Gianfranco Frattini Centenary: Catalogue Raisonné and Legacy
In 2026, the 100th anniversary of architect Gianfranco Frattini (Padua, 1926 – Milan, 2004) will be commemorated with various events, including the exhibition 'Gianfranco Frattini. Design 1953-2003' at the ADI Design Museum, curated by Silvana Annicchiarico. This catalogue raisonné showcases over 430 projects, highlighting Frattini's journey from his beginnings in Gio Ponti's studio in 1953 to his recognition in the 1990s and 2000s. His significant partnerships featured brands like Cassina, Bernini, and Kartell. Among his renowned works are the mod. 836 armchair (1955) and the Kyoto coffee table (1974). Additionally, he introduced the Boalum lamp (1970). His legacy is being preserved by the Archivio-Studio Gianfranco Frattini, managed by his children.
Key facts
- Gianfranco Frattini was born in Padua in 1926 and died in Milan in 2004.
- The centenary of his birth is being celebrated with events throughout 2026.
- The catalogue raisonné 'Gianfranco Frattini. Design 1953-2003' was presented at the ADI Design Museum in Milan.
- The catalogue was curated by Silvana Annicchiarico and published by Silvana Editoriale.
- Frattini began his career in Gio Ponti's studio, overseeing the Royal Hotel reconstruction in Naples in 1953.
- He collaborated with numerous companies including Cassina, Artemide, Knoll, and Poltrona Frau.
- The Kyoto coffee table, designed with Bottega Ghianda in 1974, was reissued by Poltrona Frau in 2021.
- Frattini designed the Boalum lamp with Livio Castiglioni for Artemide in 1970.
- His jewelry designs, including pieces for Giò Caroli, were noted for their kinetic and modular qualities.
- The Archivio-Studio Gianfranco Frattini, led by his children Marco and Emanuela, is working to preserve his legacy.
Entities
Artists
- Gianfranco Frattini
- Gio Ponti
- Livio Castiglioni
- Pierluigi Ghianda
- Emanuela Frattini Magnusson
- Silvana Annicchiarico
- Gabriele Devecchi
- Giò Caroli
- Cesare Cassina
- Alessandra Quattordio
- Jole Gandolini
- Marco Frattini
- Pietro Todeschini
- Fiorella Mattio
Institutions
- ADI Design Museum
- Silvana Editoriale
- Archivio-Studio Gianfranco Frattini
- Poltrona Frau
- Cassina
- Artemide
- Knoll
- Bottega Ghianda
- Poliform
- Fontana Arte
- Porada
- Bernini
- Bonacina
- Arteluce
- Kartell
- Argenteria Ricci
- Progetti
- Luci
- Acerbis
- Politecnico di Milano
- CSAC, Università di Parma
- Artribune
- Sforza Castle
- Museum of Furniture and Wooden Sculptures
- Gianfranco Frattini Studio/Archive
- CB2
- Torri Lana
- Gubi
- Tacchini
- Karakter
Locations
- Padua
- Italy
- Milan
- Naples
- Brianza
- Bovisio Masciago
- Japan
- Amazon
- Bergamo
- Valenza