Raffaella Crespi Furniture

Wonderful pair of Grazia lounge chairs, designed by Raffaella Crespi for Elam. Crafted from fine Italian walnut, the open-frame design showcases an intriguing constructivist influenc...

These Italian chairs were designed with high attention to detail, which is visible in the unique curves and clear geometric shapes. Characterized by silky lines and textures, this pair is exemplary of Italian mid-century design. This pair feature uniquely shaped, slim legs that are held together by the cross-shaped seat. The cylindrical legs appear to stand on pillars, which gives these chairs a unique, instantly recognizable appearance. The frame gives this pair a playful, yet elegant look. The seat cushion, oval backrest and curved armrests have been reupholstered in a premium bouclé fabric. The upholstery creates a wonderful contrast and combination with the dark stained wood. This pair was produced by the Italian manufacturer, Mobilia. Condition: In very good vintage condition. The chairs have been reupholstered in a premium hand-crafted fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 23.63 in W x 24.41 in D x 28.75 in H; Seat height 17.13 in 60 cm W x 62 cm D x 73 cm H; Seat height 43.5 cm Literature: Domus, n. 373 December 1960, advertisement. Domus, n. 400, March 1963, review. About the designer: Born in Milan on February 27, 1929, Raffaella Crespi (1929-2011) graduated in architecture at the Politecnico di Milano in 1955. In those years, the visual characteristics and the “know-how” of what today is identified as Italian design, was born. In 1969, she obtained her teaching qualification, and in 1980, she became professor of Architectural Technology, then of Industrial Design. Raffaella Crespi was one of the founders of the Association of Industrial Design, and of the magazines "Italia Nostra" and "Terragni" Foundation of Como. In 1973, the designer became the president of the Order of Architects of the province of Milan, a position she held until 1977. Crespi was the first woman ever to hold this position. Meanwhile, Crespi met the Italian engineer and architect Marcello Grisotti, a professor in Bari and later at the Milan Polytechnic in Engineering, who hired her as the editor of the magazine “Architettura / Cantiere”. Crespi also curated numerous exhibitions of international importance, including the “Il teatro in the Weimar Republic” at the Palazzo delle Stelline in 1979 and “Puppets, marionettes and puppets from the eighteenth century to the present” at the Palazzo Reale in 1980. The designer’s works were exhibited at prestigious museums around the world, such as in the MoMa in New York, in Tokyo, Paris, and London. From the year 1974, she directed the series of “Researches of Technology of Architecture” for the publisher Franco Angeli...

Pair of mid-century armchairs by Raffaella Crespi, Italy, 1960s.  

Pair of mid-century armchairs by Raffaella Crespi, Italy, 1960s.     

Mid-Century Modern grey sofa by Raffaella Crespi, Italy, 1960s New Upholstery.