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Jorge Pensi, Designer of the Toledo Chair, Dies at 79 in Barcelona

The Argentine-born architect-musician helped define contemporary Spanish design, best known for the aluminum Toledo chair.

Overview

  • After weeks of chest discomfort, he suffered a fatal heart attack following a cardiology visit and ultrasound, according to longtime collaborator Roman Proubasta.
  • Days earlier in Buenos Aires, he delivered the closing lecture at La Bienal entre Bienales and unveiled the Boom tables and chairs for Interieur Forma.
  • He donated two versions of the Toledo chair—the aluminum original and Toledo Aire—to the Museo de Arte Moderno, which recently added the design to its permanent collection.
  • He received Spain’s National Design Prize in 1997, with works held in major collections including the Vitra Design Museum and produced by firms such as Driade, Knoll, Thonet and Cassina.
  • He pursued music alongside design, releasing five albums and recently issuing a new recording titled Still Here.