1950's Bruno Gatta Rare Floor Lamp Edited by Stilnovo

About the Item

The Bruno Gatta floor lamp stands as a rare and unique piece within the realm of mid-20th century lighting design, showcasing the innovative spirit and artistic vision of its creator. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and imbued with a sense of timeless elegance, this lamp embodies the essence of Stilnovo, the iconic lighting company founded by Gatta in 1946. With its brass structure and distinctive trio of circular forms, each crafted from painted metal and coated with sanded glass, the floor lamp immediately captivates the eye. Each element of the design is thoughtfully crafted to create a harmonious balance between form and function, elevating the lamp from a mere source of illumination to a work of art in its own right. What sets this floor lamp apart is not just its striking aesthetics, but also its rarity and uniqueness. Complete with its original tag, the lamp is a testament to the craftsmanship and attention to detail that were hallmarks of Stilnovo's production. From the industrial suburbs of Milan, Gatta led Stilnovo with a market logic that prioritized innovation and creativity, setting it apart from other lighting companies of the time. From the 1950s to the 1980s, Stilnovo produced some of the most imaginative and striking lighting fixtures of its time, revolutionizing the industry with its use of materials and avant-garde shapes. The Bruno Gatta floor lamp exemplifies this spirit of innovation, standing as a rare and cherished piece that continues to captivate collectors and design enthusiasts alike. In a world where mass production often takes precedence, the Bruno Gatta floor lamp reminds us of the power of craftsmanship and artistic expression. Its timeless design and impeccable craftsmanship ensure that it will remain a coveted and cherished piece for generations to come, a testament to the enduring legacy of Bruno Gatta and Stilnovo.

Creator:
Bruno Gatta (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 76.78 in (195 cm)Width: 27.56 in (70 cm)Depth: 27.56 in (70 cm)
Power Source:
Plug-in
Materials and Techniques:
Brass,Metal,Painted
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
Mid-20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1950
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. Changed the glass.
Seller Location:
New York, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU9498238174962
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Bruno Gatta

Milanese lighting designer Bruno Gatta is best known for having founded a legendary postwar lighting manufacturer that produced some of the most innovative and inspiring fixtures of the 20th century during its short lifespan. The Italian company Stilnovo stayed true to its roots by making everything within the country and enlisting a slew of notable designers from the region to create pieces, such as Ettore Sottsass, Antonio Macchi and Joe Colombo.

Though Gatta founded Stilnovo way back in 1946, it is still one of the most instantly recognizable names in lighting. Like many European creatives designing furniture and decor in the wake of World War II, Gatta — an alum of visionary electronics maker Olivetti — leaned toward the new wave of mass-market and streamlined styles. In fact, Stilnovo loosely translates to “new style” in Italian, and vintage Stilnovo chandeliers, floor lamps and other lighting have endured as a practical choice for those looking to bring expressive and forward-thinking design into their homes.

Soon after Stilnovo was established, Gatta’s lighting fixtures were applauded throughout Europe for their novel industrial materials as well as their unique yet functional shapes. Italy during the mid-20th century was completely revolutionary, and Gatta and Stilnovo’s head designer, Angelo Gaetano Sciolari, helped shape the era.

When the 1960s arrived, Stilnovo was experiencing such a boom that the company opened a new production plant in Lainate. One of the brand’s most famous pieces, Giovanni Luigi Gorgoni’s quirky 1965 Buonanotte spherical table lamp, became a best seller.

Gatta partnered with some of the most well-known names in design, including Sottsass, Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Colombo and Gae Aulenti. Sottsass’s pieces for Stilnovo, including the 1977 Valigia four-legged table lamp, the 1968 Lampros chandelier and Manifesto ceiling light, and the Castiglionis’ 1957 Saliscendi pendant light fixtures are some of the brand’s most recognizable to date. In 1978, De Pas, D’Urbino and Lomazzi designed the Fante lamp with an adjustable reflector that playfully recalls a broad-brimmed hat.

Stilnovo’s designs, including Danilo and Corrado Aroldi’s flexible Periscope table lamp, were featured in the 1972 exhibition “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape” at the Museum of Modern Art. While Stilnovo continued to operate with new designer collaborations after Gatta’s death, it closed its doors in 1988.

Italian art director Massimo Anselmi acquired the company in 2012 and rereleased several of Stilnovo’s most celebrated pieces. Then in 2019, lighting giant Linea Light Group purchased Stilnovo and relaunched its classic designs with contemporary touches like LED lighting systems.

Find vintage Bruno Gatta chandeliers, wall lights, table lamps and other fixtures on 1stDibs.