On the occasion of the centenary of Gianfranco Frattini's birth, we celebrate one of the great masters of Italian design through a work that, more than sixty years after its creation, retains all of its expressive power and remarkable relevance.
The photographs presented here, taken within our gallery, highlight the timeless presence of the Model 822 Revolving Bookcase, designed by Frattini and produced by Bernini in 1964.
Alongside these contemporary images, we have included two historical photographs that trace the long journey of this project and reveal its significance within the cultural and design context in which it was conceived.
The Model 822 holds a special place in the history of Italian design. It was, in fact, one of the very first products to mark the beginning of the collaboration between Gianfranco Frattini and Bernini—a partnership that would flourish over the following years and give rise to some of the most significant furniture designs of the second half of the twentieth century.
From its inception, the project clearly embodies the principles that guided Frattini's work: functionality, formal rigor, exceptional attention to the craftsmanship of wood, and a constant pursuit of balance between technique and aesthetics. Its distinctive revolving structure is not merely an innovative solution, but an integral part of its identity, giving the piece a presence that is at once practical and sculptural.
The historical and contemporary images engage in a dialogue that reveals just how remarkably modern this design remains. Contexts change, interiors evolve, and decades pass, yet the Model 822 preserves its elegance unchanged, demonstrating how authentic design has the ability to transcend time and fashion.
As we commemorate the centenary of Gianfranco Frattini's birth, we pay tribute to a design vision that continues to inspire today.
The Model 822 Revolving Bookcase stands as a perfect expression of that vision: an object created to fulfil a precise function that, over time, has become a true icon of Italian design.
To mark this special anniversary, we are pleased to present in our gallery this important example of the Model 822 Revolving Bookcase, accompanied by a selection of historical photographs illustrating its history and evolution.
An opportunity to rediscover one of the most significant achievements of Italian design and to appreciate the enduring value of a true twentieth-century classic.
The featured piece is currently on view at the gallery.
Images: Bernini Gallery Historical Archive
Images: Bernini Gallery Historical Archive