Vintage "Mitasi" wall lamp by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, 1990s

Gismondi was born in 1931 in San Remo. He studied Aeronautical Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Milan, graduating in 1957, and obtained a second degree in Missile Engineering from the Professional School of Engineering in Rome in 1959. In 1960, he co-founded Artemide with engineer and designer Sergio Mazza (born in Milan, 1931). Their goal was to produce timeless and technically-innovative products. Both founders went on to contribute designs to Artemide’s ever-evolving lines over the next several decades, alongside spearheading the company’s mission to develop distinctive, architecturally-driven lamps, pendants, and other fixtures in collaboration with major design talents from around the world. From 1964 to 1984, Gismondi taught engineering at the Polytechnic University of Milan. Sometime in the 1980s, Gismondi joined Ettore Sottsass’s influential and radical design collective, Memphis, providing financial backing and designing for the group. Gismondi’s contribution to lighting design resulted in many awards and accolades, including the Compasso d’Oro Award for Career achievements in 1994, the European Design Prize in 1997, and the Ernst & Young Prize “Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2008 and in 2009. Notably, he was the vice president of ADI (Association of Industrial Design), and held a number of important positions within the design world, including at the Ministry for Universities and Research, as well as a member of the Educational and Scientific Committee of I.S.I.A. In 1992 Ernesto designed the Mitasi 28 wall and ceiling lamp as to be found in the 1992 Artemide catalogue. This piece is in good condition consistent with age and use. Reference : 237823