The supporting structure of the 2019 armchair is made from solid seasoned beech. The seat, backrest and armrest spring system consists of hand-tied steel biconical springs attached to jute belts. The seat is padded with rubberised horsehair while the backrest and armrests are in hand-shaped vegetable horsehair. The seat cushion is in goose down with a stabilising insert in polyurethane foam. The upholstery is in Pelle Frau® leather with manual capitonné detailing that decorates the front of the backrest. The reverse of the armchair backrest is embellished with a leather trim. A frame with four feet in solid ash with a Moka stain decorates the bottom of the seat. The leg system is available with metal caps with a gold or gunmetal grey finish, or with metal caps at the back and swivel castors at the front.
From 1919 to 2019: exactly one hundred years on, a new name, new dimensions and new proportions. Everything about the historic Poltrona Frau capitonné leather model has changed and yet everything remains the same: in collaboration with Roberto Lazzeroni, Poltrona Frau has successfully reinterpreted this timeless classic while maintaining its original spirit.
It is no mean task revisiting an armchair which for a hundred years has embodied the very essence of Poltrona Frau: the 1919 was a classic from the get-go, destined to leave an indelible mark. Large, strong, padded by hand, completely upholstered in leather with complex craftsmanship that reaches its apex in the pleated swirls of the armrests and the famous capitonné motif of the backrest.
Roberto Lazzeroni approached this design icon with the utmost respect and affection. He observed it from every angle, sitting on it, touching it, getting a feel for it. And he concluded that its proportions were no longer in keeping with the modern-day notion of comfort. The 2019 armchair therefore becomes a new version of the original which maintains all the features that made it famous perfectly intact. Intriguing, refined, comfortable, ready to face the next hundred years with the same elegant poise.
