Elio Martinelli, founder of Martinelli Luce

Elio Martinelli (1922-2004) is the founder in 1950 in Lucca of Martinelli Luce, one of the great Italian houses of modern lighting. A designer himself, he signed part of the catalogue, but it was above all his editorial flair that built the house signature: he called upon Gae Aulenti (Pipistrello, 1965), Sergio Asti, Emma Gismondi to produce some of the most iconic lamps in Italian design. His own models, like the Cobra (1969) in thermoformed ABS or the Bolide, complete a body of work where light becomes organic sculpture.

The Cobra and Bolide lamps by Elio Martinelli, and the Pipistrello pendant designed by Gae Aulenti for Martinelli Luce, remain the catalogue's most iconic pieces. Italian vintage lighting to find for those wanting a recognised Tuscan signature.