1954

Lounge Chair

Designed by: Osvaldo Borsani (1911–1985)

Material: Steel, partly painted or brass-plated, rubber, polyfoam, cotton upholstery

Produced by: Tecno S.p.A., Milan, Italy

Dimensions: 86.7 x 72.7 x 115 cm

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Liliane and David M. Stewart Collection, D83.116.1

This lounge chair was built for comfort. All the parts are adjustable: the seat and back fold together for storage or open nearly flat so the sitter can fully recline; the footrest extends out or swings up under the seat; the armrests turn up for use or down to be out of the way. This was a midcentury wonder in its mix of mechanical function and the organic curves seen in other Italian designs.

Modified over the years, this classic design is still in production by Tecno, still striking in office or home use. Originally offered in a black covering, other colors were introduced later.

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, photo: Giles Rivest.