Rare Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'P99A' Desk or Office Swivel Chair

Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, desk chair, model 'P99A', fabric, enameled iron, brass, Italy, designed and produced in 1957

The P99 chair, designed by Osvaldo Borsani, represents the final evolution of the earlier P35 model, made in a classic style by Arredamenti Borsani Varedo (ABV). Through continuous improvements in both form and function, the design advanced through models P38 and P39, ultimately culminating in the streamlined and refined P99. It was produced in two distinct versions: one featuring armrests (Model A) and the other without (Model B). The design excels in shape, technical precision, and symmetrical elegance, showcasing a streamlined silhouette with clear, defined lines and a sense of lightness. The base consists of four outward-facing legs, each formed by a cluster of rods that splay outward. The slightly angled and curved backrest offers ergonomic support, while the angular, triangular armrests seamlessly connect to the seat, contributing to a clean, minimalist look. The metal frame is impressed with the Tecno logo.

Osvaldo Borsani (1911-1985) was an Italian designer and architect, raised by a family of fine furniture makers in Varedo. At the age of 16, he joined his father’s furniture shop, the Atelier di Varedo, which was fully engaged in designing and furnishing homes inspired by the Italian Art Deco movement. The designer of the atelier was the Italian architect Gino Maggioni (1898-1955) who was known for his Viennese Jugendstil orientation of the early 20th century. In the 1930s, he graduated from the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera and Politecnico di Milano, where he studied Fine Arts and Architecture respectively. In 1932, the family company was renamed ‘Arredamenti Borsani’ and opened its first studio in Milan. During this period, he encountered Avant-Garde artists of various artistic disciplines like Lucio Fontana (1899-1968), Agenore Fabbri (1911-1998), Aligi Sassu (1912-2000), Roberto Crippa (1921-1972), Fausto Melotti (1901-1986), Arnaldo Pomodoro (1926-) and Giò Pomodoro (1930-2002). These collaborations resulted in the creation of furniture and interior design projects with a high-level of craftsmanship and artistry. In 1953, Borsani founded together with his twin brother Fulgenzio Borsani ‘Tecno’, a design and manufacturing company that produced items based on mechanical innovations and refined technicality. The ‘P40’ adjustable lounge chair (1953) has become the ideological manifesto of Borsani's Tecno program, and still remains the best known, exemplary piece in the Tecno catalogue. Other iconic works that were produced by Tecno were created by Gio Ponti (1891-1979), Vico cham (1920-2006), Carlo de Carli (1910-1999), Gae Aulenti (1927-2012), and many other influential Italian designers. Osvaldo Borsani died in 1985 in Milan. His diverse and sophisticated oeuvre is to be found in permanent collections, such as of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, Neue Sammlung in Munich, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Trienalle di Milano Museum.

Kindly note that the base contains some lacquer imperfections. In addition, the swivel mechanism is present, but does not function properly. Restoration is possible before shipping by our experienced craftspeople in our own in-house restoration atelier. With high attention for the original, they make sure every piece retains its value and is ready for the many years to come. We kindly ask you to contact our design experts for further information about the endless possibilities our restoration and upholstery atelier has to offer. Of course, a locally organized restoration is possible as well.

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