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Franco Campo & Carlo Graffi – Pioneers of Italian Mid-Century Furniture Design

Franco Campo (b. 1926) and Carlo Graffi (1925–1985) were visionary Italian designers and architects who shaped the landscape of mid-century Italian furniture design. Trained at the Politecnico di Torino under the guidance of Carlo Mollino, they began collaborating on architectural and design projects in the early 1950s, developing a style marked by innovation, elegance, and sculptural forms.

In the 1950s, Campo and Graffi focused on custom interiors and innovative furniture, designing high-quality pieces for private clients, shops, and decorators. Their work blended organic shapes with functional simplicity, reflecting a sophisticated approach to Italian modernist design.

In 1956, the duo co-founded the Turin-based furniture atelier Home, aiming to make high-quality design accessible. During this period, they produced collections in teak, metal, and modern materials, influenced by Scandinavian design principles and emphasizing function, craftsmanship, and clean aesthetics. Their designs gained recognition in Turin, Genoa, and Rome.

Their collaboration ended in 1964 after a fire destroyed the Home factory, but both continued to impact Italian design: Graffi resumed work with Carlo Mollino, while Campo pursued independent projects in furniture and interior design.

Despite the partnership’s relatively short duration, Campo & Graffi’s furniture remains highly sought after in the vintage and international mid-century design market, celebrated for its perfect balance of form, functionality, and construction quality, making them true icons of post-war Italian design.