Gaetano Sciolari: a luminous architect

He was not predestined to become a renowned designer. Gaetano Sciolari (1927-1994) was forced into the profession when his father, who ran the family lighting company Sciolari Lighting - founded in 1892 - died accidentally in 1949. In the space of 3 decades, Sciolari became a prestigious name in Italian design circles, and even shone across the Atlantic, where his creations were much appreciated. This post looks back at the exceptional career of a lighting goldsmith. He was not predestined to become a renowned designer. Gaetano Sciolari (1927-1994) was forced into the profession when his father, who ran the family lighting company Sciolari Lighting - founded in 1892 - died accidentally in 1949. In the space of 3 decades, Sciolari became a prestigious name in Italian design circles, and even shone across the Atlantic, where his creations were much appreciated. This post looks back at the exceptional career of a lighting goldsmith. Vintage chandelier in chromed metal and dark brown, designed by Gaetano Sciolari for Sciolari Lighting, 1960s. The shade is made of Murano glass. Vintage chandelier in chromed metal and dark brown, designed by Gaetano Sciolari for Sciolari Lighting, 1960s. The shade is in Murano glass. Born in Rome in 1927, Gaetano Sciolari came from a family with a long tradition of producing furniture, particularly lighting. He studied architecture at the University of Rome, before going on to become a film director. When his father died in 1949, he took over the family business. Born in Rome in 1927, Gaetano Sciolari grew up in a family with a long tradition of producing furniture, particularly lighting. He studied architecture at the University of Rome, before going on to become a film director. When his father died in 1949, he took over the family business. In the 1950s, Gaetano Sciolari came to prominence as a designer for the "stamp" he put on the creations of the fledgling Italian manufacturer Stilnovo, founded in Milan by Bruno Gatta. During the 1950s and 1960s, Sciolari designed a series of innovative luminaires that left their mark on the history of lighting design. His creations were characterised by simple geometric shapes, clean lines and a judicious use of materials such as brass, chrome and glass. He also experimented with different light sources, including halogen bulbs, to create singular lighting effects. Gaetano Sciolari came to prominence as a designer in the 1950s for the 'stamp' he put on the creations of the fledgling Italian manufacturer Stilnovo, founded in Milan by Bruno Gatta. During the 1950s and 1960s, Sciolari designed a series of innovative luminaires that left their mark on the history of lighting design. His creations were characterised by simple geometric shapes, clean lines and a judicious use of materials such as brass, chrome and glass. He also experimented with different light sources, including halogen bulbs, to create singular lighting effects. Cubic" floor lamp by designer Gaetano Sciolari, circa 1970. The piece is in chromed metal © Stanislas Reboul Cubic floor lamp by designer Gaetano Sciolari, circa 1970. The piece is in chromed metal. Stanislas Reboul "Cubic" floor lamp by designer Gaetano Sciolari, circa 1970, detail © Stanislas Reboul "Cubic" floor lamp by designer Gaetano Sciolari, circa 1970, detail © Stanislas Reboul "Cubic" floor lamp by designer Gaetano Sciolari, circa 1970, detail © Stanislas Reboul "Cubic" floor lamp by designer Gaetano Sciolari, circa 1970, detail © Stanislas Reboul How would you describe Sciolari's design? His design philosophy focused on elegance, simplicity and functionality. He was known for using high-quality materials. At the same time, he integrated architectural elements into his creations. He believed that light should be used to create an atmosphere in a space, rather than simply being a source of light. How would you describe Sciolari's design? His design philosophy focused on elegance, simplicity and functionality. He was known for using high-quality materials. At the same time, he integrated architectural elements into his creations. He believed that light should be used to create an atmosphere in a space, rather than simply being a source of light. Magnificent Cyclone suspension light, designed by Gaetano Sciolari for Sciolari Ligthing, 1960s. A work on shapes, in this case a spiral. Magnificent "Cyclone" suspension light, designed by Gaetano Sciolari for Sciolari Ligthing, 1960s. A work on shapes, here a spiral. egidimadeinitaly Cyclone suspension lamp, designed by Gaetano Sciolari for Sciolari Ligthing, detail, 1960s. A work of goldsmith ... © egidimadeinitaly "Cyclone" luminous suspension, design Gaetano Sciolari for Sciolari Ligthing, detail, 1960s. A work of goldsmith ... © egidimadeinitaly "Cyclone" luminous suspension lamp, design by Gaetano Sciolari for Sciolari Ligthing, detail, 1960s. A signature of the brand, now highly sought after by collectors. egidimadeinitaly Cyclone suspension lamp, designed by Gaetano Sciolari for Sciolari Ligthing, detail, 1960s. A signature of the brand, now highly sought-after by collectors. egidimadeinitaly This is why Sciolari expresses a taste for minimalism, combined with the expression of a geometry with exquisitely sculpted forms: a minimal, sophisticated style. Some experts refer to Cubism, Brutalism, Art Deco and even the Space Age for ceiling lights with a futuristic look. This is why Sciolari expresses a taste for minimalism, to which is added the expression of a geometry with exquisitely sculpted forms: a minimal and sophisticated style. Some experts refer to Cubism, Brutalism and Art Deco, but also to the Space Age for ceiling lights with a futuristic look. Satellite" chandelier in chrome and brushed metal with 10 opaline globes in matt white. Design: Gaetano Sciolari for Belgian publisher Boulanger, 1970s. Satellite" chandelier in chrome and brushed metal with 10 opaline globes in matt white. Design: Gaetano Sciolari for the Belgian publisher Boulanger, 1970s. Satellite" chandelier in chrome and brushed metal with 10 opaline globes in matt white, detail. Design: Gaetano Sciolari for the Belgian publisher Boulanger, 1970s. Satellite" chandelier in chrome and brushed metal with 10 opaline globes in matt white, detail. Design: Gaetano Sciolari for the Belgian publisher Boulanger, 1970s. Futuristic-style lamp, designed by Gaetano Sciolari. A style influenced by the symbols of the conquest of space in the 1960s, with atomic motifs. vintagedesignlighting.com Futuristic-style lamp, designed by Gaetano Sciolari. A style influenced by the symbols of the conquest of space in the 60s with atomic motifs. vintagedesignlighting.com Brass chandelier with its unique Black Pearl colour, Gaetano Sciolari design, 1970s. The chandelier hangs from a solid brass bar. A modernist geometric structure typical of the period. pamono.co.uk Brass chandelier with its unique Black Pearl colour, designed by Gaetano Sciolari, 1970s. The chandelier hangs from a solid brass bar. A modernist geometric structure typical of the period. His taste for architecture is reflected in the sculptural forms and striking geometric details of his vintage floor lamps, chandeliers and other light fittings, which fit in perfectly with mid-century modern interiors and the Hollywood Regency style. The American firm Lightolier in New York began importing lights bearing the "Sciolari Lighting" stamp. This is how the modest family business gradually became the leading Italian lighting retailer in the United States! Gaetano Sciolari designer suspension lamp. The designer often uses materials such as brass, chrome and copper, often alternating with the transparency and lightness of glass, as here. A style that fits in well with Hollywood interiors! midcenturymodernfinds.com Suspension lamp designed by Gaetano Sciolari. The designer often uses materials such as brass, chrome and copper, often alternating with the transparency and lightness of glass, as seen here. A style that fits in well with Hollywood interiors! midcenturymodernfinds.com Chandelier by Gaetano Sciolari, 1950s. Made from highly polished brass with crystal drops cut into the supports. Chic and glamorous, in true Hollywood Regency style! www.1stdibs.com Chandelier by Gaetano Sciolari, 1950s. Made from highly polished brass with crystal drops cut into the supports. Chic and glamorous, very much in the Hollywood Regency style! www.1stdibs.com "Sputnik" chandelier, designed by Gaetano Sciolari for German manufacturer Palwa, 1960s. Materials used: brass, crystal, gold, in the Hollywood Regency style © pamono.fr "Sputnik" chandelier, designed by Gaetano Sciolari for the German manufacturer Palwa, 1960s. Materials used: brass, crystal, gold, in the Hollywood Regency style. © pamono.fr "Sputnik" chandelier, designed by Gaetano Sciolari for the German manufacturer Palwa, detail, 1960s. © pamono.fr "Sputnik" chandelier, designed by Gaetano Sciolari for the German manufacturer Palwa, detail, 1960s. © pamono.fr Page from the American Lightolier catalogue dedicated to the Sciolari brand. Page from the American Lightolier catalogue dedicated to the Sciolari brand. Catalogue presenting Sciolari products for Japanese customers. Catalogue showing Sciolari products for Japanese customers. vintagedesignlighting.com Gaetano Sciolari's work is best described as "light sculptures". In his pieces, we love the confrontation between different finishes, where a polished aspect meets a satin finish. His use of glass and crystals adds a touch of sparkle and contrasts with the 'rough' appearance of some of his pieces. In his creations, the designer skilfully mixes genres, between minimalism, futurism and glamour. Gaetano Sciolari's work is best described as "luminous sculptures". In his pieces, we love the confrontation between different finishes, where a polished look meets a satin finish. His use of glass and crystals adds a touch of sparkle and contrasts with the 'rough' appearance of some of his pieces. In his creations, the designer skilfully mixes genres, between minimalism, futurism and glamour. Sciolari's most important creations include the Cubic series. This consisted of wall and ceiling lights in chromed steel and glass, with simple geometric shapes that created a soft, diffused light. Launched in the 1970s, it quickly became a classic of modern design. Sciolari's most important creations include the Cubic series. This consisted of wall and ceiling lights in chromed steel and glass, with simple geometric shapes that created a soft, diffused light. Launched in the 1970s, it quickly became a modern design classic. Vintage ceiling lamp from the "Cubic" series with 8 lighting units, designed by Gaetano Sciolari for Sciolari Lighting, 1970. Cubic" series vintage ceiling light with 8 lighting units, designed by Gaetano Sciolari for Sciolari Lighting, 1970. Cubic" series vintage ceiling light with 8 lighting units switched on, designed by Gaetano Sciolari for Sciolari Lighting, 1970. Cubic" series vintage ceiling light with 8 lighting units on, designed by Gaetano Sciolari for Sciolari Lighting, 1970. Vintage ceiling light from the "Cubic" series with 8 lighting units switched on, seen from another angle. Design by Gaetano Sciolari for Sciolari Lighting, 1970. Vintage ceiling light from the "Cubic" series with 8 lighting units switched on, seen from another angle. Design by Gaetano Sciolari for Sciolari Lighting, 1970. A well-known and respected designer, Gaetano Sciolari was the founder and first president of the Italian Lighting Manufacturers' Association. In addition to Stilnono, Gaetano Sciolari collaborated with S.A. Boulanger in Belgium and Stilkronen in Germany. He was also known for his ability to work with clients to create bespoke luminaires that met their specific needs. As well as being a creative and inventive designer, his contemporaries recognised in him an undeniable talent for business. As an entrepreneur, he expanded the family business considerably, to the point where it became the first Italian lighting manufacturer to sell to the United States via the historic American company Lightolier - founded in 1904 - and with great success! A well-known and respected designer, Gaetano Sciolari was the founder and first president of the Italian Lighting Manufacturers' Association. In addition to Stilnono, Gaetano Sciolari collaborated with the publishers S.A. Boulanger in Belgium and Stilkronen in Germany. He was also known for his ability to work with clients to create bespoke luminaires that met their specific needs. As well as being a creative and inventive designer, his contemporaries recognised in him an undeniable talent for business. As an entrepreneur, he expanded the family business considerably, to the point where it became the first Italian lighting manufacturer to sell to the United States via the historic American company Lightolier - founded in 1904 - and with great success! Gaetano Sciolari for Stilkronen, 1970s © etsy.com Gaetano Sciolari for Stilkronen, 1970s © etsy.com Despite Gaetano Sciolari's death in 1994, his legacy lives on in the world of lighting. The Sciolari company still exists, even if it no longer has the same aura. Sciolari's creations are still highly prized by collectors and design enthusiasts, particularly the Habitat, Cultura and Futura series. Vintage pieces are highly sought-after and often fetch high prices at auction. Despite Gaetano Sciolari's death in 1994, his legacy lives on in the world of lighting. The Sciolari company still exists, even if it no longer has the same aura. Sciolari's creations are still highly prized by collectors and design enthusiasts, particularly the Habitat, Cultura and Futura series. Vintage pieces are highly sought-after and often fetch high prices at auction. Promotional article for the Sciolari brand in the pages of VE Magazine, a bi-monthly print and online guide to vintage objects, antiques, and mid-50s decor, April-May 2015. © issuu.com Promotional article for the Sciolari brand in the pages of VE Magazine, a bi-monthly print and online guide to vintage objects, antiques, and mid-50s decor, April-May 2015. © issuu.com Double page advert for lights by Italian brand Sciolari, VE Magazine, April-May 2015. © issuu.com Double-page ad for lighting fixtures by the Italian brand Sciolari, VE Magazine, April-May 2015. © issuu.com Collector's lamp with the Italian manufacturer's signature, now highly sought-after. © vintagedesignlighting.com Collector's lamp with the Italian manufacturer's signature, now highly sought after. © vintagedesignlighting.com François BOUTARD

Gaetano Sciolari: a luminous architect

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