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
source

‘Biagio’ Marble Desk Lamp by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Flos, 1970s
source

Set of Four ‘Monk’ chairs by Afra & Tobia Scarpa White Canvas for Molteni, 1974
source

Tobia & Afra Scarpa ‘Torcello’ Desk Set, 1979
source

‘Fantasma’ Floor Lamp by Tobia & Afra Scarpa, 1961
source

Afra & Tobia Scarpa ‘Bastiano’ Sofa for Gavina, Italy, 1960
source

Tobia & Afra Scarpa ‘Bastiano’ Chairs for Knoll International, 1970s
source

Tobia & Afra Scarpa Walnut Dining Chairs, 1960s
source

Modular ‘Mop’ Bookcase/Room Divider by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Moletni, Italy, 1970s
source

Pair of ‘Erasmo’ Lounge Chairs by Tobia & Afra Scarpa, 1970s
source

‘Morna’ Bed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni
source

Afra & Tobia Scarpa ‘121’ Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1965, Set of 8
source

Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Artona' Dining Table for Maxalto, 1970s
source

Tobia & Afra Scarpa, Prototype Cisonio bookcase, 1967
source

Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 'Artona' Pair of Side Tables in Ash, 1975
source

Pair of Armchairs, Artona Series, by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, 1975
source

Afra & Tobia Scarpa ‘Polygonon’ Dining Table for B&B Italia, 1980s
source

‘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
source

Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia Rare 'Polygonon' Dining Table, 1980s
source

Afra & Tobia Scarpa Plywood Dining Chairs, Italian Pine, 1970's
source

TL59 Dining Table in Bronze & Glass by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Poggi, 1975
source

Afra & Tobia Scarpa ‘Torcello’ Dining Chairs for Stildomus, 1964
source

Rare Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 'Artona' Dining Table in Walnut, 1970s
source

‘Erasmo’ collection by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1973

Pair of Tobia & Afra Scarpa stools for Benetton, 1970s
source

Tobia & Afra Scarpa ‘Cipria’ Lounge Chair/Sofa Set, 1968
source

Tobia & Afra Scarpa ‘Cipria’ Armchairs, 1968
source

‘Vanessa’ bed by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for Gavina, 1962

Pair of ‘Coronado’ Foot Rests by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1970s
source

‘Tobio’ table by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1974
source

‘Mani’ Bowl by Tobia & Afra Scarpa, San Lorenzo, 1998
source

Screen Shot 2022-12-15 at 10.47.49 AM.png

Screen Shot 2022-12-15 at 10.50.19 AM.png

Screen Shot 2022-12-15 at 10.51.13 AM.png

Screen Shot 2022-12-15 at 10.51.29 AM.png

‘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.

MORE LIKE THIS

Featured

Must-Have Books for Design Lovers

Whether you're a devoted connoisseur of vintage design seeking credible insights, or simply in search of stylish coffee table books filled with captivating photos, these selections are sure to impress and inspire.

Revival of Retro Kitchens

The kitchen is known to be the heart of the home. Today we are seeing many designers revive retro trends from the 60s and 70s. Both eras offer unique design elements that combine functionality with personality.

Gehry Residence in Santa Monica, 1978

The Gehry Residence in Santa Monica, California, is one of the most famous examples of architect Frank Gehry's deconstructivist style.

Bubble House by architect Maurice Medcalfe in New York, 1969

The same year the man landed on the moon, architect Maurice Medcalfe designed The Bubble House. Located at East 71st Street in the Upper East Side…

The Rise & Fall of Glamorous Airline Interiors

The interior design of airplanes in the 1960s and 1970s reflected the cultural trends and technological advancements of the time, often emphasizing luxury, style, and innovation. These decades were considered the "Golden Age of Air Travel”…

Celebs & Iconic Design

It’s no surprise that celebrities have the ability to acquire some of the most rare and incredible pieces of design. We are thrilled to see faces we look up to, enjoying vintage design as much as we do.

Iconic Italian Sofas

Italian design in the 1960s and 1970s was marked by a distinct blend of innovation and tradition, reflecting both social changes and advancements in materials and technology.

Villa Sayer by Marcel Breuer

Villa Sayer in Normandy is another significant residential project designed by Marcel Breuer in the 1970s. It represents Breuer’s exploration of modernist design principles in the context of a more rural, French setting.

Ricardo Fasanello

Ricardo Fasanello is a notable Brazilian furniture designer recognized for his unique approach that combines modern aesthetics with functionality.

Inside Ward Bennett’s New York Apartment

Bennett himself referred to the building as a “Manhattan A-frame.” The historic Dakota was constructed between 1880 and 1884 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.