Coronado Armchair with Ottoman by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, Italy, 1970s An iconic expression of Italian design, this Coronado armchair with its matching ottoman was designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia during the 1970s. First introduced in 1966, the Coronado represented a turning point in upholstered furniture design, becoming the first seating system produced by C&B Italia (later B&B Italia) to employ the revolutionary technology of cold-moulded polyurethane foam over an internal steel structure. This particular example is especially desirable, retaining its original vibrant orange upholstery, a richly textured fabric that perfectly captures the bold and optimistic spirit of the decade. The generous proportions, deeply channelled backrest and enveloping armrests provide the extraordinary comfort for which the Coronado series became renowned. Even more unusual is the presence of the original matching ottoman, a feature encountered far less frequently on the market than the armchair alone. The combination elevates both the aesthetic impact and the collectability of the piece, offering the complete relaxation experience envisioned by the Scarpas. Afra and Tobia Scarpa succeeded in creating a design that elegantly bridged traditional notions of comfort with the technological innovation of modern industrial production. More than half a century after its introduction, the Coronado remains one of the defining achievements of post-war Italian furniture design. Designer: Afra & Tobia Scarpa Manufacturer: B&B Italia (formerly C&B Italia) Model: Coronado Country: Italy Period: 1970s Materials: Original woven fabric upholstery, steel frame, cold-moulded polyurethane foam Composition: Armchair with matching ottoman Condition: Good vintage condition, preserving the original upholstery with signs of age and use consistent with its history. A highly collectible and increasingly scarce example of Italian Mid-Century seating, made all the more exceptional by the survival of its original fabric and accompanying footstool.