Stilnovo Lighting

_{Above: Ceiling light produced by Stilnovo in the 1950’s. Also shown, a pair of chairs designed by Fritz Neth. Photo: adoremodern.com}

At the risk of broad generalizations design seems to come easy to the Italians. While the Germans struggle with ‘design solutions’, and the French often getting mired in rational aesthetics, and the Americans enjoying a rebellious free for all, the Italians seem to create design as easily as breathing. It just appears second nature to them. However, there is a dark side to modern Italian design rooted in pre World War II fascist policies.

Under the 21 year (1922 – 1943) nationalistic dictatorship of Benito Mussolini Italy became a closed nation, meaning that almost all aspects of Italian life – including products – would be made in Italy by Italians. Prior to this a great deal of trade had existed between most European nations but when Italy closed its borders there was as sudden need for designers to create new Italian products. From these rather grim roots something rather surprising occurred – a creative and vibrant, even anti-establishment, design community had begun to emerge. These designers, in what might seem reckless for the times they were living in, subverted and discarded the artisan based craft-art that had for centuries been Italy’s dominant creative force. In doing so they forged a design community, without external influence, that had evolved its own unique vocabulary and created the seemingly new and effortless Italian style. As for Mussolini, it didn’t end well for him.

Colorful tri-head ceiling light produced by Stilnovo in the 1950’s. Photo: Bukowskis

While founded after the Second World War, Milanese lighting manufacturer Stilnovo (a name meaning ‘New Style’) was started in 1946 by Bruno Gatta, a designer trained during the Mussolini years. Stilnovo would become a significant part of the first wave of post World War II Italian design companies specializing in innovative, mass-market consumer products. Working with a number of celebrated designers, including Gaetano Scolari, Alberto Fraser, Cini Boeri, and Ettore Sottsass, as well as producing designs under the company name Stilnovo, the lighting became acclaimed for its use of new materials, advanced finishes, and forward thinking design.

Ceiling light produced by Stilnovo in the 1950’s. Photo: rewire / 1stdibs

Perhaps the height of Stilnovo’s creative output were the designs produced in the 1950’s. The lighting created by Stilnovo during this decade was tremendous. Working with some of the best designers of the period the company created striking works that still resonate ‘New Style’ today. Here are a few of these designs that – quite simply – speak for themselves.

Striking counter balance floor lamp produced by Stilnovo in the 1950’s. Photo: Bukowskis

Check out these great books on Italian lighting design!