Ignazio Gardella bookcase model LiB2 by Azucena, Italy, 1950s

Enameled steel, wood, and brass bookshelf, model LiB2, designed by Ignazio Gardella, produced by Azucena, 1950.

This bookshelf is a piece of great elegance, combining painted metal and wood. The shelves are positioned close to the side supports in a carefully considered arrangement, evoking a balance and sense of order that only the pursuit of symmetry can achieve. In contrast, the central span of the bookshelf takes a more daring approach, disrupting the continuity of the lines and shifting the perspective entirely. This deliberate break in symmetry is the masterstroke of a great designer, giving the piece that extra touch that elevates it into the realm of iconic design. The modular nature of this piece is ingenious, allowing for various configurations without losing its distinctive effect.

Ignazio Gardella, a prominent figure in the history of architecture, was a versatile engineer and designer whose career spanned almost the entire 20th century. Through both alignment and critique, he played a significant role in introducing the Modern Movement to Italy. This bookshelf is one of Gardella's most recognizable creations. Notably, like a signature, the supports end with a polished brass insert, curved and protruding—a recurring aesthetic element in many of Gardella's designs that suggests either a subtle obsession or a playful self-reference.

Balancing his time between architecture and interior design, Gardella remained at the forefront of his profession throughout his career, leveraging his entrepreneurial talents. Together with Luigi Caccia Dominioni, he founded Azucena, the first brand dedicated to producing high-quality design. This original bookshelf, dating back to the early 1950s, is complete in all its parts and remains a timeless piece of collectible design that meets contemporary needs while maintaining its status as a prized example of historical craftsmanship.

Dimensions: 220h x 310w x 35d cm