Tobia & Afra Scarpa

Designers

Jul 19

Husband and wife team, Tobia & Afra Scarpa are internationally known Italian designers.

Tobia was born in Venice, Italy in 1935 and is the son of Carlo Scarpa. Afra Bianchin was born in Montebelluna, Italy in 1937. They both attended the University luav di Venezia and graduated with architectural degrees in 1957. It’s said that Franco Albini sparked a fire between the couple who fell in love between desks. The young artists worked together and launched their first project together— the Pigreco chair for Gavina.

Afra & Tobia Scarpa photographed by Aldo & Marirosa Toscani Ballo in 1979 with some of their then recent designs. Tobia leans on a 'Mop' bookcase while Afra sits on a 'Monk' chair, both for Molteni from 1974. Also pictured is their 'Lauriana' sofa from 1976 and 'Piediferro' table from 1979 for B&B Italia.

Tobia worked as a glass designer for Venini in Murano for a few months before he would quit and open his own design office in Afra’s hometown, Montebelluna, in 1960. The modest studio led to a handful of successful collaborations with brands such as Flos, Stildomus, B&B Italia, Knoll International, Molteni, Cassina, Gavina, and more.

The couple was doing very well in their careers at this point when tragedy struck. In the 90’s Afra and Tobia lost both of their sons, Sebastian and Nicolò, in two separate car accidents, leaving their daughter Carlotta. Although they faced trials and tribulations throughout their lives, the couple has made history for their contributions to the design community with their works being highly sought after and still produced to this day.

The Scarpa’s are known for their postmodern award winning designs during the golden years of Italian design, the 1970s-1980s. Their works can be found in museums across the United States and Europe, including collections in MoMA and the Louvre Museum.

Works

‘Soriana’ Sofa, Lounge Chairs and Ottoman designed by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Cassina,1970

Afra & Tobia Scarpa ‘Africa’ Chairs with Cognac Leather Seating, 1970s
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‘Biagio’ Marble Desk Lamp by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Flos, 1970s
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Set of Four ‘Monk’ chairs by Afra & Tobia Scarpa White Canvas for Molteni, 1974
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Tobia & Afra Scarpa ‘Torcello’ Desk Set, 1979
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‘Fantasma’ Floor Lamp by Tobia & Afra Scarpa, 1961
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Afra & Tobia Scarpa ‘Bastiano’ Sofa for Gavina, Italy, 1960
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Tobia & Afra Scarpa ‘Bastiano’ Chairs for Knoll International, 1970s
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Tobia & Afra Scarpa Walnut Dining Chairs, 1960s
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Modular ‘Mop’ Bookcase/Room Divider by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Moletni, Italy, 1970s
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Pair of ‘Erasmo’ Lounge Chairs by Tobia & Afra Scarpa, 1970s
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‘Morna’ Bed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni
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Afra & Tobia Scarpa ‘121’ Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1965, Set of 8
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Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Artona' Dining Table for Maxalto, 1970s
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Tobia & Afra Scarpa, Prototype Cisonio bookcase, 1967
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Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 'Artona' Pair of Side Tables in Ash, 1975
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Pair of Armchairs, Artona Series, by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, 1975
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Afra & Tobia Scarpa ‘Polygonon’ Dining Table for B&B Italia, 1980s
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‘Bonanza’ Sofa by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for C&B Italia, c. 1970s

Set of 3 ‘Bonanza’ Lounge Chairs by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for C&B Italia, 1970s
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Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia Rare 'Polygonon' Dining Table, 1980s
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Afra & Tobia Scarpa Plywood Dining Chairs, Italian Pine, 1970's
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TL59 Dining Table in Bronze & Glass by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Poggi, 1975
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Afra & Tobia Scarpa ‘Torcello’ Dining Chairs for Stildomus, 1964
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Rare Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 'Artona' Dining Table in Walnut, 1970s
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‘Erasmo’ collection by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1973

Pair of Tobia & Afra Scarpa stools for Benetton, 1970s
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Tobia & Afra Scarpa ‘Cipria’ Lounge Chair/Sofa Set, 1968
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Tobia & Afra Scarpa ‘Cipria’ Armchairs, 1968
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‘Vanessa’ bed by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Gavina, 1962

Pair of ‘Coronado’ Foot Rests by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1970s
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‘Tobio’ table by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1974
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‘Mani’ Bowl by Tobia & Afra Scarpa, San Lorenzo, 1998
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‘Carlotta’ series by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Cassina, 1967

A 1960s Cassina ad for Carlotta chairs. Photography courtesy of Cassina Historical Archives. source

Interiors featuring Tobia & Afra Scarpa Designs

In the large reception room in the prefect’s residence of the Préfecture de l’Essonne — an administrative building from the late 1960s in Évry, south of Paris — Guariche used Oregon pine for the ceiling and slabs of white marble for the floor. To these, he added TOBIA SCARPA SORIANA SOFAS and armchairs and a large stainless-steel and smoked-glass coffee table. The apartment’s dining room can be seen in the background. source

A room for Mr Peter Sculthorpe, designed by Marion Best and Deirdre Broughton for the Rooms on View 1971 exhibition to celebrate SIDA's 20th anniversary. Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection, Sydney Living Museums. Photo Michael Andrews

Soriana sofa, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina (1969). Cassina Historic Archive. Photography by Falchi Salvador. source

PLEASE NOTE* WE HAVE NOT INCLUDED EVERY WORK OF AFRA & TOBIA SCARPA’S, WE URGE OUR READERS TO DO THEIR OWN INDEPENDENT RESEARCH INTO ALL OF THEIR COMPLETE WORKS.

DISCLAIMER: THE MILLIE VINTAGE DOES NOT OWN ANY RIGHTS TO THESE PHOTOS. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL IMAGES AND COPYRIGHT BELONGS TO THE ORIGINAL OWNERS. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.

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