September 4, 2020

Text: Daniella Ohad

Donzella Hosts First U.S. Solo Show Dedicated to Osvaldo Borsani’s Works

Since his legacy was rediscovered during the past decade, previously overlooked Italian architect and designer Osvaldo Borsani (1911-85) has become the darling of the collectible design world. Borsani was an architect who knew design, business, and the business of design, and he crafted a prolific career that lasted decades. During the 30s and 40s, he created the most imaginative artisanal made-to-order furniture for elegant Milanese homes, and in the 50s switched to industrial production along with the rest of the world. Around that time, he cofounded design research center Tecno, and produced furniture guided by engineering and progressive technological innovations. 

On September 24, Donzella will open “Osvaldo Borsani: Design Milanese,” the first solo show in the U.S. dedicated to the Milanese visionary. What makes this event appealing is that many of the pieces in the exhibit were included in the groundbreaking retrospective of Osvaldo Borsani at the Triennale di Milano in 2018. Originating in the Borsani family collection and archive (The Archivio Osvaldo Borsani), these examples are offered for sale for the first time since produced. Also shown are a few examples from the production of Tecno—the two groupings demonstrate Borsani’s genius and breadth. The pieces are playful at times, elegant at others, rational, historical, but always unique, creative, and impeccably engineered.

The exhibition will take place at “Project Space,” a new location by Donzella, at 200 Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. 

Osvaldo Borsani, Wing Chairs, model #6053B for ABV, c. 1942, Maple & velvet upholstery. Photography courtesy of Donzella.

Osvaldo Borsani for ABV, Italy, Carved Sideboard – c. 1943, Italian walnut with carvings, Provenance: Borsani Foundation, Exhibited: Osvaldo Borsani Retrospective – Triennale Museum, Milano 2018. Photography courtesy of Donzella.
Osvaldo Borsani, Armchairs, model #6575 for ABV c. 1946, Walnut & upholstery. Photography courtesy of Donzella.
Osvaldo Borsani for ABV Italy, Wall Mounted Console – c. 1945, Mapel with carvings, Provenance: Borsani Foundation, Exhibited: Osvaldo Borsani Retrospective – Triennale Museum, Milano 2018. Photography courtesy of Donzella.
Osvaldo Borsani, Coffee Table #6743 for ABV, c. 1944 Walnut & onyx. Photography courtesy of Donzella.

Osvaldo Borsani, Triennale Dining Chairs for ABV, c. 1951, Mahogany & upholstery. Photography courtesy of Donzella.
Osvaldo Borsani & Lucio Fontana for ABV, Italy, 2-Door Cabinet – c. 1950, Mahogany, maple (interior) & bronze door pulls designed by Lucio Fontana. Photography courtesy of Donzella.

Osvaldo Borsani, P71 Lounge Chairs for Tecno, c. 1954, Walnut & upholstery. Photography courtesy of Donzella.

    

Osvaldo Borsani, Circular Pedestal Table for ABV, c. 1947, Walnut & brass. Photography courtesy of Donzella.
Osvalso Borsani, Console Table #7103 for ABV, c. 1949 (2-drawer variant) Mahogany, rosewood, bronze, brass & marble. Photography courtesy of Donzella.
Osvaldo Borsani, Wall-Mounted Console for ABV, c. 1943, Mahogany & brass. Photography courtesy of Donzella.

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