FLORENCE, ITALY - When one thinks of a clothespin they associate it with doing laundry, not with an interesting and modern piece of furniture, until now. The latest design out of the Florence Institute of Design to be realized is the Molletta Chair by Hagar Bar-Gil. The chair was inspired by the clothespin or ‘molletta’ in Italian. Before sitting down in the chair there is a pause as one deliberates the stability of the chair. This is an affect achieved with the sharply angled and tapered legs of the chair which, according to Bar-Gil, are intended to make one "question the stability of the chair”. 

Another major element that the designer wanted to highlight is the back of the chair’s backrest. The reasoning for creating a focal point at the rear of the chair is because dining room chairs are pushed against a table so the most visible part of the chair is the back. “The paradoxical assembly implied in the design was influenced by the irony of the "Anti design" movement originating in Italy, which redefined the desire to reshape and design objects which express a social context, idea and not only an aesthetic function”, says Bar-Gil.  As far as the design is concerned the designer states that, “A detail consisting of two piercing holes at the top of the legs is the most logical place for bolts to be located, but instead voids were created to subvert the way one might think about the object and its structure while the actual joints are hidden from sight". It is a point of intrigue and curiosity for the user making it not just a piece of furniture but an experience. In addition to the aesthetic qualities of the chair, it is also ergonomically functional. The curves and angles of the seat and backrest have been designed for optimal comfort. There is no detail in this chair that was not thoroughly and thoughtfully considered.

The chair is constructed from solid oak and curved plywood. It is available as a limited edition from fabricator Spini Interni s.r.l. in black and white finishes.

Hagar Bar-Gil studied interior design in Tel Aviv before enrolled in FIDI for the year-long, intensive Master of Interior Design course. It was during her time in the program that the chair was developed. Arch. Leonardo Rossano was the distinguished professor of the course of furniture design who guided Bar-Gil with this project. Rossano’s style has been described as fresh and innovative while using a variety of materials, everything from bent plywood to aluminum and steel. Since 1998 Rossano has worked as a professional designer with pieces manufactured by companies including TRUE Design, TMA and Lapalma. He was one of the many talented professors that guided Bar-Gil through the intensive program. 

FIDI is an international school of arts and design in Florence, Italy. It offers courses in Bachelors and Masters in interior design, graphic design and furniture. For more information visit www.florence-institute.com

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