Ignazio Gardella for Azucena Set of Six ‘R63’ Armchairs

Ignazio Gardella for Azucena, set of six armchairs, model P10 / R63, faux leather, nickel-plated brass, Italy, design 1963

A rare set of armchairs by Milanese architect Ignazio Gardella and produced under Azucena, the R63 design holds a special place in postwar Italian furniture history. The design was originally conceived for the dining room of the Cavalieri-Hilton hotel (1961-1963). The fact that this particular set includes ten matching pieces makes it especially noteworthy. At first glance, the chair feels both classical and experimental. The most immediately arresting feature is the backrest: broad and vertical, it culminates in a winged headrest that evokes the silhouette of a bergère chair, though here stripped of ornament and reduced to a bold, abstract gesture.

The armrests follow this same ethos of simplification. Their soft, outward flare echoes the wings of the headrest and connects the upper structure to the more grounded presence of the legs. The burgundy red upholstery, which extends uniformly over the seat, arms, back, and even the legs, creates a sense of unity that blurs the distinctions between structural elements. The covering doesn’t simply wrap the structure but cuts and bends in precise ways, like tailored clothing, lending the whole object a sartorial sharpness. The detailing at the seams is minimal, almost invisible, yet clearly the result of a refined design and fabrication process. The legs are particularly intriguing. Though quite slender and tapered, they retain a sense of sturdiness. Their slight outward splay introduces a dynamic touch that complements the overall round-contoured character of the chair. Square nickel-plated feet support the legs in a dignified and discreet manner.

Kindly note that these chairs are in used condition. The leather shows signs of wear and use common for pieces this age. Reupholstery can be done in our in-house atelier. Please reach out to our design specialists for more information.


Biography

Ignazio Gardella (1905–1999) was a leading figure in 20th-century Italian architecture. Born in Milan into a family of engineers and architects, he graduated in civil engineering from the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1928 and soon established his own direction, moving beyond early stylistic influences.

Connected with architects such as Franco Albini and Ernesto Nathan Rogers, and shaped by travels to Germany and Scandinavia, Gardella became active in Milan’s rationalist movement, contributing to Casabella and participating in major initiatives including the 6th Milan Triennale. His early work includes the Tuberculosis Dispensary in Alessandria (1933–1939).

After the war, he co-founded the MSA (1947), taught at IUAV (1949–1975), and joined CIAM. His most significant works include the Pavilion of Contemporary Art in Milan, the House in Zattere, and the Olivetti Canteen and Auditorium, along with later projects such as Lambrate Railway Station and the Faculty of Architecture in Genoa.

Widely published and internationally recognized, he received the Olivetti Award (1955) and the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement (1996). In 1995, the House in Zattere became the first modern Italian building under fifty years old to gain official artistic protection. He worked until his death in 1999.

Designed for the Cavalieri-Hilton hotel in Rome, the R63 armchair is defined by its bergère-like winged backrest and upholstery that fully covers the legs, creating a continuous, tailored effect.