Discover Alexandra Alge’s extraordinary and rare collection of 1950s Italian seating

Based in a small town in Western Austria, Alexandra Alge commands an unexpected trove of midcentury modern Italian design, which she has expertly refurbished in her own workshop and offers to the vintage market through her eponymous showroom. Her taste is impeccable, and she seems to have outstanding luck sourcing rare specimens from 1950s Italy—and not just the big names like Gio Ponti and Paolo Buffa. Alge also has a rich collection of under-appreciated Italian masters like Giulia Veronesi and Aldo Morbelli who designed for the artisanal furniture makers at ISA Bergamo .

Italian design in the postwar era was so special: biomorphic, sculptural, and full of nuanced aesthetic details. Alge’s offering in this era really stands out, so we asked her to share with us some of her favorites from this very collectible moment in design history.

 

Perla Sofa & Lounge Chairs by Giulia Veronesi for ISA Bergamo, 1950s

Giulia Veronesi’s  Perla Collection for ISA Bergamo features sensuous curves set atop sharply tapering legs, like a ballerina en pointe. This set has been reupholstered with fabric from the traditional Austrian weaving mill, Backhausen, 100% new wool from New Zealand sheep.

 

Lucania Chairs by Giancarlo de Carlo for Arflex, 1950s

These rare chairs were designed by Giancarlo di Carlo in 1954 for the Lucania oceanliner and manufactured by Arflex. Alge’s workshop refurbished this set down to the molded plywood and tubular steel legs, reupholstering them in red cotton fabric.

 

810 Dining Chairs by Amedeo Cassina & Sons for Cassina, 1950s

Another rare design, these chairs were designed and manufactured by Amadeo Cassina in the 1950s. “The special thing about this set,” explains Alge, “is that we have reupholstered them with the original synthetic leather cover, which we carefully restored.” We love that the Cassina stamp has been preserved!

 

Armchairs by Aldo Morbelli for ISA Bergamo, 1950s
Italian Lounge Chairs, 1950s

The designer of this pair of elegant easy chairs is unknown, the curves and details are unmistakable midcentury Italian . Alge’s workshop has refurbished them, but left the final upholstery choice up to the lucky buyer who gives them a new home.

 

Armchairs by Aldo Morbelli for ISA Bergamo, 1950s

Another unmistakable midcentury Italian design, these lounge chairs were designed by Aldo Morbelli for ISA Bergamo in the 1950s. According to Alge, “the leatherette upholstery is in exceptionally good original condition.”

 

2-Seater Bench by Carlo Mollino, 1950s
2-Seater Bench by Carlo Mollino, 1950s

This very rare two-seater bench was designed by auction-record-breaking designer Carlo Mollino in 1951 for the Rai Auditorium in Turin—a true collector’s item and a marvelously charming design.

 

All images © Alexandra Alge Möbelagentur