Gio Ponti

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“Gio” or Giovani Ponti (1891 – 1979) was a busy Italian architect with an admirable record of buildings in Italy and international locations.

Unfortunately, the only example of Ponti’s architecture in North America is the Denver Art Museum (1971), North Building which was done in collaboration with James Sudler Associates.

Denver Art Museum, North Building, Gio Ponti and James Sudler Associates, 1971.
Denver Art Museum, North Building, Gio Ponti and James Sudler Associates, 1971.

 

As far as architecture goes, he is probably best known for the Pirelli Tower in Milan.

 

The Pirelli Tower, Milan, Gio Ponti, Completed 1961.
The Pirelli Tower, Milan, Gio Ponti, Completed 1961.

 

Of all the creative activities of Ponti such as designing ceramics, flatware, toilets, and glassworks to name a few, he also created some interesting and unique pieces of furniture.

The D.153.1 Armchair, Gio Ponti, 1953.
The D.153.1 Armchair, Gio Ponti, 1953.

 

As with other designers of the mid-century, Ponti many times made furniture as part of the overall concept of the interior spaces for buildings he created. The above illustrated D.153.1 chair is an example of this. The chair was created to go into the house he designed for himself.

 

Ponti Sitting in His Home in His Chair.
Ponti Sitting in His Home in His D.153.1 Chair.

 

Gio Ponti’s furniture obviously has all the influences of mid-century modern design but he, like Edward Wormley in the US, created pieces useful and quite approachable. The only bit of radicalism came from his tendency to the slope the arms of chairs downward toward the front. As can be seen in the above chair, he seemed to favor comfort over other priorities.

 

A Room in Pont's Home Displaying His Furniture Designs.
A Room in Pont’s Home Displaying His Furniture Designs.

 

Another Image of Ponti's Residence.
Another Image of Ponti’s Residence.

 

And Another...
And Another…

 

A Few Images of His Furniture

Dining Chairs.
Dining Chairs.

 

Superleggera Chair.
Superleggera Chair.

 

Chest of Drawers.
Chest of Drawers.

 

Distex Lounge Chair.
Distex Lounge Chair.

 

Dormitio Lounge Chair.
Dormitio Lounge Chair.

 

The D.552.2 Coffee Table.
The D.552.2 Coffee Table.

 

Small Desk.
Small Desk.

 

Coffee Table.
Coffee Table.

 

Lounge Chair.
Lounge Chair.

 

Ninfea Chairs.
Ninfea Chairs.

 

Brass and Marble Bench.
Brass and Marble Bench.

 

Tavolino Table.
Tavolino Table.

 

The D.154.2 Arm Chair.
The D.154.2 Arm Chair.

 

Vanity
Vanity.

 

Arm Chair.
Arm Chair.

 

 

His furniture is still widely available, especially in Italy. You can find pieces at Design Within Reach, Pamono, and Molteni & C.

HBosler

Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait