Martinelli Luce

The history of Martinelli Luce began in 1950, a period of great creative and constructive energy; this was the post-war period, when Italians lacked many of the items needed to furnish their homes and when the designers of the time were almost on a mission to conceive and create design pieces that were both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Against this backdrop, Elio Martinelli came out on top thanks to a conceptual approach that combined a respect for rigorous, minimalist forms with nature, from which he drew his inspiration, revealing lines and shapes of surprising originality.

Ever since Martinelli Luce was founded, the brand has always drawn its inspiration from a number of core values.

Through innovation, the brand conveys a passion for our work, which necessarily involves encouraging change, refusing to settle for the status quo, and viewing what may appear static or safe from different angles.

A belief in the essentials, meaning no frivolity or unnecessary embellishment; the lines that define the shape and contours of our products are both minimalist and comprehensive. This is not simply a matter of design: it is a concept of creation and a philosophy of production.

The aim is to encourage new perspectives by using our products to inspire people’s curiosity and creativity – whether they are engineers, architects, salespeople or simply members of the public. The aim is to enable them to see the things that seem mundane in their everyday lives in a new light.

It is through these simple values – which, for Martinelli Luce, are invaluable – that they manage to remain true to the creative ethos that runs through every one of their projects and products.

For a brand to be counted amongst those that have shaped the history of design, it must possess certain qualities. A unique and unmistakable stylistic character; the sort of style that not only brings people joy and passion, but also inspires them to visit museums all over the world. Products such as Elio Martinelli’s Cobra lamp or Gae Aulenti’s Ruspa and Pipistrello have been, and still are, exhibited in world-renowned museums such as the MoMA in New York and the Milan Triennale. The number of awards received over the years, bestowed by eminent organisations of international renown, is another important factor.