series of editorials on prominent designers
they called carlo mollino’s style “aerodynamic surrealism,”
and his life and work in some
ways very much resemble the ski tracks in snow that he so loved to carve.
while leaving very little that is material in his wake, mollino managed to focus the attention of millions on his smooth, graceful and laconic style.
Carlo Mollino. Photo: press office of Zanotta.
19
05
born in Turin, Italy
29
enrolls at Ghent University in Belgium
Carlo Mollino, Torino. Photo: www.museotorino.it
31
completes architectural studies at Turin University
33
wins a competition for the design of the headquarters of Italy’s Agriculture Ministry
35
A closeup of Mollino-designed chairs in his Teatro Regio. Photo courtesy of Oscar Humphries.
39
works on a building for the Turin Equestrian Sports Association
49
designs the table for the Casa Orengo in Turin that later sold at auction for $3.8 million
51
designs the interior of the Auditorium Rai di Torino, considered one of his supreme achievements; the concert space was completely redone in 2006
52
designs his famous chairs for the Casa del Sole ski complex
Carlo Mollino Chair from Casa del Sole, Italy, 1953. Estimate: $30,000–50,000. Result: $38,750. Photo: Wright Press Department.
53
completes work on his most famous project, the K2 villa in Lombardy
54
designs the extraordinary Bisiluro racing car
Bisiluro Nardi Giannini Auto by Carlo Mollino. Photo © Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci.
60
acquires the Casa Mollino in Turin, where his collections of Polaroids and butterflies are housed
73
dies in his native Turin at the age of 68
everything is permissible as long as it is fantastic. —carlo mollino
Carlo Mollino circa 1936. Photo: www.pamono.com
