1919 Armchair
Made by Poltrona Frau
Commissioned in 1919 for Filiberto Ludovico of Savoy, Duke of Pistoia, this armchair became the founding gesture of an entire craft philosophy. Renzo Frau drew from the French bergère tradition and recast it through an Italian sensibility: generous in proportion, ceremonial in presence, quietly insistent in comfort.
The capitonné backrest defines the piece. Hand-stitched diamond tufting creates a rhythm of shadow and depth that shifts with light and angle, giving the chair a visual life no flat surface can replicate. The enveloping profile holds the body with authority. Every curve is resolved with intention, every seam placed with purpose.
Upholstered in Pelle Frau leather, the 1919 is available across a considered range of hides and colors, each aged and selected by hand at the Poltrona Frau atelier in Tolentino. Over a century of continuous production, the form has remained faithful to Frau's original drawings, a rare instance of a design resisting revision because nothing needed correcting.
Made to order by Poltrona Frau, tailored to you.
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1919 Armchair
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history behind the Poltrona Frau 1919 Armchair?
The 1919 Armchair was designed by Renzo Frau in the year of its name as a bespoke piece for Filiberto Ludovico of Savoy, Duke of Pistoia. It became one of the founding works of the Poltrona Frau atelier and has been in continuous production ever since, remaining largely faithful to the original design.
What is a capitonné backrest?
Capitonné is a traditional French upholstery technique in which fabric or leather is hand-stitched and buttoned into a diamond-tufted pattern, creating dimensional relief across the surface. On the 1919 Armchair, this technique defines the backrest and contributes to the chair's formal character and visual depth.
What leather options are available for the 1919 Armchair?
The 1919 is upholstered in Pelle Frau leather, Poltrona Frau's proprietary hide that is selected, tanned, and finished by hand at the company's atelier in Tolentino, Italy. It is available across an extensive palette of colors and leather grades to suit specific project requirements.
Is the 1919 Armchair suitable for contract or hospitality projects?
Yes. The 1919 Armchair is produced to contract standards and has been specified in luxury hotels, private clubs, and institutional interiors. Poltrona Frau offers project services including made-to-order configurations and custom leather specifications for professional clients.
Where is the Poltrona Frau 1919 Armchair made?
The 1919 Armchair is handcrafted at Poltrona Frau's historic atelier in Tolentino, in the Marche region of Italy, where the brand has produced furniture since 1912.
