Legendary, iconic pieces, synonymous with timeless style—some of them marking, through their appearance, defining moments in the history of design—have been retrieved from archives, rediscovered, and reissued. A tribute to the most important names of 20th-century design and an opportunity to enter into dialogue with history.
Although some projects were never in continuous production or were issued only in limited editions to mark special occasions, these pieces are today highly sought after and celebrated at auctions worldwide, setting record prices. This once again confirms the value of these icons, not only as furniture objects but also as investments.
Here is a selection of the most important reissues of iconic works created between 1920 and 1960.
1926
BIBENDUM
Design: Eileen Gray
A unique armchair in the history of design, a captivating and harmonious piece of furniture despite its scale. It carries a striking presence that combines a monumental aura with a subtle charm and a personality unlike any other leather armchair. Eileen Gray defined its character with irony and affection, naming it after the Michelin mascot whose forms it evokes.
ClassiCon, authorised by The World Licence Holder Aram Designs Ltd.
Photography by Mark Seelen
www.classicon.com
1927
ADJUSTABLE TABLE E 1027
Design: Eileen Gray
A classic among classics. Its distinctive form and ingenious proportions have made this height-adjustable table one of the defining icons of 20th-century design. It takes its name from the E 1027 house, “Maison en bord de mer”, which Eileen Gray built for herself and her partner, Jean Badovici. The code is not accidental, encoding key references: E for Eileen, 10 for Jean (J being the tenth letter of the alphabet), 2 for B(adovici), and 7 for G(ray).
ClassiCon authorised by The World Licence Holder Aram Designs Ltd.
www.classicon.com
1928
2 FAUTEUIL GRAND CONFORT, PETIT MODÈLE, DURABLE
Design: Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand
A timeless piece that has written its own chapter in the history of design. First presented at the Salon d’Automne in Paris in 1929, it appeared as an archetype of the modern furniture concept, introduced by its creators as “domestic equipment”.
Cassina iMaestri Collection
www.cassina.com
1930
AR1
Design: Alfred Roth
A modernist design, highly progressive at the time of its conception, which still retains its elegance, originality, and functional clarity. The AR1 is a compact mobile bar that integrates multiple functions in a precise composition—a sliding top, an ice compartment, a perforated aluminium bottle holder, and a small attached wooden cabinet.
MisuraEmme, www.misuraemme.it
1933
TALIESIN
Design: Frank Lloyd Wright
The original prototype of the Taliesin lamp was designed for the gymnasium of the Hillside Home School when it was converted into a theatre. This sculptural composition of solid wood volumes concealing the light sources reduces glare and reproduces the effect of sunlight filtered through branches and leaves. The geometric forms and warm, indirect illumination engage the senses and evoke a sense of clarity and joy.
Yamagiwa, en.yamagiwa.co.jp
®/ ™ / © 2023, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. All Rights Reserved
Words by Andreea Dicianu
Discover the full version of this story in Volume I.