Floor lamp ‘Area 160’ by Mario Bellini (Sold)
This ‘Area 160’ floor lamp was designed by Mario Bellini and produced by Artemide in Italy during the 1960’s. The square base is a grey painted cast iron piece; the rod is white lacquered metal. The shade is made out of paper. Both the stem and calyx of this flower yellowed over time. The rod is slightly bent, but this is part of the flower-like design. Some lacquer missing on the rod and a small dog’s ear on the shade, further in condition. The lamp can be switched on and off with a foot push button. The Artemide logo is underneath the base.
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Dimensions:
W: 61 cm
D: 61 cm
H: 160 cm
Weight: approx. 7 kilo.
Material: paper, metal
Mario Bellini (Milan, 1935) is an Italian architect and industrial designer with a career that spans over 6 decades. This adventure began in Milan in 1963 when Bellini, who finished an architectural study at the local polytechnic, accepted an invitation from Olivetti, from the famous Italian typrewriters, to develop desing concepts for their revolutionary machines. Quickly Bellini grew to the position of chief design consultant, which he held for almost 30 years, till 1991.
Bellini is best known for his designs that merge functionality with aesthetic beauty, often incorporating elements of modernism and minimalism. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with numerous prestigious brands, including B&B Italia, Olivetti, and Cassina, creating iconic pieces of furniture, office equipment, and home accessories. From calculators over iconic sofas as the Camaleonda and Bambole series to gold jewelry and typewriters: Bellini’s didn’t let his imagination be stopped by boundaries.
In architecture, Bellini’s work is also noteworthy. He has designed buildings, exhibitions, and museums around the world, with an approach that reflects his understanding of the relationship between form and space.
With over 25 pieces in the Museum of Modern Art, Lifetime achievement prizes and several Compasso d’Oro awards under his belt, Bellini is one of the most honoured Italian designers in history. Bellini’s contributions have left a lasting impact on both industrial design and architecture. He created a gigantic portfolio, that accounts for almost every object, material, and color. But it also gives you the feeling that Bellini will always find something else to explore, something new to create. Or, as Bellini put it: “a lifetime of design is just a case of dreaming and doing”. His architecture firm Mario Bellini Architects today, still employs an average of 30 to 35 architects.
