Gino Sarfatti

Gino Sarfatti designed and produced over 400 lights during a 30 year period. He founded Arteluce, the Italian lighting maker and continually pushed the boundaries of light design to new heights. Sarfatti was truly innovative in his field and the current retrospective of his work at the Triennale Museum in Milan (until 11 November) showcases his genius and his outstanding contribution to lighting.

Here are  few of our favourite Sarfatti lights from the 1950s.

No. 566 table lamp (1956). The black lacquered bulb holder moves up and down the stem and the electric wire becomes an intrinsic part of the design, rather than merely being a means to make the light function. We love the strong lines.

This ‘Sputnik’ chandelier (1958) shows the fluidity of his post war organic design in the mid to late 1950s. Sarfatti became the international reference point for the ‘modern architectural movement’.

‘Triennale’ floor lamp, 1950s. In brass with leather handles, white enameled shades and a marble base, this lamp perfectly displays Sarfatti’s bold and masterful use of diverse materials.

Collectable Lighting

   

Here are two lamps we love from 1950!  The Grasshopper floor lamp by Greta Magnusson Grossman and the Sputnik ceiling light by Gino Sarfatti.

Last Saturday we attended a Master Class Talk at Design Miami Basel on Collectible Lighting of the 20th and 21st Centuries. The panel included included Didier Krzentowski of Galerie Kreo in Paris, Evan Snyderman of R 20th Century in New York and Marco Romanelli, the Italian designer and critic. Some of their tips on acquiring collectible lighting included:

1. Buy the history or the story of an object rather than basing a decision solely on aesthetics.

2. Understand what an object meant when it was designed - was it revolutionary in its time? If so, that quality makes it collectible.

3. Rarity, of course is important.

4. Buy the best! This might sound obvious but it’s worth stating here… There is a world of difference between a small collection of important examples in lighting design history versus a large amount of lesser items.

5. Do your research and/or seek the advise of an expert.