“Slalom” Metal Table Lamp by Vico Magistretti, Italy, 1980s

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About the Item

Slalom table lamp by Vico Magistretti for O-Luce.
No-stop drawing for this pure shaped lamp with adjustable shade and structure.Creator: O-Luce (Manufacturer),Vico Magistretti (Designer)Design: Slalom LampDimensions: Height: 18.9 in (48 cm)Width: 9.85 in (25 cm)Depth: 9.85 in (25 cm)Materials and Techniques: MetalPlace of Origin: ItalyPeriod: Late 20th CenturyDate of Manufacture: 1985Condition: GoodWear consistent with age and use.Seller Location: Milan, ITReference Number: 1stDibs: LU94511208270Shop All Vico Magistretti

Vico Magistretti

As one of the founding fathers of modern Italian design, prolific architect and industrial designer Ludovico Magistretti (known by his nickname Vico) was guided by his philosophy, There is no excuse for bad design. His architectural projects are widely revered, and an ingenious meld of form and function can be found in his stylish and deceptively simple table lamps, sofas, armchairs and other mid-century furnishings.

Born in Milan, Magistretti followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather (both architects) to study architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. At the outbreak of World War II, he fled to Switzerland, and it was there he met his role model and mentor, renowned humanist architect Ernesto Nathan Rogers. Magistretti was inspired by Rogerss vision to revive postwar Italy, and they collaborated on several reconstruction projects. Among Magistrettis first architectural designs is a poetic round church, which he created for the QT8, an experimental Milanese neighborhood.

When Magistretti returned to Milan in 1945, he worked at his fathers architectural firm. It wasnt until the early 1950s that he expanded his talents into design while working with furniture artisans.

In the 1960s, Magistretti began his 30-year working relationship with famed entrepreneur Cesare Cassina of the Cassina furniture manufacturing company. In their design approach, the two men shared a vision of the relationship between modernity and tradition and enjoyed a close bond (Magistretti designed Cassinas luxurious villa in 1965). However, their friendship was not without contention.

Legend has it that upon seeing the prototype for Magistrettis Maralunga sofa, Cassina hated it so much that he punched it, breaking the back of the sofa, which crumpled into itself.

Right, great, it looks perfect to me like that, an unfazed Magistretti allegedly responded, and the Maralungas slumped, adjustable-height backrest was born. Incidentally, the Maralunga sofa won Italys Compasso dOro award as did his Eclisse lamp for Artemide and his Atollo lamp for Oluce.

Magistretti died in 2006, but his designs live on in galleries, museums and private residences and offices around the world.

Find a range of vintage Vico Magistretti furniture and lighting on 1stDibs.