A lovely two seater sofa designed by the Italian designer couple Lella and Massimo Vignelli. Produced by Poltronova of Florence, the sofa is a design classic with a wonderful black and red combination for the frame and cushions respectively. Although the original cushions show some signs of distress, they are still supple and have no rips and tears, ready to be enjoyed by the new owner for many years still.

The Vignellis are well known for their clear designs and this piece is completely free of decorative details. All attention goes to the essential form and material in their design. Named the “Saratoga“, it is one of the first examples of modular and modern living in the 20th century. In the design as words: "We have designed this sofa because we really needed a sofa. And the sofa we wanted was one with an architectural character rather than a soft smooth object. A sofa that could be set out in the middle of the room. We didn't want it to be pushed up against the walls; we wanted it to move around as needed.”

The series is composed of armchairs and sofas with two, three, or four seats. The rigid structure, made by assembling four parts of equal thickness with rounded edges contains slightly protruding seat cushions. The desired purity of the silhouette is accentuated by the precious finishes: glossy polyester lacquer for the chassis, similar to that of a piano, and fine leather for the soft cushions resembling the upholstery in luxury automobiles. The essential form combined with the precision of the design and the refinement of the finishes makes this project by Lella and Massimo Vignelli timeless. From some angles it looks as though the sofa is hovering above the ground. A design that is futuristic, modern and classic all at the same time. A truly remarkable piece of furniture which is useful, stylish and looks fantastic in a modern or mid-century design setting.

Poltronova is an Italian company that operates in the design and furniture sector based in Florence. Founded in 1957 in Agliana, its best known products, some also exhibited at the moment in New York, include the Joe armchair, the Superonda Poltronova modular sofa, the Ultrafragola mirror, and the Sgarsul rocking chair.

Condition: some wear and tear to the leather consummate with age. However no rips or tears to the leather, good rich colour. Some surface scratches to the lacquered wood. One or two rungs missing beneath the cushions but bears no adverse effects whatsoever to the usability of the sofa. Please refer to photographs.

Dimensions: 60cm high, 150cm wide, 90cm deep; seat height: 40cm