TITO AGNOLI (Lima, 1931-Milan, 2012) for MATTEO GRASSI.

TITO AGNOLI (Lima, 1931-Milan, 2012) for MATTEO GRASSI. Set of two Korium armchairs. Upholstery in black leather. Measurements: 76 x 76 x 55 cm. Set of two armchairs with metal structure and black leather upholstery. The Korium chair is a design classic that will be enjoyed by generations to come. Designed by Tito Agnoli in the 1970s, it was marketed by Matteo Grassi in the same decade. It is a chair raised on four wheels, with slightly curved armrests and side frames covered by a black leather panel that falls to the floor. The backrest is slightly inclined. The geometric shapes, pure and elegant, make this chair an icon of mid-century design. Born in Lima, Tito Agnoli moved to Italy to study in the years after the Second World War. He studied painting under Mario Sironi. In 1949 he enrolled at the Polytechnic University of Milan to study architecture. Specialising in industrial design, Agnoli interned for the famous designers Gio Ponti and Carlo De Carli after graduating. From the 1950s onwards, Agnoli worked in the field of furniture, creating designs for important Italian brands such as Arflex, Bonacina, Mattero Grassi, Poltrona Frau and Ycami. He also made major contributions to the field of lighting. Among his most outstanding designs are the Model 9000 Sofa for Arflex (1969); the sculptural Lounge Chair P3 and Lounge Chair P3S in wicker, the Sorbet Chair in stainless steel and the Punto e Virgola Chair for Pierantonio Bonacina (all 1960s); and the Korium Chair for Matteo Grassi (1970s). In 1974, Agnoli began collaborating with Poltrona Frau, designing numerous leather sofas and armchairs that were a great commercial success. His prestige was enhanced by a double nomination for the Compasso d'Oro award and he won a gold medal at the Neocon exhibition in Chicago in 1986.