In the final decade of his life, Ponti's research was characterised by a prominent theme: the reinvention of the domestic environment. This ambitious undertaking aimed to craft a collection of objects that would seamlessly blend functionality and space efficiency. His furniture designs thus underwent a transformation, becoming 'lightweight' and effortlessly mobile, thanks to the incorporation of casters, hinges and their inherent lightness. This evolution was complemented by a fresh palette of colours, breathing life into the ‘Apta’ series manufactured by Walter Ponti of Mantua.
One of the most striking examples of this innovation is the present desk with a pair of integrated chairs, model no. A012, which is effortlessly mobile on wheels. This desk shows a well-thought-out design with drawers, acrylic shelves, and steel side pockets, demonstrating its ingenious and practical qualities which enable it to interact with and adapt to a variety of interior spaces.
Similarly, the versatile pair of wardrobes, from the 'Apta' series (Lot 106), characterised by their striking and brightly coloured hinged doors on wheels are a testament to Ponti's dedication to bringing to life objects with multiple purposes. The ‘Apta’ series creations are unified by the elegant simplicity of their design, reflecting Ponti's unique and pioneering vision for the modern domestic environment.
Provenance
Acquired directly from the manufacturer by the present owner
Literature
'Maggior spazio godibile in minor superficie', Domus, no. 490, September 1970, pp. 25-26 Lisa Licitra Ponti, Gio Ponti: The Complete Work 1923-1978, London, 1990, p. 249 Laura Falconi, Gio Ponti: Interiors, Objects, Drawings 1920-1976, Milan, 2004, p. 207 Ugo La Pietra, ed., Gio Ponti: L’arte si innamora dell’industria, Milan, 2009, pp. 378-79
Among the most prolific talents to grace twentieth-century design, Gio Ponti defied categorization. Though trained as an architect, he made major contributions to the decorative arts, designing in such disparate materials as ceramics, glass, wood and metal. A gale force of interdisciplinary creativity, Ponti embraced new materials like plastic and aluminum but employed traditional materials such as marble and wood in original, unconventional ways.
In the industrial realm, he designed buildings, cars, machinery and appliances — notably, the La Cornuta espresso machine for La Pavoni — and founded the ADI (Industrial Designer Association). Among the most special works by Gio Ponti are those that he made in collaboration with master craftsmen such as the cabinetmaker Giordano Chiesa, the illustrator Piero Fornasetti and the enamellist Paolo de Poli.
Desk with pair of integrated chairs, model no. A012, from the 'Apta' series
circa 1970 Painted wood, steel, painted steel, chrome-plated steel, vinyl, acrylic, rubber casters. 74.5 x 119.5 x 113 cm (29 3/8 x 47 x 44 1/2 in.) 74.5 x 163 x 163 cm (29 3/8 x 64 1/8 x 64 1/8 in.), fully extended Manufactured by Walter Ponti, San Biagio, Italy. Interior of one drawer with manufacturer's label printed design per/WALTER PONTI/S. BIAGGIO-Mantova/ITALY. Together with a certificate of expertise from the Gio Ponti Archives.