TL3

TL3 table by Franco Albini, 1953 (2013)- Cassina I Maestri Collection

The vertical element as a recurring theme in the poetry of Franco Albini.

Widely experimented in the architect’s ethereal designs, the strut element finds its highest expression in the Veliero and Infinito bookcases, the former in a bold structural statement and the latter with the serial repetition of the vertical elements in support of a variety of arrangements of containers and shelves. The TL3 table legs also act as vertical elements: they are unique blocks almost completely turned, apart from the point at which they attach to the transverse horizontal element, where the square section is retained. A wooden cone surmounts each parallelepipedal, creating a gap between the table-top and the wooden crosspieces. The connections between the vertical elements and horizontal shaped crosspieces are highlighted by visible screws which openly show the key design concept, that is, the fact that it can be disassembled.

The recurring visual lightness in Franco Albini’s design is further emphasised by how the table-top appears to be suspended in mid-air due to the use of metal spacers.

Produced in the 1950's by the Italian company Poggi, the re-edition studied by Cassina and Marco Albini with the additional glass tops, found in the archive drawings, gives further value to the high quality carpentry of the frame.

Measurements:

rectangular tops: 180x85xh.76.5cm (wood), 225x85xh. 76.5cm (wood), 180x85xh.75cm (glass),

225x85xh.75cm (glass)

square tops: 140x140xh.75cm (glass), 85x85xh. 76.5cm (wood), 85x85xh.75cm (glass) round top: Ø130xh.75cm (glass).

Frame: solid natural ash, solid ash stained black, Canaletto walnut. Finish: the new low gloss finish introduced in this year's collection. Tops: glass, wood.

Fittings: steel with a black finish.