Libro, the ingenious Pop armchair of the ’70s
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Book Armchair, introduction
Libro is an armchair that surprises: designed by Gianni Pareschi for Busnelli in 1970, it looks like an open book. Now it is relaunched with new materials, colors and technical devices, all without losing its original identity.
Its metal structure, with Busnelli’s characteristic Ombra color, has a central articulation that “holds” the pages to the pivot point, allowing you to adjust backrest and seat by turning the pages to one side or the other. The base has, at the bottom, an adjustable safety strap.
The metal structure is painted with ecological products and the “pages” are filled with polyurethane foam covered with resin-coated fabric.
Price: Consult.
Information
Description
Libro, is an expression of Pop design, a classic icon of its time, immortalized by its place in the permanent collection of the MoMA in New York. In the beginning, Libro was not widely accepted as it was considered, in some way, a “transgressor” of culture. The evocation of a book intended for the seat was surely not the most appropriate thing to do at that time.
Only after being inducted into MoMA’s permanent gallery did it become an icon of pop culture. As a piece of furniture, it sets new standards of comfort with a very studied fit. The successful conceptual approach (not very understood in its beginnings), today is a benchmark of inspiration and originality.
Gianni Pareschi deployed, in this work, very advanced design concepts . The main one was to elaborate a very simple structure, two metal plates joined by a solid joint. Once the angle on which the seat would rest was established, Pareschi placed a lower safety strap. On the joint he placed a padded cylinder that would serve as a guide to the pages, preventing them from being “out of line”. The “pages” (non-removable cushions), like book booklets, would be sewn 2 to 2 and would be removable.
In the beginning, the coatings used were very Pop, with shiny and shiny effects. In this, a successful re-edition, more finishes are used for greater personalisation.
Technical data sheet
- Structure: made of tubular steel with several sections painted with ecological products.
- Cushions: Flexible polyurethane foam core of different densities covered with resin-coated fabric.
- Coatings: Velvet: 100% polyester, abrasion resistant, high dimensional stability, waterproof and dirt resistant (46 colors). Natural leather: soft touch (20 colors). Nubuck: Tanned leather with a velvety appearance (11 colors).
Feedback
An extraordinary piece of design, an icon of Pop culture and thanks to Busnelli, reissued to the delight of followers of this trend. Due to the time it has been out of the market, the prices I have located, for second-hand seats, range from €10,000 to €16,000.
Some dealers already have new parts in stock and the ones I have consulted are offered at around €7,000. However, given the recent re-edition, I advise those interested to contact Busnelli with the data provided in Additional Information.
Manufacturer: We Do Living, S.r.l. Viale dell’Industria, 12 – 20832 Desio MB (Italy)
- Terms and conditions of sale: n/n.
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- Frequently asked questions: s/n.
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- Repair service and spare parts: s/n.
Availability: Consult.
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Deferred payment: s/n.
Contact: Link.
The Busnelli Industrial Group began in 1953 in Meda, in the Brianza region known for the furniture industry. Very soon he abandoned the artisanal vocation to enter fully into industrialized production. Design and planning, along with the use of new technologies and materials , raised Busnelli’s name in the following years.
In 1965 Kaleidoscope was born and became a successful publishing initiative compiling ideas and reflections on culture and society. In 1970 he collaborated with Gianni Pareschi, who designed several works for Busnelli , increasing his product catalogue.
In 2021 it was acquired by We Do Holding with the mission of relaunching the brand and continuing a design story that began 70 years ago.
Additional Images
Libro armchair, red velvet and charcoal.
Customisation by Custo Barcelona. Image: On Diseño.
Libro Armchair, permanent exhibition at MoMA.
Libro Armchair, adjustments.
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