Pair of bedside tables “Barium” by Luciano Frigerio for Frigerio of Desio

Product Name:Pair of Nightstands “Barium” by Luciano Frigerio for Frigerio di Desio
Designer: Luciano Frigerio
Year of Design: 1970s
Style: Geometric Design in Solid Walnut
Main Materials: Solid Walnut, Brass
Distinctive Design: Geometric Elements, Handcrafted Invoice
Typical Dimensions: 57x38xH59cm
Comfort: Large interior compartment with a shelf
Typical Use: Furnishing Complement for the Night Area
Design Icon: Belonging to the “Barium” series by Luciano Frigerio
Current Status of Design: Discontinued
Additional Notes: This pair of nightstands is in excellent condition despite being manufactured in the late 1960s

Luciano Frigerio, born in Desio in 1928, has made an indelible mark on the world of furniture design and production, inheriting a family tradition in fine cabinetmaking. His early education, which concluded with a diploma in accounting from Pius XI College, was enriched by his passion for furniture design and music composition.

The socio-economic context of Brianza in the 1960s offered entrepreneurial opportunities in the furniture art sector, and Frigerio was able to seize this potential. Attending renowned workshops and meeting prominent figures such as Gio Ponti and Franco Albini inspired the transformation of the family business into an internationally oriented one. In 1973, Frigerio was awarded the title of Commendatore of the Italian Republic, recognition of his dedication to fine cabinetmaking.

The distinctive element of his career emerged with the realization of his dream: furniture as a unique piece. Frigerio, supported by a team of technicians, created the “Solid Wood Sculpture Furniture” and “Cast Bronze Sculpture Beds,” representing a unique alternative to the industrial production of the time. These unique pieces embody excellent craftsmanship and the fusion of fine materials, positioning themselves as works of art in the design scene.

Collaboration with renowned Italian architects and designers, including Franco Albini, Sergio Asti and Paolo Portoghesi, has solidified Frigerio’s position in the design world. His belief that architects could design unique furniture for high cabinetry guided the company’s philosophy, which is characterized by the production of numbered, signed, one-of-a-kind pieces. In the 1970s and 1990s, the company expanded its presence by opening ten showrooms in major Italian cities.

Recognition of his contributions to design culminated in his being awarded the title of Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem in 1989. Frigerio’s works adorn major art galleries in Italy and abroad, winning awards at events such as the Salone Internazionale del Mobile Italiano and Abitare il Tempo.

Permanent exhibitions in Milan, including Galleria del Sagrato and “Art Gallery” via Montenapoleone, testify to Frigerio’s constant and recognized presence in the heart of Milan’s art scene. His legacy is perpetuated through exclusive works, celebrating the meeting of functionality, aesthetics and craftsmanship in the world of furniture and art. Its legacy continues to influence contemporary design, remaining a benchmark for innovation and excellence in the field.