An exceptional and increasingly scarce Topos dining suite designed by Gruppo DAM (Designer Associati Milano) for Busnelli around 1970. Comprising four original dining chairs and a matching dining table, this iconic set embodies the radical experimentation and refined engineering that defined Italian design at the dawn of the 1970s. First presented at the Cologne Furniture Fair in 1970, the Topos series became one of Gruppo DAM’s most celebrated creations, earning recognition in contemporary design publications and museum exhibitions.
The chairs are distinguished by their sculptural cantilevered frames, crafted from polished chrome-plated tubular steel, supporting a single continuous sling of thick saddle leather that forms both the seat and backrest. The tensioned leather creates a remarkably comfortable seating experience while expressing the designers’ commitment to reducing form to its essential elements. The contrast between the cool precision of the chrome and the rich natural patina of the leather perfectly encapsulates the sophisticated industrial aesthetic of the period. Originally produced using specially selected heavy Bulgarian leather, the Topos chair was conceived as both an exercise in structural innovation and a statement of material honesty.
The accompanying dining table echoes the same architectural language, featuring a polished chrome pedestal base that branches elegantly beneath a smoked glass top. The composition is both visually light and structurally expressive, allowing the chairs to sit harmoniously around the table while maintaining the suite’s clean, minimalist profile. Together, the elements demonstrate Gruppo DAM’s holistic approach to furniture design, where engineering, ergonomics and sculptural form coexist seamlessly.
Today, original Topos dining suites are among the most sought-after works produced by Busnelli during its most experimental years. Their rarity, historical significance and timeless modern aesthetic have secured their place as important examples of post-war Italian design, making them equally suited to sophisticated contemporary interiors and serious twentieth-century design collections.
A striking and highly collectible dining suite that represents the innovative spirit of Italian Radical Design, combining sculptural elegance, exceptional craftsmanship and enduring functionality.
Dimensions:
Dining table -
Depth - 122cm
Width - 122cm
Height - 73cm
Dining chairs -
Height - 85cm
Depth - 50cm
Depth - 50cm
Seat height - 47cm
Condition Report:
Very good condition, the bull leather is beautifully patinated on the chairs, the leather has full structural integrity, the chrome is highly polished with only minor areas of wear, the dining table base is near immaculate with only minor signs of age, the smoked glass is not chipped, cracked or discoloured, there are some clear areas of scratching as would be expected. Please refer to the pictures.
