Gernot Nalbach sculptural chair Tonelli e Broggi Cantú 1971

This extremely rare and possibly prototype chair, designed by renowned architect Gernot Nalbach (b. 1942) and manufactured by Tonelli e Broggi in Cantù, Italy, in 1971, is a true masterpiece of design innovation. Far ahead of its time, this chair’s sculptural and organic form closely resembles the experimental designs of the 1980s and 1990s, particularly in the style of Ron Arads well-tempered chair, when advances in bending and assembly techniques were more developed. However, this visionary piece was already conceived in 1971, making it an extraordinary achievement in design history.

The chair is constructed from a few precisely bent white plastic components, seamlessly assembled using metal nuts, bolts, and pins. Its fluid and playful form challenges the rigid conventions of traditional seating, reflecting a bold, futuristic aesthetic. Considering the limited technological capabilities of the early 1970s, the complexity of this chair’s production is remarkable. The precision and craftsmanship required to achieve such smooth curves and seamless joints without the aid of modern machinery make it a testament to both ingenuity and skill.

This piece holds significant historical and artistic value, as a similar lounge chair by Nalbach is published in Gio Ponti é Cantù, page 141, reinforcing its importance in the evolution of contemporary design. It originates directly from a co-worker at Tonelli e Broggi in Cantù, adding to its provenance and rarity.

More than just a collector’s item, this chair bridges the gap between functional furniture and sculptural art. Due to the durable yet flexible nature of the plastic used, it remains structurally sound and suitable for use. It is in good original condition, showing only slight surface wear consistent with age, without cracks or tears.

This chair is a museum-worthy piece, embodying a radical design vision far ahead of its time. Its rarity and significance make it a prized acquisition for collectors, design enthusiasts, and institutions dedicated to preserving groundbreaking works of 20th-century design.

Gernot Nalbach (b. 1942, Vienna) is a renowned architect and designer. He studied at the Vienna University of Technology and later became a professor at the University of the Arts Berlin and TU Dortmund. In 1975, he founded Nalbach + Nalbach with his wife, Johanne, shaping Berlin’s architecture with projects like the Federal Ministry of Labor. His work emphasizes integrating modern designs into historical contexts. He has held guest professorships worldwide and received the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art. Nalbach also co-owns the Seehotel am Neuklostersee, a boutique hotel he designed.