Unique Franco Campo and Carlo Graffi 1960s Large Wall Unit in Walnut

Franco Campo and Carlo Graffi for Home, bespoke wall unit, walnut, lacquered wood, Italy, 1960s

This wall unit captures a real slice of 1960s Italian modernism. Designed by Franco Campo and Carlo Graffi for their own label, Home, it reflects the era’s growing fascination with practical, customizable pieces. The structure is composed of five rectangular units, punctuated by distinct circular and curved forms. Some compartments are open rectangles with rounded edges, while the cabinet doors feature cut-out handles that form half-moon shapes. These geometric elements complement each other in a rhythmic sequence: rectangles stacked in neat lines, half-circles breaking up the straight edges, and rounded cubes offering an almost sculptural contrast. The mixed use of walnut veneer and white lacquered parts enhance its bold, graphic allure. The piece is all about combining simple geometry with more organic lines. Notice for instance the big, scooped-out arc. Needless to say, the craftsmanship here is top-notch: the walnut panels are book-matched for a continuous grain pattern, and the white lacquer frames everything cleanly. Campo and Graffi were known for their inventive approach, and this piece perfectly illustrates that forward-thinking spirit of Italian design in the post-war years.

Franco Campo (1926-2012) was born in Turin and pursued architecture and engineering at the Politecnico di Torino, where he befriended Carlo Graffi (1925-1985), his future partner. Both studied under Carlo Mollino, and after graduating in 1950, they continued collaborating with Mollino on various architectural and design projects, exhibiting together and participating in competitions. While striving for independence, their early works bore Mollino's influence, evident in their use of spine curves and organic materials. In the early 1950s, they focused on custom interiors and furniture for shops and residences, reflecting Turin's urban expression through rigid, sculptural forms.

In pursuit of accessible furniture, Campo and Graffi founded Home, a socialist-inspired furniture factory. Their designs, characterized by a sober aesthetic with functional nuances, echoed Scandinavian influences. Home enjoyed success, operating stores in Turin, Genoa, and Rome, until it faced a devastating setback in 1964 when a fire destroyed the factory. Following the dissolution of their partnership, Carlo Graffi resumed collaboration with Carlo Mollino, while Franco Campo pursued solo ventures, specializing in exclusive furniture and interiors.

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