Vintage Italian Bar Cart in Anodized Aluminum and Smoked Mirrors, 1970s

This rational and functional bar cart is constructed from anodized aluminum profiles and assembled into its final form. Brass caps were added to the ends of the profiles, which exhibit small oxidation spots, a common characteristic of this type of metal. However, the aluminum frame is in excellent condition. In fact, bar carts from the 1970s were often made from anodized aluminum sections, a material chosen for its lightweight, durability, and resistance to corrosion. The bar cart features a lightweight yet solid structure, with two handles on the short sides and four lower wheels that allow it to be moved comfortably and easily. It has two shelves made of elegant and refined smoked mirrors, which create a pleasant contrast with the yellow of the structure. Above the lower shelf, on the side, is a rectangular frame where bottles can be safely placed. The bar cart was built between 1970 and 1975 in a craft workshop on the outskirts of Milan (Lombardy, Italy), a city and region known as a hub of furniture design and production in Italy. Many design companies and furniture factories were (and still are) located in this region. As mentioned above, the bar cart is made from anodized aluminum sections. This electrochemical process forms an oxide layer on the surface of the aluminum, protecting it over time. The golden yellow finish was added during anodizing, usually through the use of organic or inorganic dyes that penetrate the oxide coating, giving the object a distinctive aesthetic appearance. The aluminum profiles were cut and assembled into a final essential modular structure with sharp, symmetrical geometries. Italian bar carts from the 1970s, made of anodized aluminum profiles with a golden yellow finish, represent an interesting example of period design, characterized by a modern and functional aesthetic typical of that era. These bar carts not only embody the aesthetics of the 1970s but also reflect the technological innovation and creativity of Italian designers of the period. The 1970s saw an increase in design fairs such as the Salone del Mobile in Milan, where many of these creations were presented to international audiences with great success. The bar cart is in good condition, with minor oxidation on the brass caps of the profiles. Measurements: width 82 cm, depth 53 cm, height 66 cm.