The Top Brands of Italian Lighting

Italy, often praised for its rich artistic and cultural heritage, has also played a major role in the field of design. Lighting, in particular, was a field of experimentation for Italian designers. The post-war period was the catalyst for a renaissance in Italian design, with many iconic brands emerging to set global trends in lighting. In this article, we explore the major Italian lighting brands that flourished after 1945, contributing to the legacy of contemporary Italian design. Italy, often praised for its rich artistic and cultural heritage, has also played a major role in the field of design. Lighting in particular was a field of experimentation for Italian designers. The post-war period was the catalyst for a renaissance in Italian design, with many iconic brands emerging to set global trends in lighting. In this article, we explore the major Italian lighting brands that flourished after 1945, contributing to the legacy of contemporary Italian design. Snoopy table lamp, designed by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, 1967. An icon of Italian design from the 60s. @Nedgis Snoopy table lamp, designed by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, 1967. An icon of Italian design from the 60s. @Nedgis Let's start with the Italian lighting company that many purists consider to be the benchmark for vintage design in the lighting of the 60s and 70s: Martinelli Luce. The brand was founded in 1950 by designer Elio Martinelli, who had graduated from the Florence Academy of Fine Arts as a set designer. It goes without saying that Martinelli was a man who appreciated staging, and he incorporated a strong taste for organic shapes into his work, while maintaining a high degree of simplicity. Martinelli's stroke of genius: believing in Gae Aulenti's project to publish a worldwide bestseller: the Pipistrello ("bat") lamp. Let's start with the Italian lighting manufacturer that many purists consider to be the benchmark for vintage design in the lighting creation of the 60s and 70s: Martinelli Luce. The brand was founded in 1950 by designer Elio Martinelli, who had graduated from the Florence Academy of Fine Arts as a set designer. It goes without saying that Martinelli was a man who appreciated staging, and he incorporated a strong taste for organic shapes into his work, while maintaining a high degree of simplicity. Martinelli's stroke of genius: believing in Gae Aulenti's project to publish a worldwide bestseller: the Pipistrello ("bat") lamp. Pipistrello lamp, designed by Gae Aulenti for Martinelli Luce, 1965. A mythical shape inspired by the bat. The publisher also offers a smaller model, the MiniPipistrello. A timeless piece of vintage design known the world over... Pipistrello lamp, design by Gae Aulenti for Martinelli Luce, 1965. A mythical shape inspired by the bat. The publisher also offers a smaller model, the MiniPipistrello. A timeless piece of vintage design known the world over ... @Martinelli Luce / Pipistrello @Martinelli Luce / Pipistrello "Foglia" table lamp model 643, design Elio Martinelli for Martinelli Luce, Italy 1960. Table lamp "Foglia" model 643, design Elio Martinelli for Martinelli Luce, Italy 1960. Table lamp model 599 Serpente, design Elio Martinelli for Martinelli Luce, 1965. The "s" shape of the lamp is obtained by turning the arm, giving it the appearance of a snake exploring the surrounding space... Bewitching! The model above is a gold version, limited to 100 pieces to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the publisher. @Voltex.co.uk Table lamp model 599 Serpente, designed by Elio Martinelli for Martinelli Luce, 1965. The "s" shape of the lamp is obtained by turning the arm, giving it the appearance of a snake exploring the surrounding space... Bewitching! The model above is a gold version, limited to 100 pieces to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the publisher. @Voltex.co.uk Another Italian lighting icon is Flos, founded in 1962 in Merano by furniture designer Dino Gavina and visionary entrepreneur Cesare Cassina, head of the eponymous furniture manufacturer. The brand took off thanks to its collaboration with the genius of the Castiglioni brothers (Achille & Pier Giacomo) and the inventiveness of Venetian architect and designer Tobia Scarpa. The company quickly gained a reputation for its ability to fuse functionality, aesthetics and technological innovation in its creations. Another Italian lighting icon is Flos, founded in 1962 in Merano by furniture designer Dino Gavina and visionary entrepreneur Cesare Cassina, head of the eponymous furniture manufacturer. The brand took off thanks to its collaboration with the genius of the Castiglioni brothers (Achille & Pier Giacomo) and the inventiveness of Venetian architect and designer Tobia Scarpa. The company quickly gained a reputation for its ability to fuse functionality, aesthetics and technological innovation in its designs. Dino Gavina (1922-2007) photographed on the Catilina armchair by Luigi Caccia Dominioni. Dino Gavina (1922-2007) photographed on the Catilina armchair by Luigi Caccia Dominioni. The Arco luminaire, designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1962, is a classic example of the Flos philosophy. This imposing and elegant floor lamp features an arched arm that suspends a light source at the top, creating direct and powerful lighting. The mix of marble and stainless steel in the Arco's design reflects Flos' commitment to quality and style. In 1974, Flos acquired Arteluce, a company specialising in lighting design, and its catalogue of works, including those by Gino Sarfatti. The Arco luminaire, designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1962, is a classic example of the Flos philosophy. This imposing and elegant floor lamp features an arched arm that suspends a light source at the top, creating direct and powerful lighting. The mix of marble and stainless steel in the Arco's design reflects Flos' commitment to quality and style. In 1974, Flos acquired Arteluce, a company specialising in lighting design, and its catalogue of works, including those by Gino Sarfatti. On the left, the Castiglioni brothers, inventors of the Arco floor lamp (right) for Flos. Left: the Castiglioni brothers, inventors of the Arco floor lamp (right) for Flos. The Arco floor lamp, a classic of Italian design, looks as good as its day... it fits in masterfully with contemporary interiors. @Kissthedesign The Arco floor lamp, a classic of Italian design, is ageless... it blends masterfully into contemporary interiors. @Kissthedesign Floor lamp model 1031, designed by Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, 1948. @Kissthedesign Floor lamp model 1031, design by Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, 1948. @Kissthedesign Floor lamp model 1031, design by Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, 1948. Detail of the grey, red and yellow lacquered aluminium reflectors. @Kissthedesign Floor lamp model 1031, design by Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, 1948. Detail of the grey, red and yellow lacquered aluminium reflectors. @Kissthedesign Since it was founded in 1960 by Ernesto Gismondi and Sergio Mazza, Artemide has played a major role in the world of Italian and international lighting. Artemide's philosophy focuses on the interaction between light, people and the environment. The brand has collaborated with many renowned designers, such as Michele De Lucchi and Richard Sapper, to create iconic pieces of designer lighting. Since it was founded in 1960 by Ernesto Gismondi and Sergio Mazza, Artemide has played a major role in the world of Italian and international lighting. Artemide's philosophy focuses on the interaction between light, people and the environment. The brand has collaborated with many renowned designers, such as Michele De Lucchi and Richard Sapper, to create iconic pieces of designer lighting. One of Artemide's most famous creations is the Tizio lamp, designed by Richard Sapper in 1972. The Tizio is a revolutionary desk lamp that uses a counterweight system to hold the light source in any position, providing precise, adjustable lighting. As a design icon, this piece is part of MoMA's permanent collection, a testament to its importance in the history of design. One of Artemide's most famous creations is the Tizio lamp, designed by Richard Sapper in 1972. The Tizio is a revolutionary desk lamp that uses a counterweight system to hold the light source in any position, providing precise, adjustable lighting. As a design icon, this piece is part of MoMA's permanent collection, a testament to its importance in the history of design. Tizio lamp, designed by Richard Sapper for Artemide, 1972. Shortlisted for the Compasso d'Oro prize in 1979, Tizio is an iconic piece by Artemide, a technical feat combined with the stylistic lines of a cult model. @madeindesign Tizio lamp, designed by Richard Sapper for Artemide, 1972. Shortlisted for the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979, Tizio is an iconic piece by Artemide, a technical feat combined with the stylistic lines of a cult model. @madeindesign Tizio lamps, designed by Richard Sapper for Artemide, 1972. @madeindesign Tizio lamps, design Richard Sapper for Artemide, 1972. @madeindesign: Tolomeo lamps, designed by Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina for Artemide. In 1987, Artemide made its mark with the Tolomeo lamp, which quickly became a worldwide design bestseller. @ideat.fr: Tolomeo lamps, designed by Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina for Artemide. In 1987, Artemide made its mark with the Tolomeo lamp, which quickly became a worldwide design bestseller. @ideat.co.uk In the Tolomeo range of lighting, I ask for the floor lamp called "Tolomeo Mega Terra", the XXL version of the Tolomeo lamp. Design Michele De Lucchi for Artemide. @bellelurette In the Tolomeo lighting range, I ask for the floor lamp called "Tolomeo Mega Terra", the XXL version of the Tolomeo lamp. Design Michele De Lucchi for Artemide. @bellelurette Tolomeo Mega Terra floor lamp, design Michele De Lucchi for Artemide, detail. @bellelurette Tolomeo Mega Terra floor lamp, design Michele De Lucchi for Artemide, detail. Founded in 1932 by Luigi Fontana and Giò Ponti - considered to be the father of Italian design - FontanaArte enjoyed a renaissance after the Second World War. The brand is known for its timeless designs that combine art and function. Renowned architect and designer Giò Ponti played a key role in the creation of the brand and in the design of many of FontanaArte's iconic pieces. The 0024 suspension lamp, designed by Ponti himself in 1933, remains an icon of design lighting. The lamp is characterised by its transparent hand-blown glass shade, which diffuses light in a soft, elegant way. It has become a symbol of Italian craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Founded in 1932 by Luigi Fontana and Giò Ponti - considered the father of Italian design - FontanaArte enjoyed a renaissance after the Second World War. The brand is known for its timeless designs that combine art and function. Renowned architect and designer Giò Ponti played a key role in the creation of the brand and in the design of many of FontanaArte's iconic pieces. The 0024 suspension lamp, designed by Ponti himself in 1933, remains an icon of design lighting. The lamp is characterised by its transparent hand-blown glass shade, which diffuses light in a soft, elegant way. It has become a symbol of Italian craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Ceiling lamp model 0024, designed by Giò Ponti for FontanaArte, 1933. A series of horizontal discs in transparent tempered glass form a sphere, elegance and refinement ... @insmatcaldes.com Ceiling lamp model 0024, design Giò Ponti for FontanaArte, 1933. A series of horizontal discs in transparent tempered glass form a sphere, elegance and refinement ... @insmatcaldes.com Another FontanaArte icon: the Bilia table lamp designed by Giò Ponti for FontanaArte in 1932. The opposition of two elementary geometric shapes creates an expressive yet balanced object! @madeindesign Another FontanaArte icon: the Bilia table lamp designed by Giò Ponti for FontanaArte in 1932. The opposition of two elementary geometric shapes creates an expressive yet balanced object! @madeindesign Founded in 1978 by three Italian architects, Riccardo Sarfatti, Paolo Rizzatto and Sandra Severi, Luceplan has distinguished itself by its commitment to innovation and sustainability in lighting design. The brand quickly gained an international reputation for its avant-garde creations. Founded in 1978 by three Italian architects, Riccardo Sarfatti, Paolo Rizzatto and Sandra Severi, Luceplan has distinguished itself through its commitment to innovation and sustainability in designer lighting. The brand quickly gained an international reputation for its avant-garde creations. One of Luceplan's most famous creations is the Costanza table lamp, designed by Paolo Rizzatto in 1986. This lamp is characterised by its elegant simplicity and its polycarbonate shade, which diffuses a soft, even light. It is also renowned for its commitment to sustainability, with easily replaceable components to extend its life. One of Luceplan's most famous creations is the Costanza table lamp, designed by Paolo Rizzatto in 1986. This lamp is characterised by its elegant simplicity and its polycarbonate shade, which diffuses a soft, even light. The model is also renowned for its commitment to sustainability, with easily replaceable components to extend its lifespan. Costanza table lamp, designed by Paolo Rizzato for Luceplan, 1986. @cairo.fr Costanza table lamp, design by Paolo Rizzato for Luceplan, 1986. @cairo.fr An interesting fact in the history of the major Italian lighting houses is that, from the 1980s onwards, they gradually associated their names with a new generation of international designers. Flos, for example, has worked with Philippe Starck, Jasper Morrison, Marc Newson and Konstantin Grcic. Foscarini, which was founded in 1981 and has a more avant-garde approach, has worked with Patricia Urquiola, Tom Dixon, Jean-Marie Massaud and Tord Boontje, and continues to reveal young design talent. It is interesting to note that, from the 1980s onwards, the major Italian companies specialising in lighting gradually associated their names with a new generation of international designers. Flos, for example, has worked with Philippe Starck, Jasper Morrison, Marc Newson and Konstantin Grcic. Foscarini is a more recent name, having been established in 1981 and claiming a certain avant-gardist credentials. The famous Gun Lamp is instantly recognisable! Designed by Philippe Starck for Flos, 2005. A provocative work for some. For the French designer, it denounces the collusion of war and money. @starck.co.uk The famous Gun Lamp is instantly recognisable! Designed by Philippe Starck for Flos, 2005. A provocative work for some. For the French designer, it denounces the collusion of war and money. @starck.fr Caboche Plus suspension, a completely revamped and improved version of the original "Caboche" model designed by Patricia Urquiola and Eliana Gerotto in 2005 for Foscarini, which has become a bestseller for the brand. @madeindesign Caboche Plus Suspension, a completely revisited and improved version of the original "Caboche" model designed by Patricia Urquiola and Eliana Gerotto in 2005 for Foscarini, which has become one of the brand's best-sellers. @madeindesign Caboche suspension lamp. Design Patricia Urquiola and Eliana Gerotto for Foscarini, 2005. @connox.fr Caboche suspension lamp. Design Patricia Urquiola and Eliana Gerotto for Foscarini, 2005. @connox.fr The major Italian lighting brands after 1945 have made a significant contribution to the world's design heritage. They have combined Italian aesthetics with technical innovation to create iconic pieces that continue to inspire designers and design enthusiasts around the world. These brands illustrate the idea that designer lighting is not just about illuminating a space, but can also be an art form that adds a touch of elegance and beauty to our everyday lives. They continue to remind us that Italian creativity shines brightly, a trump card in the field of lighting! The major Italian lighting brands since 1945 have made a significant contribution to the world's design heritage. They have combined Italian aesthetics with technical innovation to create iconic pieces that continue to inspire designers and design enthusiasts around the world. These brands illustrate the idea that designer lighting is not just about illuminating a space, but can also be an art form that adds a touch of elegance and beauty to our everyday lives. They continue to remind us that Italian creativity shines brightly, a trump card in the field of lighting! François BOUTARD François BOUTARD

The Top Brands of Italian Lighting

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