" UP 5 " by Gaetano Pesce for C&B Italia Red Armchair with Ottoman 1969

Since its first appearance, the Up Series, designed in 1969 by Gaetano Pesce, has been one of the most talked about examples of modern furniture design. The exceptional visual impact of six models of ball-like seats in various sizes, entirely made of polyurethane foam covered in stretch fabric, revolutionised the furniture industry. Up5_6 is the collection's most famous piece and the only one in the collection to take on human overtones where the seat resembles an abstracted female form with a spherical ottoman attached by a rubber cord. According to the designer, UP5_6 symbolizes ‘the shackles that keep women subjugated' with the ottoman representing a ball and chain. Whether it’s a fetishistic piece or a comment on women’s rights is still hotly debated but UP5_6 (affectionally known as La ‘Mamma’ or ‘Donna’ in Italy), remains one of the most important designs of the modern era. UP5_6 is available in strong plain fabrics in black, red, yellow, blue and dark green stretch fabric or in ‘Soara’ a unique striped textile that accentuates the design’s feminine curves even more.

Gaetano Pesce is an Italian architect and a design pioneer of the 20th century. He studied architecture in Venice and attended the Venice Institute of Industrial design. At this experimental school, he met Milena Vettore with whom he opened a studio in Padua, founding in 1959 the "N" Group which focused on studies in programmed art. Since 1962 he has worked in design, experimenting with new materials and unusual shapes. In 1971 he collaborated with BracciodiFerro (then part of the Cassina group) for the production of certain experimental objects and in 1972 he took part in the famous exhibition 'Italy: The New Domestic Landscape' at MoMA in New York. Examples of his work, such as the UP_5 are found in the most important design museums all over the world.

Designer: Gaetano Pesce 
Manufacturer: C&B Italia
Place of Origin: Italy
Date of Manufacture: 1970s
In style: Mid Century Modern
Materials & Techniques: Red Fabric 
Condition: Good condition, wear consistent with the age use

Dimensions:
Heigh: 103 cm
Width: 120 cm
Depth: 130 cm
Seat Height: 42 cm

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