Very Rare Original Tripolina Chairs by Joseph Fendy for Paolo Viganò, Signed

A rare and inportant pair of the 'Tripolina' folding chairs designed by Joseph B. Fenby. Tripolina folding chairs present a wooden frame with metal fixings and a beautiful removable seat realized in high-quality leather. These lounge chairs are designed for practicality and remarkable comfort while reflecting casual elegance. They also strike an important design statement that references the history of furniture as they were among the first folding chairs. These design icons were manufactured by the Italian Viganò company during the 1930s and are in completely original condition with a beautiful patina. They are stamped "Brevettato" on frames; the leather seats have been replaced. The original “Tripolina” chair was invented by the Englishman Joseph Beverley Fenby. It was patented in the United Kingdom in 1877 and in the United States in 1881. It was used in military campaigns, where it was ideal because it was designed to fold up compactly — while still being comfortable and stable. It was manufactured by Fenby’s own company in the UK and shortly after in Wisconsin, USA. Later, it was manufactured by the Italian Viganò company in Tripoli, Libya.. Used by ordinary people and presidents alike, it’s been an extraordinarily versatile chair for nearly 150 years. This first folding chair from the late 19th century, 1881. It inspired a lot of midcentury modern designers, of which the best known example is the 'Butterfly chair' by Antonio Bonet, Juan Kurchan and Jorge Ferrari Hardoy. However, these later adaptions do not match the elaborate folding wood construction, style and deep comfort of the original "Tripolina" chair. Literature: Domus n. 97, January 1936; I. de Guttry, M. P. Maino, Il mobile déco italiano, p. 56, Laterza, 1988.. Additional References: Military and campaign furniture, Napoleon, Folding and portable...

Tripolina folding chair presents a wooden frame with metal fixing and a beautiful removable seat realized in high-quality leather. This iconic...

Tripolina folding chair presents a wooden frame with metal fixing and a beautiful removable seat realized in high-quality leather. This iconic ...

Amazing construction of one! Bent piece of plywood. Made by knoll.

Folding chair mod." Tripolina" designed by Vittoriano Vigano This chair is modern Italian made of solid wood slats with metal joints and leather upholstery. Good conditions, some si...

Folding chair mod." Tripolina" designed by Vittoriano Vigano This chair is modern Italian made of solid wood slats with metal joints and leather upholstery. Good conditions, some si...

Joseph Cicchelli for Reilly-Wolff 1950's Mid-Century Modern Wrought Iron Metal Circle Hoop Frame Upholstered Lounge Chair This mid-century piece is soundly structured with a stron...

This chair was designed by Jan Bocan, the award-winning architect behind the Czechoslovakian embassy in Stockholm that was built in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He also designed t...

This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach, check last pictures on this listing and/or find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) This was the first mass-produced inflatable chair...

Tripolina.