“Swinging home comfort”: this ad slogan from the 1950s springs from the optimistic attitude that was also reflected in design at the time. The upbeat mood and optimism of the age presented a great opportunity for Wittmann to bring fresh life into a classic: the contemporary wing-backed armchair, ‘Contessa’. The original was the first modern piece of furniture produced by Wittmann after the war: a “sporty piece” raked sharply backwards and firmly upholstered like a sports car seat. Although the wings and armrests are pared right back to the minimum, it still exudes comfort unlike any of the severe Bauhaus classics. The precision of the organically flowing lines is highlighted by leather piping which is customisable. Meanwhile, the conical slanting legs give the chair character and add a certain nimbleness.
All of the experience built up by the manufacturer over the past 60 years – as well as state-of-the-art technology and materials – went into developing this modern-day re-edition. Never before has a 1950s classic been so comfortable: the seating comfort is down to the integrated ultra-flat pocket sprung matting, sitting atop criss-crossed elastic webbing, and an ergonomically sprung tubular steel frame that is light years ahead of its predecessors 60 plus years ago.
