Bar Cart Mod. CR20 by Franco Albini & Franca Helg for Poggi, Italy, 1958

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About This Piece

Vintage Design

Some objects express their quality through quiet confidence. This elegant serving trolley, designed by Franco Albini and Franca Helg for Poggi in 1958, reflects the Italian architects’ ability to reduce a functional object to its essential elements without losing warmth or character. Every proportion, junction and detail has a purpose, resulting in a design that remains as relevant today as it was when first introduced.

Design
Crafted in beautifully figured mahogany, the CR20 trolley demonstrates Albini and Helg’s disciplined approach to furniture design. The open frame is formed by four slender uprights that support two removable tray shelves, creating a composition that appears almost weightless. Turned cylindrical handles crown each upright, offering a subtle sculptural accent while providing a practical grip when moving the trolley. Carefully executed finger joints at the tray corners celebrate traditional cabinetmaking, contrasting with the restrained architectural geometry of the frame.

Rather than concealing its construction, the trolley celebrates it. The removable trays feature raised edges with integrated cut-away openings, allowing them to function independently as serving trays. Fine proportions, warm mahogany grain and discreet black castors contribute to a balanced composition where craftsmanship and usability exist in harmony. Produced by Poggi, one of Italy’s most respected manufacturers of the period, the CR20 belongs to a generation of furniture that helped define post-war Italian modernism through refinement rather than excess.

Albini, often working alongside Franca Helg after the early 1950s, sought clarity and structural honesty in every project. Their furniture combines architectural thinking with an appreciation for fine materials, resulting in pieces that remain highly regarded by collectors and interior architects alike.

Elegant without becoming ornamental, the CR20 functions equally well as a drinks trolley, side table or display piece. Its restrained appearance allows the craftsmanship and material to take centre stage, making it suitable for both contemporary and historic interiors.

Condition
The trolley remains in very good vintage condition with light signs of age and careful use. The mahogany has developed a warm patina, the joinery remains crisp, and the castors operate smoothly, preserving both its functionality and original character.

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Creator	Franco Albini, Franca Helg
Manufacturer	Poggi
Design Period	1950 to 1959
Production Period	1950 to 1959
Country of Manufacture	Italy
Identifying Marks	This piece has been attributed based on archival documentation, such as vintage catalogs, designer records, or other literature sources
Style	Italian, Mid-Century, Italian Modern
Detailed Condition	Very Good — This vintage/antique item has no defects, but it may show slight traces of use.
Restoration and Damage Details	Light wear consistent with age and use
Product Code	UQV-2609432
Material	Mahogany
Color	Brown
Width	68 cm 26.8 inch
Depth	41 cm 16.1 inch
Height	68 cm 26.8 inch
Duties Notice	Import duty is not included in the prices you see online. You may have to pay import duties upon receipt of your order.

Shipping & Delivery

Ships from	Netherlands
Duties Notice	Import duty is not included in the prices you see online. You may have to pay import duties upon receipt of your order.
Returns	Returns accepted within two days of delivery, except for Made-to-order items

Delivery Details

Delivery will be completed by a parcel service such as UPS, DHL, or FedEx.
You will receive a tracking number to monitor the status of your shipment.
Delivery will take place between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
A wooden crate may be used for intercontinental shipments for maximum protection.
Item will be left in its packaging after delivery.
A signature will be required upon delivery.

*Important Note

Please examine the packaging upon delivery. In the event that there are visible signs of damaged packaging, please indicate the problem on the Delivery Note, take pictures, and—if the item inside shows damages—contact us within 48 hours of delivery. A signed delivery receipt without notations regarding damaged packaging represents your acceptance of the completed order in perfect condition.

Sustainability

Carbon Neutral	For every purchase made, Pamono offsets 100% of estimated carbon emissions from global shipping.
Vintage	Choosing vintage and antique furniture reduces your carbon footprint by cutting down on waste and reduces demand for new materials and extends the life of the products we use.

About the Designers

Franco Albini

Born near Milan in 1905, Franco Albini was an Italian architect, urban planner, and furniture designer active between the 1930s and the 1960s. He studied architecture at Milan’s famous Politecnico, apprenticed under master architect-designer Gio Ponti, and played a key role in formulating the Rationalist movement in Italy prior to World War II.

Throughout the post-war era, Albini continued to create furniture and architecture aimed at purity of expression through modularity and affordable materials. While his work tends toward formal reduction, it also maintains a warmth and charm that stems from his enduring respect for context and tradition.

Albini worked with various mid-century manufacturers during his lifetime, including Cassina, Arflex, Poggi, Arteluce, Brionvega, and Knoll, and many of his designs are still in production. He received multiple awards for his work, including three prestigious Compasso d’Oro Awards.