POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Notes

The 'Elda 1005' was designed by Joe Colombo [1930-1971] in Milan Italy in 1964 and made by Comfort Italy from 1965. The 'Elda 1005' is considered to be the first large armchair made out of fibreglass: it consists of a large self supporting shell that rotates on its base. The inside is sumptuously upholstered in black leather. The deep shell shields the sitter from their surroundings and provides some sound insulation, while the 360 degrees rotation ensures the users ability to focus in any direction they choose. The 'Elda 1005' is regarded as a trademark Colombo design. Jo Colombo studied painting, sculpture and architecture and worked as a painter and sculptor for a number of years. In 1958, he along with his two brothers, took over the running of his fathers electrical conductor factory. At the factory he turned to industrial design and began experimenting with the latest production processes and newly developed plastics such as fibreglass, ABS, PVC and polyethylene. His work includes furniture and fittings, lighting and interiors. Many of his designs were for compact space saving designs at affordable prices for kitchens, wardrobes and studios. He generally designed for mass-production and consumption. Suffering a severe heart attack in 1967 aged only 37, he continued to work until his death in 1971 aged 41. He is remembered as one of the most innovative and influential Italian designers of the 1960s.