Un Disegno e un Idea

Giovanni "Gio" Ponti (1891-1979) was an Italian architect and designer. Over his sixty-year career, Ponti designed and built over a hundred buildings such as the Pirelli Tower in Milan and Villa Planchart in Caracas and turned his had to furniture, decorative art, and industrial design. From the Superleggera chairs through to thousands of cabinets, lamps, ceramics and glassware, Ponti was relentlessly inventive, and pushed the boundaries of both Italian and global design.

This illustrated letter to publisher Daria Guarnati serves as a glimpse into Ponti's visionary mind. Accompanying the whimsical sketch, he writes, "Signora Unvoloni, here is a drawing that might find a place in your cabinet of ideas: 'a drawing is an idea.'" This perfectly encapsulates Ponti's belief that design is not just about form and function, but also about sparking imagination and inspiring new ways of thinking.

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The original work is held by Drawing Matter, an organisation that explores the role of drawing in architectural thought and practice. We have collaborated with them to bring highlights from their extraordinary collection to a wider audience. Explore Drawing Matter here.  

A Giclée fine art print on Japanese Awagami Inbe Washi paper.

Our beautiful frames are handmade in Somerset, using sustainably sourced FSC timber and acid-free, conservation mount board to protect your print.

To complement this print, we have carefully selected some hand painted and waxed frame finishes for you to choose from. Alternatively, explore our complete collection of finishes here, or provide us with your own.

Delivery: 2-3 weeks