Research by Vico Magistretti has concentred on design, project culture, and innovative experimentation with materials and space solutions. Among his most famous creations: the “Eclisse” (Eclipse) and the “Atollo” (Atol) lamps.
Bio
Born in 1920 in Milan, the city where he graduated in architecture in 1945, Magistretti developed his professional career, primarily in architecture, urban planning, and industrial design. After graduation, he worked at the firm owned by his father, Pier Giulio, with the architect Paolo Chessa. He initially worked in Milan’s urban design. He moved into the mass-produced furniture and lamp field in the 1950s. His studio was transformed into a museum (Fondazione studio museum) dedicated to studying and promoting his work after he passed away in September 2006. Magistretti has also been Oluce’s art director and main designer for many years, shaping the company’s unique style of production.
Style
Research by Vico Magistretti has concentred on design, project culture, and innovative experimentation with materials and space solutions. He started designing for Cassina in 1960 and continued his collaboration for many years. He also designed for De Padova, Fritz Hansen, Campeggi, Fontana Arte, Fredericia, and Kartell. He has been a member of the San Luca Academy and the London Royal College of Art since 1967, where he was also a professor visiting.
Masterpieces
In 1967 he received the “Compasso d’Oro” award for the Artemide “Eclisse” (Eclipse, below) lamp and again in 1979 for the Oluce “Atollo” (Atol, below) lamp and the Cassina Maralunga sofa.
The Eclisse Bedside Table Lamp – a classic 1967 design – features a friendly, rounded and petite form made entirely of glossy painted steel. A shield around the bulb is easily rotated to control the amount of light emitted. SEE HERE FOR LATEST PRICING
Atollo Metal Table Lamp from Oluce highlights the enduring nature of shapes. Made in 1977, the iconic piece hasn’t lost a step in the visual impact it delivers. Magistretti has broken down the traditional table lamp to its most essential forms, the hemisphere, cone, and cylinder, achieving a true balance of form and function. The metal construction communicates a permanence in its strong character. Its light shines up the dome shade than sweeps down its arching sides to give you a seductive ambient glow. SEE HERE FOR LATEST PRICING
