Biography

Numerous designs by the Castiglioni brothers, including Achille, Livio and Pier Giacomo, are among the most influential designs of the Italian post-war period. In numerous projects they created an extensive range of works that can be assigned to the most diverse design disciplines.

Achille drew his inspiration primarily from the observation of everyday things. Accordingly, many designs were made from conventional materials. The innovative and novel objects that emerged in this way are reminiscent of functional ready-made works of art with high aesthetic standards. In this sense, the 'Toio' floor lamp was made from a car headlight mounted on a steel rod. The 'Mezzadro' stool, in turn, consists of a tractor seat attached to a free-swinging steel strip arch. This was presented at the XI Milan Triennale in 1957.

'A certain irony', says Achille Castiglioni, 'must be found in the design as well as in the objects' (1000 Lights, p. 399). This can be seen in his 'Snoopy' table lamp. The lampshade here is reminiscent of the comic dog's distinctive nose.

Castiglioni achieved great fame through his cooperation with renowned manufacturers such as Zanotta, Brionvega and Alessi. For his lamp designs, the cooperation with the company Flos was decisive. Achille Castiglioni was awarded the Compasso d'Oro, Italy's highest award for industrial design, nine times. Fourteen of his designs are in the collection of the MoMa. Numerous other museums worldwide represent his works.

Objects by Achille Castiglioni