Mario Bellini: The Visionary Designer of the 20th Century
Milan-born architect and designer Mario Bellini is often regarded as a modern-day Renaissance man. His creative work spans various fields, including electronics, furniture, architecture, and automotive design, with iconic contributions in each area. Bellini’s vintage sofas, dining chairs, and other seating pieces are highly sought after, and he has received multiple prestigious Compasso d’Oro awards. Over 20 of his works are part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art.
Originally designed by Mario Bellini in 1972 for the Museum of Modern Art exhibition ‘Italy: The New Domestic Landscape’, the Camaleonda was manufactured by B&B Italia for 5 years until 1979. Since then the Camaleonda sofa has become a design icon and collector's item, leading to B&B Italia to reissue the design in 2021. Made up of a seat, backrest and armrest, they can be arranged in a multitude of permutations to suit the user. Being modular, they can be set as two individual seats or joined together to make one two seater sofa. This timeless and versatile design will add a touch of relaxed 1970s style to any contemporary home.
Reference Number: B10339d
Born in 1935, Bellini studied architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan before establishing his own firm in the early 1960s. He soon expanded his focus beyond architecture, initially working with the tech manufacturer Olivetti as the chief industrial design consultant from 1963 to 1991, where he oversaw the design of some of Olivetti’s most popular typewriters.
Bellini’s expertise in electronic design extended further as he created cameras for Fuji, televisions for Brionvega, and numerous audio devices for Yamaha. He also served as a design consultant for Renault and designed the interior of the 1980 Lancia Trevi for Fiat. His architectural projects span the globe, featuring modern masterpieces such as the Museum of Islamic Arts at the Louvre, the National Gallery of Victoria extension in Melbourne, the Dubai Creek Complex, and the Milan Convention Centre in his hometown.
In the realm of furniture, Bellini’s work over the last 70 years includes office furniture for Vitra, lamps for Artemide, Erco, and FLOS, porcelain for Rosenthal, and highly admired sofas and other seating for Kartell, Natuzzi, B&B Italia, Cassina, and more.
A 1980s C&B Italia “Amanta” modular or sectional four piece sofa designed by Mario Bellini in 1966. The four chairs are made from an enamelled Fiberlite structure raised from the ground on four round hard black rubber feet. Each chair has three separate cushions. The removable foam block base cushion is secured in place with a small black toggle which slots into the base which stops it from sliding. The back and upper base cushion are extremely comfortable with three feature buttons on each. The fibreglass shells are in good order with no chips. The original red corduroy shows some minor wear but is in exceptional condition considering its age. By virtue of the label, it is possible to ascertain that this example predates 1973 when C&B Italia becomes B&B Italia following the acquisition of Cassina’s shares by Busnelli. A wonderful mid century set, rare to find in such good original condition. Easy to transport and well-designed for upper floor apartments or tight spots where a large sofa off equivalent size would struggle to fit. It also gives the versatility of a modular sofa whereby a whole host of different arrangement options are available. Perfect for a TV room, den, or living room setting.
Reference Number: B9415