UP chair and ottoman by Gaetano Pesce

The UP chair is a metaphor of a large comfortable womb and recalls ancient statues of fertility goddesses. It also has a spherical ottoman tied to the armchair. Therefore, the image of comfort and convenience is combined with a more figurative image of a woman with a ball and chain on her foot.

Gaetano Pesce explains the project as follows: “At that time, I was telling a personal story about my concept of women: I believe that women have always been unwilling prisoners of themselves. This is why I decided to give this armchair the shape of a woman with a ball and chain, a traditional image of a prisoner.” 

The chair makes an interesting appearance in the Bond Diamonds Are Forever in the scene filmed in The Elrod House where Bambi and Thumper give Bond (Sean Connery) a kicking! These women have certainly broken free of their chains!

The chair also appears in How Do You Know?

The UP armchair has become an international icon with different names, from “Big Mama” to “Blow Up” and is available in a number of different colours (and stripes).

We can source vintage and newly manufactured versions of the UP chair through our interior design service.

Please email [email protected] for details