Rafael Carreras Trade Chairs by Gavina, Spain, 1968, Set of 4

Details

Description

These four extraordinary ‘Trade’ dining chairs, designed in 1968 by Rafael Carreras for Trade / MYC Gavina in Spain, are … Read more These four extraordinary ‘Trade’ dining chairs, designed in 1968 by Rafael Carreras for Trade / MYC Gavina in Spain, are a striking example of industrial experimentation applied to domestic furniture. Sculptural in their appearance, they are constructed from folded solid sheet steel, painted in a deep bordeaux red. The severe geometry of the form is softened by the very thin, leather-covered seat and backrest, which provide comfort while preserving the radical clarity of the design. The result is a chair that feels at once architectural and functional, an exploration of how raw industrial materials could be transformed into elegant objects for daily use. Produced only in very small numbers, these chairs were never part of large-scale manufacturing and remain exceptionally rare today. Their scarcity makes a complete set of four particularly remarkable, as they are seldom seen outside of design archives or specialist collections. Each chair presents itself as a piece of sculptural geometry, with the folded planes of steel forming an almost monolithic silhouette. Finished with white plastic feet, visible also through the inside to protect floors from scratching. The warm, beautifully aged leather contrasts perfectly with the clean red-painted metal, adding both visual tension and a sense of tactile richness. Time has left its mark in subtle ways: the leather has developed a natural patina, and the painted structures show some wear, all of which contribute to the authenticity and character of the set. Far from detracting, these signs of age reinforce the chairs’ rarity and uniqueness, underscoring their place as museum-worthy examples of late 1960s design innovation. Rafael Carreras was a Spanish designer who moved fluidly between the worlds of industrial design, furniture, and architectural experimentation. He was part of a generation of postwar European designers who embraced new materials and processes, often blurring the lines between art and industry. His collaboration with Trade and MYC Gavina allowed him to create a handful of highly experimental pieces that reflected both the optimism and radicalism of the late 1960s. While relatively little of his work was produced in large series, Carreras’ designs stand out for their bold formal language and uncompromising use of materials. The Trade chair exemplifies this spirit, an industrial object elevated to the level of design icon through his vision. Today, Carreras’ work is recognized as a rare and important contribution to the story of European modernism, and surviving examples such as this set are sought after by collectors and institutions alike. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution See less