Karelia Armchair Zanotta

Liisi Beckmann

Liisi Beckmann (1924–2004) was a Finnish designer who spent a significant part of her professional career in Italy. She studied art and design in Helsinki, and then moved to Milan, where she began cooperation with reputable companies such as Zanotta, Vistosi or Gabbynelli. Her most famous project is the Karelia armchair (1966) - an innovative piece of furniture made of corrugated polyurethane foam, inspired by the landscape of family Carelia. Beckmann combined Scandinavian minimalism in her work with Italian expression and formal courage. In later years she focused on sculpture and painting. Her works were presented in prestigious museums around the world, and the designer heritage still inspires contemporary artists.