Ilmari Tapiovaara Sofa in Cognac Brown Leather and Light Blue Upholstery

Ilmari Tapiovaara for Esposizione La Permanente Mobili manufactured by Paolo Arnaboldi, sofa, teak, leather, brass, fabric, Italy, 1957.

This three-seat sofa is designed by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara and was presented at the artisan workshop Esposizione Permanente Mobili of Palazzi dell'Arte in Cantu, Italy. Interestingly enough the experts were very critical of the design as they believed that Arnaboldi did not understand all the new techniques that Tapiovaara suggested for his radical new design. Nowadays, it is seen as a sublime example of midcentury design from Finland. The wooden frame is pure and clear in its execution giving the sofa both a simple yet stately appearance. The backrest and seat are comprised of leather straps that are evenly structured in a horizontal and vertical manner. The light blue fabric cushions complement the natural look of the design. The style of this sofa is based on simplified lines, absence of decoration and the use of neutral materials that are in great harmony.

Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999) was trained as an interior designer and at the beginning of his career, during World War Two, 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.
Please note that the depicted photographs show an example of the way this item can be tailored to specific wishes of our clients. We kindly ask you to contact our design experts to discuss your wishes regarding upholstery and finishing. Your special requests can be realized by the experienced craftsmen and -women in our own in-house restoration and upholstery atelier. With high attention to the original, they make sure every piece retains its value and is ready for the many years to come. Please note that a custom-made reupholstered sofa has a lead-time of twelve to fourteen weeks. All to meet our high-quality and standards.

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