Chester Line | Sofa

Renzo Frau

The distinctive features and precious processing details of the Chester are all present, revisited here in a lighter form in the quest for an informal elegance achieved by subtraction: the historic capitonné remains on the backrest while the base of the sofa disappears; the metal feet are almost invisible to further emphasise the beauty of the seat; compared with the classic two-seater sofa, there is just one large cushion which is even more comfortable.
The elements without armrests and backrest also make it possible to add accessories like the Fidelio side tables and lamp, enhancing the functionality of the various configurations. Armrests can be attached at both ends or just on the left or right. 

The supporting structure of the Chester Line sofa is made from solid seasoned beechwood. The seat, backrest and armrest spring system consists of hand-tied biconical springs on jute belts. The backrest and armrests are padded with hand-shaped vegetable horsehair. Seat cushion in goose down with the addition of a polyurethane foam stabilising insert.
The upholstery is in Pelle Frau® leather, which can be matched with the Poltrona Frau fabrics in different combinations. Feet in the classic spherical version in beechwood with a dark walnut stain or lacquered black; 12 cm high in beechwood with a dark walnut stain or lacquered black; in beechwood covered with leather matching the upholstery of the sofa, or in blade-shaped brushed aluminium with a burnished effect. 

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Chester Line | Sofa

Renzo Frau
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Concept and Design

A Poltrona Frau classic since Renzo Frau presented it in 1912, Chester has graced the decades and generations with its timeless elegance, becoming a genuine icon in the history of interior design. Chester Line is its natural evolution, lightened and updated to reflect the new requirements of contemporary living.  

The classic sofa with its sculpted design is deconstructed and multiplied, becoming a genuine system of modular sofas with various different elements: chaise longue and armchair, both without armrests, pouf and two corner sofas. The collection is now completed with two curved sofas, with and without armrests, to expand the number of possible combinations: as well as being used in tandem with the linear solutions, they can be used on their own to create sinuous winding effects. 

Designed by
Renzo Frau

Lorenzo Frau, known as ‘Renzo’, was born in Cagliari in 1881. He left Sardinia for military service in Milan, which he completed successfully earning the title of lieutenant. He married Savina Pisati and moved to Turin, at the time a real hub of Italian culture. He initially worked as a sales representative for Gribaudi and then for Dermoide Patent, manufacturer of faux leather. Having moved to Great Britain for work, he was able to discover the Chesterfield model armchairs and immediately imagined its potential, successfully starting to import it into Italy. At the same time, however, he was also attracted by the models of French and Central European style. He therefore decided to create his own artisan production laboratory. It was 1912: Poltrona Frau was created. From the initial work ‘in style’, Frau quickly moved onto direct design. Poltrona Frau became not only a production pole, but also a meeting point for artists and intellectuals. Renzo Frau used these relations to consolidate the brand image: successful models ensued quickly, one after the other. As the First World War broke out, Frau was called to fight for his country and his wife Savina bravely took up the reins of the company. Frau’s armchairs thus began entering the most important buildings, also used by the royal family. Renzo Frau met an early death in 1926. He left an extensive archive of projects that would allow his wife to coherently pursue Poltrona Frau production in the years to come.

Coverings and finishes