Augusto Mandelli & Walter Selva Chaise longue for Salmistraro

Augusto Mandelli & Walter Selva for Salmistraro, chaise longue, lacquered wood, painted steel, black leather, Italy, 1980s.

A rare chaise lounge by Augusto Mandelli & Walter Selva for the Italian manufacturer Salmistraro. The piece is wonderful in its slick and minimalist design and has strong modernist traits as well. This original collectible would blend seamlessly in an interior of various design lovers and will stand the test of time in remaining its interestingness. The four-legged frame is executed in black lacquered wood and painted steel while the backrest and top cushion are finished with black leather upholstery. The cushion is in a beautiful condition, the leather is nicely patinated. The four-legged frame is in good vintage condition with few signs of age and use.

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Augusto Mandelli and Walter Selva were two Italian designers renowned for their contributions to furniture design, particularly within the context of the postmodern movement during the 1980s and 1990s. Their collaboration stood out for its innovative and experimental approach, often characterized by a mix of materials, bold shapes, and an aesthetic that broke away from traditional modernist conventions. Mandelli and Selva operated during a period of great creative ferment in Italy, a time when furniture design was evolving thanks to movements like postmodernism and groups such as Memphis, which championed a more eclectic and decorative approach compared to the rationalism of modernism. Both were deeply immersed in the Milanese design culture, a global epicenter for innovation in furniture and interior design. The collaboration between Mandelli and Selva primarily materialized through their work with the Italian company Salmistraro, a manufacturer known for producing high-quality, innovative furniture. Their projects fit into the postmodern vein, featuring a distinctive use of materials such as natural wood, lacquered wood, metal, and colored wood inlays. Their creations, including storage units and seating, are characterized by asymmetrical lines, decorative details, and a playful approach to design, while still maintaining practical functionality. Mandelli, in particular, received numerous accolades for his work, including special mentions and gold medals at the “Young & Design” competition between the late 1980s and early 1990s, as well as the “Forum Office Design” award in 1989. His work was also featured in specialized magazines such as Abitare, Domus, and Design Diffusion News, highlighting his status as a prominent figure in Italian design. In addition to Salmistraro, Mandelli collaborated with numerous prestigious companies in the furniture sector, including Arflex International, Cappellini, Comfort, Fratelli Longhi, Gruppo Industriale Busnelli, Desalto, Porada Arredi, Gruppo FEG, and Ozzio Design. These collaborations testify to his versatility and recognition within the Italian design landscape, extending beyond his partnership with Selva. The work of Mandelli and Selva is now considered representative of a transitional era in design, during which aesthetics, functionality, and experimentation were being balanced. Their pieces, often displayed in galleries, are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of postmodern design.