Paolo Deganello: A Maverick in Radical Design

Paolo Daganello's 'Aeo chair' was first produced in 1973 and is a testament to his unconventional design philosophy.

The lounge chair combines tubular steel, moulded polyurethane foam, and leather, resulting in a piece that is both functional and daring. The chair was designed to be easily disassembled, emphasising sustainability, a forward-thinking concept for its time.

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Daganello was born in Italy in 1940 and is a pioneering architect and designer who challenges traditional notions of form and function. He studied architecture at the University of Florence, graduating in 1966, and soon after co-founded the avant-garde design collective Archizoom Associati, instrumental in the Radical Design movement of the 1960s and 70s, he sought to disrupt conventions and blend industrial practicality with artistic experimentation.

Dagenello’s work for Cassina, one of Italy’s most renowned furniture manufacturers, exemplifies his bold approach.

The Aeo Chair we have in store is an original, near-perfect example of this iconic design. Its raw, industrial aesthetic has already captivated me - it’s a piece that balances rebellion and refinement.

My deep appreciation of Deganello’s work began a few years ago when I was lucky enough to reupholster one of his later designed 'Torso' Chairs. It's still one of my toughest projects, click the link below if you'd like to see how I went about it. However, this appreciation makes having the Aeo Chair in store even more special. It’s a piece that tells a story, blending industrial design with a radical edge and I think a true reflection of Paolo Deganello’s unique genius.