Montalcini & Pagano desk & chair

Guiseppe Pagano (1896-1945) and Gino Levi Montalcini (1902-1974) designed this exquisite desk and chair in 1929 for the influential financier Riccardo Gualino’s residence, Palazzo Gualino in Turin. The project received a lot critical acclaim – regarded as one of the purist expressions of the rationalist movement, of such historic architectural importance, Domus devoted an entire issue to the project in 1930.

It is made from innovative Buxus paper covered wood, in the Cartiere Giacomo Bosso workshop in Turin. The result is a highly patterned natural surface that is lightweight, intricate and striking. The set’s boxy aesthetic is broken up with more delicate inset black feet and the chair’s subtle curves. Both pieces have very minor surface scuffs and marks, the chair has one indent at the top of the backrest – but remarkable original condition.

Literature: Domus no. 30, June 1930 pp. 88-89 for similar examples.

Desk H80 L140 D70cm

Chair H80 L45 D47 Seat H45cm

F262