ALBERTO MEDA - LIGHT LIGHT CHAIR, 1987
Carbon fiber and Nomex composite honeycomb
29 1/4 x 21 3/4 x 19 1/2"
Nelson’s Note:
“Alberto Meda is one of the very few architects and designers who incorporate construction and functional details into the design. This fascinated me - he is so good at creating a well thought out and beautifully executed design. Love his works.
I am a chair lover - It is a sculpture with many restrictions, so it needs to be well thought out for the right balance under their functionality. It is truly form follows function.
When I first arrived in Italy during the early 80’s, I lived in a sea side town Chiavari where the famous Chiavari chair was originated and created back in 1807. The character is super light and extremely strong. The Superleggero designed by Gio Ponti for Cassina was based on the same criteria and method of the Chiavari Chair.
I was so curious when Light Light was presented in 1988. The first carbon fiber chair ever made, Alberto Meda understood the material - the chair is feather weight and again, he comes up with unexpectedly beautiful lines and shapes.
I was living in Bologna Italy during the 90’s and it was my hobby to visit stores and galleries with beautiful objects whenever and wherever I had the chance.
There was this furniture store with beautiful pieces in great design where I first saw the Light Light in person - I was stunned by it. The owner refused to part with it even with my repeatedly begging and offering (we ended up becoming friends until today). This chair has no commercial value to him as it was never put into production.
After years, finally I went to see him with US dollars cash right before August Holiday and started to offer him bundles after bundles of US dollars. At one point I told him this is it, take it or leave it. He turned his head away and said, “Take it and get out of here real quick”. I chose the right moment when Italians want US dollars the most - for their overseas holiday.
This is the number 4 out of only 40 pieces that were made. It is one of the few chairs I do not want to part with - unless the right buyer shows up with an offer I cannot refuse.”