Armchair 19 by Vico Magistretti
Italy, 1960
Although ostensibly a 'folksy' traditional chair, on close examination this turns
out to be one of the few truly modern designs in plain wood construction (as
distinct from bentwood forms).
The extreme strength of the chair is centred in the large leg cross-section at seat level, where
the horizontal members interlock in a complex double mortice and tenon.
The shaping of the members is a completely straightforward expression of the
structural idea. It is interesting to compare the Magistretti Armchair 19 with
Hans Wegner's solution to the same problem.
Both concentrate the strength of the chair in a thickening of the legs, both have woven seats and a
single bar back rest. However, aesthetically they could not be less alike.
Barcelona chair
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