Lips Vago, 'Congresso' shelving units, signal red lacquered steel, Italy, 1960s.
Made from sheet steel, the 'Congresso' shelf is a sturdy yet modest bookcase that can be used on either side, making it a versatile addition to any room. The metal plates at the end of the shelf are placed upwards and also function as bookends. The shelf was made by Lips Vago, a merger between the Italian company Vago and the Dutch safe deposit box factory Lips, which designed models for archives and libraries, including this one. Its popularity was so great that it was awarded the Smau Industrial Design Award in 1968.
The cabinet is in good, used condition. Some scratches, rust and stains are visible on some parts due to use and age of this shelving unit.light rust, scratches, stains, a number of original coupling bolts are missing, but this has no consequences for the construction