When Aurelio Zanotta opened the doors to his eponymous label in 1954, its initial focus was on the production of sofas and armchairs which, at the time, were overwhelmingly the domain of upholstery workshops. But Zanotta’s vision far exceeded the largely utilitarian scope of local upholsterers. Beyond its surface functionality, he recognizedin furniture design a new form of cultural expression—a venerable creative outlet worthy of the same respect afforded to traditional artistic exploits like painting and sculpture.

Bolstered by instinct, charisma, and a natural interest in emerging materials and technologies, his unique and, at the time, revolutionary path brought Zanotta into contact with some of the now legendary icons of Italian design.