Osvaldo Borsani

One man changed the face of modern furniture with his radical thinking and perfectionist views in design. This man is Osvaldo Borsani. Born in the town of Varedo in Switzerland in 1911, he spent most of his time in Milan designing and creating. Furniture designing was in his very blood. The master Gaetano Borsani was his father. He was a celebrated furnishings expert who in 1927 won awards at the prestigious Monza Triennale. Fulgencio was his twin brother and one day would be his partner in the furniture business. Osvaldo became a part of the Politecnico di Milano in 1937 to pursue construction. Immediately after graduation, he became a part of the family’s trade. This trade was the famous Atelier Varedo Company which would one day be recognized as the Arredamento Borsani. He used to work there as a furniture builder and designer. Throughout most of the 1940 s and the earlier part of the 1950 s, he shaped an immense quantity of pieces which included armoires, armchairs and rare tables. Predominantly outstanding was a shelf structure that was wall mounted he made in 1946. Amid his clientele were Fabbri, the global company Crippa, the Sussu international and Fontana.

1953 was the year in which he paired up with fellow designer Fulgencio to form the world famous organization Tecno. It went one to become Europe’s most influential furniture designs. Every object was carefully researched using the most amount of technology available during that period. He designed the famous Cavatorta console. This fantastic piece possessed a large mirror on which a zig zag pattern was etched on its surface. It is seated on top of a dark glass low vanity with draws which are covered with parchment and a door that is used for storage. The glass handles add quite an amount of glamour to it. The wooden base which was made originally for it is still in original condition despite the passing of a large amount of time. In the end, it is stated to be a unique Cavatorta piece. Also among his pieces of art is the fruit wood cabinet with a Patquetry top. Also featured are stylized ribbed sides. There are rose tinted mirrored front panels. Some have wonderful etched designs. The four legs are engraved upon with sea creatures in a relief pattern. The large door pulls are bronze gilded. They have a mirrored interior with shelves and diminutive drawers. It is a remarkable piece by one of Italy s national treasures.

Nowadays, the company is documented for its ground breaking furnishings for civic buildings and higher level offices. Osvaldo was a very private man. He lived a pedantic lifestyle and passed away in early 1985. He was a very loyal person who displayed all his works of art in one museum only. The Monza Triennale, all the way from 1933 to his retirement and later. He was honored throughout his life by art critics and appreciators of fine furniture. One can still find rare pieces of his furniture in art shows and viewings all around Europe and some private auctions in Japan.

Osvaldo Borsani

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