Pair of Tobia Scarpa Coronado Leather Sofas for B&B Italia, 1975

A pair of 'Coronado' two seat sofas in beautiful cognac leather, designed by Tobia Scarpa and manufactured by the Italian firm, B&B Italia, circa 1975.

The seating are made with a then revolutionary kind of molded polyurethane foam for excellent support and comfort. The 'Coronado', was the first ever seating to be built using this new technique: the foam molds were assembled around an iron frame, resulting in a sturdy yet extremely comfortable product.

The present pair consists of the two seater sofas offered in their original cognac leather upholstery preserved in excellent condition. Labels affixed on both pieces read 'Coronado' designed by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia.

Afra and Tobia Scarpa designs were characterized by simplicity and elegance, accompanied with modern and refined aesthetics. During the 1960's, the couple designed the Bastiano sofa and the Vanessa bed for Gavina and the Soriana armchair and Poltroncina 925 for Cassina, now exhibited in the permanent collection of the MoMA. Among their most famous projects is the ‘Coronado’ sofa, made for B&B Italia in 1966 and recognized as one of the first polyurethane models. Other notable collaborations during this decade included designs with Maxalto, Molteni, Meritalia (the Libertà chair is exhibited in the Louvre) and Fabbian.

The duo was not only invested in design, but also architecture; their work with Benetton was fundamental, starting in 1964 with the design of the first factory in Paderno. This relationship continued in the 1980's with additional factories, and in 1999 with the restoration of Villa Spineda in Venegazzù, and later with the design of shops throughout the world. The projects for Benetton are still considered some of the best examples of Italian industrial architecture. In 1992 Tobia Scarpa was recognised at the International Forum Design and he received the second Compasso d 'Oro in 2008 for his career of achievement.

Designed by Tobia Scarpa
Produced by B&B Italia, circa 1975
Size: 26 1/2" back height x 16 1/4" seat height x 57" wide x 36" deep.