Alessandro Guerriero and Alessandro Mendini

Overall good condition consistent with use. Minor scuff marks, scratches throughout the surface of the chairs.Scattered chips and scuff marks to the edges and sides of the table. Visible hairline on one of the top corners. A hairline to the laminated veneer to one of the sides of the table radiating from the upper corner of the leg towards the top surface, approximately 7.5 cm in length. Three chips to the top edges of the table. One dent to the surface of the piece towards the edge.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Studio Alchimia was founded in 1976 by the architects Alessandro and Adriana Guerriero in Milan. Amongst the first members of the studio were Alessandro Mendini, Ettore Sottsass and Andrea Branzi, its declared aim was to change and resolve traditional design dogmas through a revaluation of objects. Its purpose was to free design of the functionalism, mass production and extreme purity of forms that had become characteristic of design in the 20^th century, ultimately Studio Alchimia primary aim was to  strip away designs modernist utopia. However, the studio did not break completely with the ideas of the Bauhaus. Instead, it gave old forms a new twist. Studio Alchimia expounded its philosophy through different disciplines, from film to performance, to objects and illustrations. Its proposal was eclectic and with historical references, taking inspiration from Jugendstil, Bauhaus, folklore, 50’s design and Pop Art. Members of the group combined in their projects different materials, colours and decors to create surprising and novel style concepts. Abet laminate, a material that was used mainly for kitchen and café tables in the fifties, was used by the Studio Alchimia and combined with expensive materials like root or marble such as in the presented lot that has been designed by Alessandro Guerriero and decorated with Ollo pattern by Alessandro Mendini.