Albero Bookcase

Albero, by Poltrona Frau, is a floor-to-ceiling free-standing bookcase designed by Gianfranco Frattini. Its supporting frame is in solid Canaletto walnut veneer with special rack and pinion joint and shelves are in MDF with Canaletto veneer. Conceived in the late 1950s as a floor-to-ceiling free-standing bookcase, "Albero" was designed for use in interior settings rather than for serial production. It is formally associated with the Neoliberty period and, in terms of product type, to the floor-to-ceiling bookcase systems that were popular during the 50s and 60s. Designed by Frattini, the structure stands out both for its complex cabinet work and for its sculpted nature, acting as the centrepiece of a room. It is equipped with iron caps, on the ceiling and ground, finished with textured, wrinkled-effect black paint. A metal “cup” is attached to the ceiling inside which is inserted a steel anchor bolt with adjustable metal ferrules. On the ground it is held in place by an anti-slip rubber foot. The system has a 360° swivel mechanism. Any number of shelves from 8 to 12 can be fitted thanks to the holes in the uprights. Version with 12 shelves.