Ilmari Tapiovaara Three Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather and Teak

Ilmari Tapiovaara for Esposizione La Permanente Mobili manufactured by Paolo Arnaboldi, sofa, teak, leather, brass, Italy, 1957.

This three-seat sofa is designed by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara and was presented at the artisan workshop Esposizione Permanente Mobili of Palazzi dell'Arte in Cantu, Italy. Interestingly enough the experts were very critical of the design as they believed that Arnaboldi did not understand all the new techniques that Tapiovaara suggested for his radical new design. Nowadays, it is seen as a sublime example of midcentury design from Finland. The wooden frame is pure and clear in its execution giving the sofa both a simple yet stately appearance. The backrest and seat are comprised of leather straps that are evenly structured in a horizontal and vertical manner. The cognac leather cushions complement the natural look of the design. The style of this sofa is based on simplified lines, absence of decoration and the use of neutral materials that are in great harmony.

Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999) was trained as an interior designer and at the beginning of his career, during World War Two, Tapiovaara designed gear for the Finnish army, meaning that he got used to work with very common materials such as local woods and no nails or screws where available. Later in his career, he founded his own practice with his wife and had many assignments for schools and universities.

Please note that renewal of the leather straps is necessary before use. The leather upholstery of the cushions shows signs of wear and use. The wooden frame contains scratches. Reupholstery and restoration can be done before shipping by our experienced craftspeople in our own in-house restoration atelier. With high attention for the original, they make sure every piece contains 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 reupholstery and restoration is possible as well.

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