Late 20th Century Gastone Rinaldi Designer Italian Steel Tubular Chair for Rima Padova

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We kindly invite you to read the full description, as we provide detailed technical and historical information to ensure the … Read more We kindly invite you to read the full description, as we provide detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our items.
This elegant and iconic Italian chair is crafted from chrome-plated steel tubing, giving it exceptional stability and durability. The padded velvet upholstery covering the seat and backrest in a deep blue hue creates a refined contrast between the softness of the fabric and the sleek lines of the metal frame, offe and st ring a perfect blend of comfort style. Designed by Gastone Rinaldi between 1970 and 1973, this chair was manufactured by Rima in Padua,( Guido Reni street) a company founded in 1916 by Mario Rinaldi, Gastone’s father. Specializing in metal furniture production, under Gastone Rinaldi’s leadership, Rima collaborated with renowned designers and produced some of the most iconic pieces of Italian design. This model, often referred to as “Radiofreccia”, gained its nickname after appearing on the poster for Luciano Ligabue’s film of the same name. However, there is no official confirmation that the company ever formally named the chair this way. Born in Padua (1920-2006), Gastone Rinaldi was a prominent figure in Italian design. After earning a diploma in accounting, he joined Rima, the company founded by his father. Throughout his career, he collaborated with legendary designers such as Giò Ponti, Carlo Mollino, and Marco Zanuso. In 1954, he won the prestigious Compasso d'Oro Award with the DU30 chair, produced by Rima. In 1974, he left the company to establish Thema in Limena, where he continued to receive notable recognitions, including Compasso d'Oro mentions for the Arianna armchair (1978) and the Dafne chair (1981). His Saturno sofa is now part of the MoMA collection in New York. A true innovator in seating design, Rinaldi introduced steel tubing structures and new padding techniques, significantly influencing the post-war Italian design scene. This chair, now considered an icon of Italian design, embodies a timeless aesthetic, where creativity and innovation merge seamlessly. Its clean lines and minimalist silhouette perfectly reflect the modernist style of the era, making it a functional work of art. With harmonious proportions ensuring optimal comfort, the chrome finish enhances its visual appeal by adding brightness and sophistication. The lightweight yet sturdy structure, paired with the elegance of blue velvet, makes this chair a versatile and refined furnishing piece. Ideal for a variety of settings, this chair naturally adapts to both contemporary and classic interiors. Perfect for modern, industrial, or vintage decor, it adds a touch of elegance to a sophisticated dining room, an upscale office, or a stylish living area. Placed next to a glass or dark wood table, it accentuates the beauty of materials, creating a striking visual contrast. Owning this chair means investing in a piece of Italian design history, capable of transforming any space into an exclusive and curated environment. The chair is in good condition, though the chrome finish shows some minor imperfections due to age (see photos). Dimensions: Width: 50 cm (19.7 in).Depth: 45 cm (17.7 in).Height: 85 cm (33.5 in).Seat height: 48 cm (18.9 in). For all our shipments, we use specialized packaging materials (wooden crates, polystyrene, etc.) to ensure maximum protection and safety for our items. See less