Artemide: Illuminating Innovation and Timeless Design in Italian Lighting
Artemide is known as the leader in Italian design lamps. For over 60 years, they have been bringing innovative lamps to market that are characterised as 'design classics'. My admiration for this brand is great, because staying at the forefront of innovative design for 60 years is a remarkable achievement. This week, we dive into Italian brand Artemide with Whoppah explores.
Founded
Artemide was founded in 1960 by Ernesto Gismondi and Sergio Mazza and based in a suburb of Milan. Success came quickly to Artemide with its classic designs such as the 1972 Tizio desk lamp by Richard Sapper and the 1986 Tolomeo desk lamp by Michele de Lucchi. The company's motto: light at the service of man and his needs. Technological research, collaborations with great designers, continuous research, also in the socio-cultural field, are the basis of Artemide's success.
Ernesto Gismondi
Gismondi, born in San Remo in 1931. Ernesto Gismondi studied as an aeronautical engineer and later, during his very long career, he became an entrepreneur, designer and teacher. He also held numerous ancillary positions during his career. For instance, he was a member of the influential Memphis design movement, the National Council for Economics and Labour and was Vice-President of the Association for Industrial Design. He also designed a number of products for Artemide himself and was president of the brand at the time of his death in 2020. His ambition was always to distinguish Artemide through innovation with R&D facilities as the heart of the company.
Funfact: Gismondi chose the name because of to appear in the telephone directory for Azucena, Caccia Dominioni's design company.
Tolomeo
One of Artemide's best-known and most popular lamps is the Tolomeo collection. The Tolomeo lamp was designed by Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassino in 1986 and was immediately a huge hit that it won the prestigious "Compasso d'Oro" award in 1989. Since then, the lamp can be found on many stylish desks and, of course, many an architect's drawing board.
Read our other blogs too
Whoppah explores: Eames Lounge Chair
The Eames Lounge Chair is undoubtedly one of the most popular lounge chairs ever made. The iconic chair was released by The Herman Miller Company in 1956 and is here to stay. Do you dream of such a beautiful copy? We share 5 facts about this legendary lounge chair and we spoke to Aksel, Eames connoisseur and trader, about the differences between the vintage and recent models of this chair.
Whoppah explores: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
One of the most iconic design chairs is the Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe. The chair was exhibited in 1929 during the World Exhibition in Barcelona and is one of the best-selling designer armchairs ever. It is amazing how a chair has not lost its popularity for more than 90 years and remains a symbol of elegant and modern design. That is why this week is an ode to architect and furniture designer Mies van der Rohe.
Whoppah explores: Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright was one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century. It's high time to find out more about this world architect!
Whoppah appoints Gregory Kukolj as Chief Growth Officer
Whoppah, Europe's largest online marketplace for second-hand design, has appointed Gregory Kukolj as Chief Growth Officer effective June 1. Kukolj has held various top international positions at Heineken, Booking.com and Marktplaats.nl, among others, and is considered an authority on e-commerce and marketing.