” adds the strength of its characteristic capitonné, used
for the backrest. Other details include the addition of a special extension to
use as a footrest and a little optional bookstand with arm, designed to hold
the ashtray of the Duke, a famous cigar smoker.
About Designer | |
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Renzo Frau |
Lorenzo Frau, known as ‘Renzo’, was born in Cagliari
in 1881. He left Sardinia for military service in Milan, which he completed
successfully earning the title of lieutenant. He married Savina Pisati and
moved to Turin, at the time a real hub of Italian culture.
He initially worked as a sales
representative for Gribaudi and then for Dermoide Patent, manufacturer of faux
leather. Having moved to Great Britain for work, he was able to discover the
Chesterfield model armchairs and immediately imagined its potential, successfully
starting to import it into Italy. At the same time, however, he was also
attracted by the models of French and Central European style. He therefore
decided to create his own artisan production laboratory. It was 1912: Poltrona
Frau was created. From the initial work ‘in style’, Frau quickly moved onto
direct design. Poltrona Frau became not only a production pole, but also a
meeting point for artists and intellectuals. Renzo Frau used these relations to
consolidate the brand image: successful models ensued quickly, one after the
other. As the First World War broke out, Frau was called to fight for his
country and his wife Savina bravely took up the reins of the company. Frau’s
armchairs thus began entering the most important buildings, also used by the
royal family. Renzo Frau met an early death in 1926. He left an extensive
archive of projects that would allow his wife to coherently pursue Poltrona
Frau production in the years to come. |