Plastic chairs for today: Selene by Vico Magistretti

In mythology, Selene is the Greek goddess of the moon and the inspiration for many poets and writers. That isn’t hard to understand, given how romantic moonlight and the night can be. So I must admit I’m a bit puzzled as to the origin of the Selene chair that was launched by Vico Magistretti in 1969. They don’t remind me of the moon, unless perhaps he meant the crystal version of the chairs is as clear as moonlight?

The bright red versions of the Selene chairs certainly aren’t any more moonlike, though they are remarkably eye-catching. They would look good in various settings, as commercial hotel chairs perhaps, placed by the poolside, or at a café. These chairs, originally made from plastic and now available in transparent polycarbonate, are eminently suitable for outdoor use. They were manufactured back in the 1960s by Artemide, and became a runaway success. They are featured both in the permanent design collection of the Modern Museum of Art (MoMA) and in the Vitra Museum. Today, they are being produced by Heller Designs Inc.

The latter-day version remains true to the original design, maintaining the S curve of the legs, which ensure the chair’s structural stability. The Selene chair measures 29.5 inches high, 18.5 inches wide, and 19.5 inches deep. The seat height is 18.5 inches. It is lightweight, convenient to use and space-saving since they can be stacked up to six high.

Magistretti , who died in 2006, was known for the practicality, portability, and simplicity of his designs. His cannot be classified under the throwaway furniture category since he preferred to design things that were made to last, but things that everyday consumers can access and use. His plastic furniture is the quintessential example of this work ethic.