Iconic Giancarlo Piretti Castelli Plia Folding & Stacking Chairs

Iconic Giancarlo Piretti Plia Folding & Stacking Chairs by Anonima Castelli Italian originated 1967 Metal and Plastic Designed by Giancarlo Piretti and manufactured by Anonima Castelli Iconic and award winning design (SMAU prize in 1971) In fabulous and striking Red and also in Clear Lucite Plia Folding and Stacking Chair Seat Height 44 cms Available individually or as sets if required H: 74cm (29.1")  W: 47cm (18.5")  D: 46cm (18.1") UK Mainland delivery is included in our price (excluding Trade Purchases) Ready to take a seat?   Well… you can literally take a seat  in our showroom on one of the Iconic and Award winning Plia Folding and Stacking Chairs and read an article, highlighted below,  to see How Giancarlo Piretti’s Plia Chair Became the Hot Seat of the Third Millennium You have the opportunity to have a set of these magnificent chairs at the click of a button! Iconic Plia Folding & Stacking Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti Embrace the opportunity to own a piece of design history that is as functional as it is beautiful and as coveted as it is collectible. Whether your outlook is one of bold faith or modern minimalism, these chairs are destined to be a conversation starter. Step into a realm where functionality meets art; the legacy of Giancarlo Piretti with the Plia Folding & Stacking Chairs creates a perfect marriage of timeless design, innovative functionality, and vintage charm. Enhance your modern or minimalist projects by adding a touch of modernist flair with these enduring icons of mid-century modern elegance.  Whether it is for cutting-edge offices or chic dining spaces, these chairs provide a statement piece that combines art and utility. For TV, Film or Stage Drama productions incorporating these iconic chairs with historic significance into period or contemporary set designs ensures both authenticity and style. A Sustainable & Ethical Choice By choosing these iconic Plia Folding & Stacking Chairs, you are not only embracing a piece of art and contributing to the preservation of design history that celebrates traditional expertise and enduring quality you are supporting a sustainable alternative to mass-produced furniture which may not have longevity. An Award-Winning Icon Introducing the award-winning Original Plia Folding and Stacking Chairs, A Design Classic for the Modern Era - a true masterpiece by legendary designer Giancarlo Piretti and crafted by the renowned Anonima Castelli. These award-winning chairs, available in a striking Red and an elegant Clear Lucite, exemplify the fusion of innovative design and impeccable craftsmanship.  As part of the prestigious MoMA collection, affirming their place in design history.  They represent the pinnacle of modernist design, offering both style and versatility for contemporary interiors. Award-Winning Innovation & Versatility Celebrated Innovation Designed in 1967, the Plia chair revolutionized furniture design with its minimalist aesthetic and groundbreaking folding mechanism and are a testament to Piretti’s genius. Winner of the coveted SMAU prize in 1971, these chairs remain a hallmark of functional elegance - their minimalist design harmoniously blends innovative functionality with aesthetic appeal, making them the perfect choice for modern, minimalist, and contemporary projects. Multipurpose Versatility Designed to be both elegant and practical, these chairs feature a unique folding mechanism that allows them to collapse very flat - ideal for urban living or any setting where space is at a premium. Whether you envision them as statement pieces in a sleek dining area, practical yet chic additions to a home office, or an adaptable solution for small urban living, the Plia chairs offer unparalleled versatility. They can be used individually or as part of a set - these chairs adapt seamlessly to a variety of environments, from chic interior spaces and stylish dining areas to dynamic film sets and creative office layouts. Sold individually or as sets, these chairs are ready to elevate any environment with timeless sophistication. Striking Aesthetics & Quality Craftsmanship Whether you choose to make a statement with the bold, vibrant and captivating Red that energizes and adds flair to any room, or you choose the graceful, seamless allure of Clear Lucite  for an effortlessly elegant, minimalist look - or a combination of the two - each finish is designed to complement and blend with both contemporary and classic interiors alike. A Legacy of Quality with Enduring Appeal The chairs are built on durable, chrome-plated steel frames that offer robust support and long-lasting performance and yet are both sturdy and lightweight.  The seats and backrests, crafted from seamless vibrant Red Plastic or pristine Clear Lucite, are designed for comfort, ease of maintenance, and enduring beauty and remain true to their original colour.  Each chair folds to an exceptionally flat profile, allowing for effortless storage - perfect for those who appreciate both form and function. They are in good Vintage condition and exhibit a lovely patina that enhances their rich character.  The delicate surface marks on the plastic or Lucite seats and backrests and the minor signs of gentle wear on the chrome frames are authentic signs that reflect their storied past as coveted design icons making each piece uniquely attractive and captivating to collectors and design aficionados alike. Giancarlo Piretti: A Visionary in Design Early Life and Education Born in Bologna in 1940, Giancarlo Piretti embarked on his creative journey in the heart of Italy's artistic tradition. He studied at the Bologna State Institute of Art, where he earned the title of Design Teacher, and further refined his skills at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna. These formative years laid a strong foundation in artistic principles and design aesthetics, informing his future work as both an educator and a practitioner. Professional Career and Innovations For seven years, Piretti served as a lecturer in Industrial Design at the State Art Institute of Bologna, where he inspired a generation of young designers with his passion and expertise. Concurrently, over a span of 12 years, he worked as an interior designer for Anonima Castelli, developing innovative lines of furniture for home, office, and communal spaces. His work in this role was marked by a prolific output of ideas, evidenced by numerous registered industrial and mechanical invention patents that underscore his commitment to functional yet transformative design. Iconic Projects and International Accolades Giancarlo Piretti’s design portfolio features some of the most celebrated pieces in modern furniture design, including: PLIA Folding Chair: A design that not only redefined portable seating but also earned him significant recognition, receiving the SMAU award and the BIO 5 Distinction at the Ljubljana Biennial in 1971. PLATONE Folding Table: Another testament to his ingenuity, blending functionality with elegant form. DSC (106-AXIS) Seating System and SISTEMA 61 Modular Sofa System: Designs that demonstrate his mastery in creating adaptable, contemporary solutions for diverse spaces. His work has been internationally lauded: In 1973, PLIA received the GUTE FORM mention from the Chamber of Commerce of the Federal Republic of Germany, along with a special commendation from the British Government. The PLANO design secured the IBD Gold Medal (USA) in 1971. His collaborative project on the VERTEBRA seating system, developed with Emilio Ambasz, garnered the BD Gold Medal (USA) in 1977, the SMAU prize in 1979, and the distinguished Compasso d'Oro (Italy) in 1981. In 1980, Piretti and Ambasz were jointly honoured with the National Industrial Design Award (USA) for their LOGOTEC lighting system. Beyond these accolades, his works are housed in prestigious museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, underscoring his enduring impact on the global design landscape. Legacy and Current Endeavours A respected authority in his field, Giancarlo Piretti was appointed in 1975 to the Scientific-Didactic Committee of the Higher Institute for Artistic Industries of Florence. His work is regularly featured in international journals, continuously inspiring both practitioners and enthusiasts of design. Today, he lives and works in Bologna, alongside his son, Alessandro Piretti - a distinguished designer in his own right - ensuring that the legacy of refined, thoughtful craftsmanship endures. Giancarlo Piretti’s career is a testament to his innovative spirit and unwavering dedication to quality, marking him as one of the pivotal figures in modern industrial and interior design. His contributions continue to inspire and shape the future of design worldwide. How Giancarlo Piretti’s Plia Chair Became the Hot Seat of the Third Millennium | Architectural Digest | Architectural Digest Purchase with Confidence Trusted Heritage & Ethical Assurance As an established business with a legacy of happy clients spanning trade and private sectors, we invite you to experience the timeless beauty of our collection in our West Sussex showroom. Embrace antiques and choose a piece of enduring beauty ethical craftsmanship, and unparalleled artistry as a sustainable alternative to mass-produced, synthetic items, preserving vanishing skills and investing in enduring quality. Our pieces are restored by accomplished craftspeople who uphold traditional techniques, ensuring that the splendid materials and authentic tools of a superior era remain in circulation. Transparent Condition Details Photographs form an integral part of the detailed condition report for every item, ensuring full transparency and confidence in your purchase. Mainland UK Delivery Included Enjoy the convenience of complimentary Mainland UK delivery (excluding Trade Purchases), ensuring your cherished piece arrives safely at your door. Delivery typically takes 2–5 working days from receipt of cleared funds. Please request a quotation for EXPORT/WORLDWIDE SHIPPING QUOTATIONS from any/all of the following including a link relating to the item in question: Alan Smith Europe:    info@alansmitheurope.com Charlie Godwin:          guildford@packsend.co.uk Neil Curl Transport:   neil@neilcurltransport.co.uk Simon Hall Limited:   exportdesk@simonhalllimited.com