Franco Albini (19051977)
An architect, designer and university professor, Franco Albini obtained an architecture degree from the Politecnico di Milano before starting his professional career working for Gio Ponti.
In 1930 he created his own practice and devoted himself to merging traditional artisanal techniques with new modernist forms. His designs are striking for their combination of simple, inexpensive materials and highly skilled craftsmanship. Albini exhibited regularly at the Milan Triennale, and worked for diverse companies including Brionvega, Cassina, Arflex, Arteluce and Poggi. His iconic designs include the strikingly minimalist Albini Desk (created in 1928 and produced by Knoll), the Margherita and Gala chairs (1950), and the Fiorenza armchair (1952, Arflex).
Over the course of his career he was awarded the most prestigious Italian design prize, the Compasso d’Oro, no less than three times.