“Gala” by Franco Albini

Rare early edition of Franco Albini’s ‘Gala’ armchair, for Vittorio Bonacina, 1951, in rattan and bamboo.

The armchair’s reclining angle is adjustable.

Italian designer, architect and urban planner Franco Albini (1905-1977) designed the Gala armchair in 1951 for the National Organisation for Crafts and Small Industries. The organisation’s aim was to revitalise Italian craftsmanship by bringing together designers and artisans in post-war Italy.

Albini collaborated with Vittorio Bonacina, a small company based near Milan that had specialised in wicker products since 1889. Although formally reminiscent of a heavy club chair, the chair gives an impression of lightness and organicity thanks to its transparent construction.

At the IX Milan Triennale, 1951,  the Gala won the gold medal.

Today, the Gala armchair can be found in many museum collections, including the Vitra Design Museum.