Golem Chair

Designer Vico Magistretti (Italian, 1920–2006)

Manufacturer Poggi

Place of OriginItaly

Date1969

DimensionsH: 49 1/4 in. (125 cm); W: 19 3/4 in. (50.2 cm); Depth: 22 in. (55.8 cm)

MediumLacquered wood

ClassificationFurniture

Credit LineGift of Barry Friedman and Patricia Pastor

Object number

1984.175

Not on View

Label TextVico Magistretti influenced the design world of the post-World War II era by utilizing economical materials to create practical yet sophisticated and stylish forms. At the onset of the War Magistretti fled Milan, Italy, to avoid military service in Germany, taking refuge in Switzerland. Upon returning to Milan in 1945, Magistretti pursued his career as both architect and designer. Under the influence of Ernesto Nathan Rogers (Italian, 1909–1969), who promoted humanist ideas, he was involved with the production of low-cost furniture for the inexpensive apartments built to house the homeless during the reconstruction period. Named for the creature of Jewish legend that is magically created from mud, Magistretti’s Golem Chair was part of a set of six or eight dining chairs. Designed in homage to Charles Rennie Mackintosh (Scottish, 1868–1928), the Golem Chair echoes the elegance and simple formalism of Mackintosh’s influential Arts and Crafts designs (see his 1897 chair currently on display in Gallery 3).