A brass chrome plated table by Romeo Rega for Metalarte, Italy, 1970s
A brass chrome plated table by Romeo Rega for Metalarte, Italy, 1970s
A stunning dining table or centre table designed by Romeo Rega for Metalarte, made in Italy in the 1970s. The table structure is made entirely out of brass and chrome, the top of which has brass framed glass tiles. The tiles are truly exceptional, the glass having an antiqued green glaze effect which has a translucent effect, changing in colour according to the reflection of light. Romeo Rega made a few of these tables but this particular model with green glass tiles is exceptionally rare. They are more commonly seen with brown glass tiles, mirrored or smoked glass tiles, or even burr walnut inlay. It is hard to overstate how striking this item is, a real eye-catcher that uplifts any modern interior and certain to gain in value and appreciation over time.
Born in 1904, Italian designer Romeo Rega is one of several 1970s-era designers that are associated with a combination of modernism and glamour in their furniture creations. Rega epitomizes this style, his brand is said to have been launched on the December 31st, 1969, producing lighting, chairs, tables, and display cabinets identified by his double “R” logo, ceasing production in 1981. Though little is known of his personal or professional life, Rega’s legacy has not been lost, with the arrival of his designs to vintage and collector’s auctions.
Rega’s furniture is characterized by geometric shapes and reduced forms. His designs are almost always gilded, chromed, or brass-plated, which adds the allure and elegance that Rega is known for, to his clean-lined modernist pieces. Although there is little verifiable information, some sources believe that Rega worked with designer-to-the-stars Willy Rizzo and prolific designer Gabriella Crespi, as all three designers espouse very similar aesthetics. With many entertainment-focused pieces, such as coffee tables with display space and liquor cabinets, occasional tables, etageres, and decorative table lamps, Rega’s work is popular among lovers of Hollywood Regency and 1970s design.
Metalarte is a family business with almost a century of history that was born as a metalwork workshop, founded by Antonio Riera Clariana in 1932 under the name of Metall Arts. At the beginning of the 1940s, it began designing and manufacturing its own lamp models but it was not until the end of the 1950s that it began to define the modern and innovative character for which the firm is known today.
Condition: The table has been hand polished but still has traces of thick tarnish, particularly to the table legs. There is a tiny fracture to the glass on one of the tiles about one centimetre from the perimeter. Overall very good vintage condition. Please refer to photographs.
Dimensions: 140cm wide, 140cm deep, 72cm high
NB. Chairs are not included in the price, they are for illustration purposes only.
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REFERENCE: F2230