Matteo Grassi Pair of Bar Stools in Black Leather

Matteograssi, pair of bar stools, leather, metal, Italy, 1970s

Postmodern set of stools in black leather, designed by Matteo Grassi. The stools are completely covered in leather, which is stitched and molded on to the metal frame, a type of architectural design used by great designers in Italy during this period. The leather skin fits like a glove over the steel skeleton.

The Grassi family – Matteo and his wife, and later on, his sons – opened a workshop in 1880 in a small village called Mariano Comense, located in northern Italy. They were specialized in crafting products made of coach hide, such as saddles, bridles, reins and the full harness, specifically made for horses. At the end of the Second World War, the region developed into one of the liveliest industrial furniture areas in Italy. From the 1950s to the ‘70s, the family business took on a different road and went along with the developments of their city. It was a huge success: due to their experience in crafting fine saddlery, the Grassi family started to make coach hide components for other companies. The family extended their interest in design as they made contact with various designers and architects during the production process. Eventually, in 1978, the company ‘Matteograssi’ was launched with their own line of furniture. After being in business for more than a hundred years, their furniture can be seen in public areas, which are considered to be the most difficult for interior designs, such as restaurants, conference rooms, airports, and large hotels. Matteo Grassi’s coach hide and soft leather were some of the highest quality materials available on the market at that time, thanks to their use of finest technologies, materials and craftsmen. Thereby, employing costly, demanding processes that meet the consumer’s expectations, followed in the tradition of fine leather craftsmanship. Their furniture are well represented at international airports such as Dubai, Kiev, Rome, Paris, Athens, Beijing and Djakarta, amidst millions of people traveling daily and in VIP Lounges of major airlines. Matteo Grassi became one of the first furnishing companies in Italy to obtain ISO 9001 certification.

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