ETTORE SOTTSASS | Unique Biedermeier sofa

laminated wood and alcantara upholstery

Private collection, family of Alcantara employee, Italy
Private collection, Italy, and thence by descent

Milan, Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea, Villa Reale, Materialidea, September 1982

Alcantara, progetti di : Ambasz, Graves, Gregotti, Mendini, Rossi, Sottsass, exhibition catalogue, Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea, Milan, september 1982, illustrated pp. 77-78, 81, 83 and 84 
Philippe Thomé, Sottsass, London, 2014, p. 307

The given dimensions are for the sofa only : 222,5 cm long, 87,5 cm high, 69 cm deep. The dimensions of the base are : 224 cm long, 10 cm high, 60 cm deep. Good overall condition. The laminated wood presents with a few instances of light wear along the edges, consistent with age and use, and with some very light surface soiling. There are a few rare tiny chips and dents along the edges of the sofa - not visually distracting - and some larger ones along the corners. The semi-circular yellow element presents with a restored area on approximately 1 cm of diameter. The back of the sofa presents with a few hairline cracks to the laminated wood and with a few rare shallow dents. The fabric is slightly loose on the seat, there is some light wear along the corners, a few light scuffs and a few rare and tiny tears to the back of the sofa. The base presents with a few rare dents and chips along the corners and some of them appear to have been restored at a later date. There are several previously restored areas on the base mostly concentrated to the back of the base and not visually distracting.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."