Poltrona Frau, the classic Italian furniture brand, is celebrating 100 years in the design sector
The company, which was founded in Turin by Renzo Frau, have produced some of the most recognisable designs from the last century including the Vanity Fair Armchair and the Kennedee seating collection. Famed for using only the highest quality materials and fine craftsmanship, the company have been one of the most recognisable brands from the last century.
The Italian company will be celebrating their centenary with the launch of three projects: The release of a book entitled ‘Intelligence in our Hands’, which takes a look at the last 100 years of design in the company’s eventful history; The opening of a Poltrona Frau museum in Tolentino, central Italy which reveals the inner workings of the brand and its designers; and the holding of a competition for young designers to design the Poltrona Frau ‘centenary armchair’.
To celebrate this historic event, we take a look at some of Poltrona Frau’s most recognisable designs throughout the last century. First up is the ‘904’ Chair, now known as the Vanity Fair Armchair, which has been in the Poltrona Frau archive collection since 1903. The iconic armchair became the model upon which all modern armchairs were based upon, and in doing so, became a classic design. It is upholstered in the finest leather, has a seat cushion filled with goose down and has rows of leather-covered studs on the seat and arms – a touch that is instantly recognisable as Poltrona Frau. The chair is available to buy online and comes in a selection of coloured leathers.
Next up is the Kennedee collection, designed by Jean-Marie Massaud which became an instant classic when it was revealed in 2006. The collection, which includes a number of modular sofas and a swivel chair, is characterised by a modern quilting of the back and cushions which perfectly showcases Poltrona Frau’s age-old artisanal skills. Our favourite item from the Kennedee collection is the beautiful Curved Sofa, but also available are the Two Seater Sofa, Three Seater Sofa and Swivel Armchair, all of which come in the finest leather and sit atop an elegant steel base.
Finally, we take a look at the HT Table, designed by Claudio Silvestrin in 2006. The HT table is a clean and streamlined design that elegantly showcases its natural wooden properties – either oak or ash-coloured oak. The three staggered legs at each side of the table make this a unique and practical table.
Congratulations on your centenary Poltrona Frau – we look forward to the next 100 years!
