BUREAU BFCE

1970, Furniture
Structure: H. 74 x L. 180.5 x D. 62.5 cm
Glass top: 208 x 80 cm
Steel with black patina by burnishing and glass top.
Edition of 6 ex. + 3 A.A. (2020)
Signed with the artist’s mark and dated “1970”
Numbered on the bottom 3/6

In the 1960s Marino di Teana meets André Ramel, an industrialist known for his expertise in unique items (luxury cars, planes, artworks). When the latter opened the doors of his factory Marino discovered new techniques and a skill that included the use of stainless steel. From small models Marino will then make several impressive pieces of furniture in steel and stainless steel, including various tables he will create for his friends.
In 1970 he also composed a set of pieces for the hall of the French Foreign Trade Bank, located at La Defense: a large sculpture, a coffee table and an office. The different models conceived on that occasion already suggest the futurism of his later shapes. However, it is only by observing the finishes of the stainless-steel desk that we perceive the subtlety of its design. The shine and modernity of stainless steel, the warmth and elegance of wood combined with the transparency of glass produce a new harmony, not only of shapes, but also of materials.

A similar piece, installed in the Hall of the French Foreign Trade Bank (BFCE) located at La Défense in 1970 is presented on page 489 (study models pp. 488-489) of the Catalog Raisonné of the artist “Marino di Teana , Œuvre Sculpté ”, coordinated by Malika VINOT and Nicolas MARINO DI TEANA, Loft Éditions, Paris, 2018, and referenced under number: 1307 – MDT.Mb.BFCE.170.Ac.075.01.