Lemax Italian Sofa in Red Fiberglass and Black Leather

Lemax, sofa, leather, fiberglass, Italy, late 1960s / 1970s

This sofa from Italy is exemplary for the technological advancements and aesthetics of the 1960s and 1970s. The design reflects the company's interest in experimenting with new materials and assemblage techniques. The construction is executed in fiberglass which allowed for the creation for smooth, round finishes. Remarkable detail is how the leather expertly placed into the cut outs of the frame. The black leather adds more strength to the sofa, enhancing the remarkable interplay of shapes and materials.

In the 1960s and 1970s, there was an explosion of shapes, colors, and materials in decorative arts. The use of a bright color and plastics in this design places the sofa in the Pop Art era, reminiscent of the contemporaneous experimentation of avant-garde sculptors. Designers moved away from traditional production methods towards innovative design techniques. Furniture from the 1960s and 1970s was influenced by advancements in technology, leading to a wider variety of materials being used. Designers began to incorporate new materials, such as inflatable PVC, disposable cardboard, latex and polyester foam, into furniture design. These materials allowed for the creation of soft, organic shapes that promoted relaxation and comfort. Additionally, plastic in various forms, including hard, smooth, and shiny, became popular, as well as intense, fashionable colors. American, Italian, and Finnish designers were particularly successful in promoting and distributing plastic furniture.

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