Ilmari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù Bookcase in Teak and Walnut

IImari Tapiovaara for Esposizione Permanente Mobili Cantù, bookcase, teak, walnut veneer, Italy, 1957

This unique bookcase executed in teak and walnut veneer was a sumbission for the Selettiva International Furniture Competition in Cantú, Italy in September of 1957. Its grand appearence is emphasized by its width of 16 feet. The clean lines allow you to showcase your items within three wide columns. Due to the nine walnut veneered sliding panels the division can be arranged in ones personal favor. The combination of teak and light walnut creates a playful contrast in the warm wooden appearance. Eventually, Tapiovaara won the “Secondo Premio ex-aequo” prize in the 'Living Environment Category' at the competition, as decided by a panel of judges which included Carlo Mollino.

Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999) was trained as an interior designer and at the beginning of his career, during world war II, Tapiovaara designed gear for the Finnish army, meaning that he got used to work with very common materials such as local woods and no nails or screws where available. Later in his career he founded his own practice with his wife and had many assignments for schools and universities.

VAT within the EU: When buying or delivering an item within the EU, VAT usually applies and will be added.