Iconic Giancarlo Piretti Castelli Plia Folding & Stacking Chairs

Original 1967 Giancarlo Piretti Plia chairs - iconic Italian folding design in red or clear Lucite Why We Love This … Designed in 1967 by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, the Plia chair is one of the most influential achievements of Italian mid‑century design. Its patented three‑disc hinge, ultra‑flat folding profile and sculptural clarity transformed portable seating. Whether in vibrant red or crystal‑clear Lucite, each chair offers innovation, lightness and unmistakable modernist elegance. At a Glance - Appeal, Desirability & Collectibility • Date: 1967 • Origin: Italy • Designer: Giancarlo Piretti • Manufacturer: Anonima Castelli • Style: Plia Folding & Stacking Chair • Awards: SMAU Prize, 1971 • Materials: Chrome‑plated steel frame; red plastic or clear Lucite acrylic • Dimensions:   • Overall: H 74cm (29.1") | W 47cm (18.5") | D 46cm (18.1")   • Seat Height: 44cm (17.3") • Condition:  Good vintage condition; light surface marks to plastic/Lucite; minor wear to chrome; fully functional hinge; retains original clarity   • Notable Details: Ultra‑flat folding profile; award‑winning hinge; MoMA‑recognised design; available individually or as sets • Decorative Appeal: Sculptural, modern and instantly iconic • Versatility: Dining, office, studio, gallery, film/TV set • Collectibility: Highly sought‑after Italian design classic • Delivery is not included - please use the Delivery Quote tab prior to purchase Heritage, History Striking Aesthetics & Quality Craftsmanship The Plia chair is a landmark of post‑war Italian industrial design. Piretti’s innovative hinge allowed the chair to fold almost completely flat - a breakthrough that reshaped modern seating. Its inclusion in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) confirms its global significance. Choose bold red for a vibrant statement or clear Lucite for a weightless, minimalist presence. Each chair features a chrome‑plated steel frame - strong, lightweight and beautifully engineered. The seats and backrests retain their original clarity and colour, with gentle patina that reflects their history and authenticity. A Legacy of Innovation The Plia remains one of the most influential seating designs of the 20th century • Designed in 1967 • Winner of the SMAU Prize (1971) • Awarded GUTE FORM (1973) • Recognised by the British Government • Included in the MoMA permanent collection • Celebrated internationally for its folding mechanism and minimalist form Social History - Giancarlo Piretti Born in Bologna in 1940, Piretti trained at the Bologna State Institute of Art and later taught industrial design. His career with Anonima Castelli produced some of the most innovative furniture of the era, including the Plia, Platone, DSC seating system and the Vertebra chair (with Emilio Ambasz), winner of the Compasso d’Oro. His work is held in major museums worldwide and continues to influence contemporary designers. Explore Every Facet These images form an essential part of the condition report and are intended to provide complete transparency and confidence in your purchase • Chrome frame • Hinge mechanism • Seat and backrest clarity • Folding profile • Surface patina • Structural details Terminology by Style • Italian Mid-Century Modern: Clean lines, elegant proportions and exceptional craftsmanship. • Space-Age Italian Design: 1960s-70s futurism using plastics, Lucite and chrome. • Minimalist Industrial Design: Function, clarity and simplicity expressed through steel and acrylic. • Modernist Folding Furniture: Portable design elevated through engineering and aesthetics. • Lucite & Acrylic Seating: Transparent seating that creates lightness and visual space. Sustainable Style & Styling Suggestions Thank you for considering these iconic Plia chairs - a choice that is both culturally and environmentally responsible … in every sense, the most sustainable item is the one that endures. By choosing vintage design, you are supporting traditional craftsmanship, preserving design history, and avoiding mass‑produced furniture that may not stand the test of time. Multipurpose Versatility: Used individually or as a set, the Plia adapts effortlessly to any environment. Its ultra‑flat folding profile makes it ideal for: • Urban living • Compact living • Minimalist interiors • Modern dining rooms • Home offices • Creative studios • Gallery spaces • Film, TV and stage productions • Commercial interiors • Flexible seating arrangements Purchase with Confidence White’s Antiques selects every item for authenticity, character, craftsmanship and decorative presence. Each piece is photographed and described with transparency. You are warmly invited to visit our showroom at The Vinery, Poling, West Sussex to explore our curated collections in person. Delivery & Collection Information • Delivery is not included - please use the Delivery Quote tab prior to purchase • Collection welcome from our Sussex showroom • Local delivery available • Nationwide couriers arranged on request • Worldwide shipping: Antiques Shipping Manager: Clare Moss, Hemisphere Freight: cmoss@hemisphere-freight.com