Maralunga Sofa by Vico Magistretti from Cassina 1970s

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Maralunga sofa by Vico Magistretti from Cassina Italy 1970 the Iconic sofa. Divano Maralunga a due posti in velluto bianco
Originale del periodo il divano perfetto in ogni sua parte Ed stato appena ricoperto in velluto bianco .Creator: Vico Magistretti (Designer),Cassina (Manufacturer)Design: Maralunga SofaDimensions: Height: 17.72 in (45 cm)Width: 66.15 in (168 cm)Depth: 17.72 in (45 cm)Seat Height: 13.78 in (35 cm)Style: Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)Materials and Techniques: VelvetPlace of Origin: ItalyPeriod: 1970-1979Date of Manufacture: 1970Condition: GoodReupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use. Rivestimento ricondizionato.Seller Location: Lucca, ITReference Number: 1stDibs: LU3145333712942

Maralunga Sofa

Designed by Vico Magistretti

While origin stories behind the worlds timeless designs vary widely, the story of the Maralunga sofa is one of the best in design lore: As legend has it, when Cassina founder Cesare Cassina first saw the prototype for the piece in the mid-1970s by Italian furniture designer Vico Magistretti (19202006), he was so disgusted by it that he punched it, breaking the back of the sofa, which crumbled over itself . . . into the shape the piece would eventually take. (Right, great, it looks perfect to me like that, Magistretti allegedly responded.)

Whether it was his accidental adjustment or further consideration of the design, Cassina clearly came around: His company debuted Magistrettis design in 1973. The Maralunga is characterized by what looks like a slumped backrest but is really an adjustable-height headrest, moved by way of a bicycle chain that runs underneath its plush foam cushions.

The effect is a sofa that serves two functions: Its both a backdrop for social conversation and a setting for solo relaxation. My intention with Maralunga was to design an object that represented a whole range of interior architecture with a familiar feel, Magistretti said of the design. Two positions, two possible uses, two different ways to create your own personal space inside a room.

While the Maralungas boxy shape is pure 70s, the sofa holds its own in a range of interiors and remains popular today. Cassina now produces it in a variety of upholstery options and, in 2014, enlisted a slew of designers to reinterpret it in celebration of its 40th anniversary.

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Vico Magistretti

As one of the founding fathers of modern Italian design, prolific architect and industrial designer Ludovico Magistretti (known by his nickname Vico) was guided by his philosophy, There is no excuse for bad design. His architectural projects are widely revered, and an ingenious meld of form and function can be found in his stylish and deceptively simple table lamps, sofas, armchairs and other mid-century furnishings.

Born in Milan, Magistretti followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather (both architects) to study architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. At the outbreak of World War II, he fled to Switzerland, and it was there he met his role model and mentor, renowned humanist architect Ernesto Nathan Rogers. Magistretti was inspired by Rogerss vision to revive postwar Italy, and they collaborated on several reconstruction projects. Among Magistrettis first architectural designs is a poetic round church, which he created for the QT8, an experimental Milanese neighborhood.

When Magistretti returned to Milan in 1945, he worked at his fathers architectural firm. It wasnt until the early 1950s that he expanded his talents into design while working with furniture artisans.

In the 1960s, Magistretti began his 30-year working relationship with famed entrepreneur Cesare Cassina of the Cassina furniture manufacturing company. In their design approach, the two men shared a vision of the relationship between modernity and tradition and enjoyed a close bond (Magistretti designed Cassinas luxurious villa in 1965). However, their friendship was not without contention.

Legend has it that upon seeing the prototype for Magistrettis Maralunga sofa, Cassina hated it so much that he punched it, breaking the back of the sofa, which crumpled into itself.

Right, great, it looks perfect to me like that, an unfazed Magistretti allegedly responded, and the Maralungas slumped, adjustable-height backrest was born. Incidentally, the Maralunga sofa won Italys Compasso dOro award as did his Eclisse lamp for Artemide and his Atollo lamp for Oluce.

Magistretti died in 2006, but his designs live on in galleries, museums and private residences and offices around the world.

Find a range of vintage Vico Magistretti furniture and lighting on 1stDibs.