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HOME > ABOUT > OUR BLOG > Remembering Ernesto Gismondi (1931 - 2020)

Ernesto Gismondi (1931 - 2020)

5 January 2021


Ernesto Gismondi with David Village in 1987 outside the Artemide factory in Milan, Italy

A true design icon is now sorely missed as we learn of the death of Artemide founder, Ernesto Gismandi, who passed away aged 89 on the 31st December 2020.

Gaining both a degree in Aeronautical Engineering and Missile Engineering, Gismondi went on to found Studio Artemide S.a.s, which later became the Artemide Group, with fellow designer Sergio Mazza in the early 1960s. Under the guidance of Gismondi’s talent, the company grew to what it is today: an international designer lighting company that has created iconic and staple designs, renowned throughout the world.

Since 1981, we have worked closely with Artemide, so we were very saddened by the news of Ernesto Gismondi's passing.

Here, we pay tribute to his contributions to the design industry. In celebration of his life and work, we look at some of his most iconic designs from the Artemide brand…


Artemide Discovery Collection

An ingenious design, that shows the remarkable talents of Gismondi, the Discovery lights are characterised by their almost imperceptible, lightweight material that sits in a circular, aluminium rim.

The material appears invisible when the light is switched off, and then appears beautifully to produce an indirect and direct glow when switched on. A magical transition between a fully transparent and clear central surface that becomes a beam of light in a uniform way. The light translates innovation into a surprising solution.

Discovery is available in a range of applications, including circular and rectangular suspensions, a wall light and app-compatible versions that allow you to control the illumination from your phone.



Artemide Ilio Floor Lamp

The Ilio floor lamp has a vibrant and simplistic design that strips things down to basics with a square base and tubular body. The floor light produces a warm glow that can fill any space, emitting an indirect illumination perfect for living areas and dining spaces.

The Ilio is available in lively and vibrant colour options, glossy black, rubin red and white.

The Ilio Floor Lamp is also controlled by the revolutionary Artemide app. The intuitive and user-friendly App can be used to control individual lights or groups of lights, either in the home or in a commercial setting. Simply download the App to your mobile or tablet device and control the colour temperature and dimming level amongst many other settings.



Artemide Nur Pendant Light

The Nur pendant light is a cross between modern lighting and traditional design, with a domed lightshade that is instantly recognisable and iconic.

A minimalistic aesthetic, its bare size and dome shape complement any space, whether residential or commercial. Nur pendants add the bit of personality you need to any room, emitting a soft and subtle illumination.

The pendant lamp adds a fun personality to any space and is available in various sizes, the Nur Mini, Nur and Nur 1618, in an LED or retrofit version and in multiple finishes. It joins the collection alongside ceiling lights and an optional colour filter.



Artemide Miconos Collection

The Miconos lights are eye-catching and expertly combine the ideals of both traditional and modern styles with a gorgeous blown shade and polished metal structure in a brass or chrome finish.

An example of high technological know-how that Artemide is known for, this range truly showcases the brilliance of Gismondi as he created an artistic and functional design that is sure to draw the eye in any setting.

Miconos becomes an accent piece in your home, both when switched on as well as when not in use, the lights are a conversation starter. Miconos combines an exposed bulb, exposed cables, and an angled light source. This collection features a suspension, wall light or table lamp.



Gismondi’s talent, contributions and innovative work were acknowledged many times by his peers as he won the Compasso d’Oro Award for Career achievements in 1994, the European Design Prize in 1997, the Ernst & Young Prize “Entrepreneur of the Year” for innovation category in 2008 and was even acknowledged by the President of the Italian Republic as he was awarded the prestigious Order of Merit for Labour.


In 2018, Gismondi won the Compasso D’Oro for Lifetime Achievement with the jury stating the following:

"Aerospace engineer, university lecturer and entrepreneur, in short: man of multifaceted talent. Founder of Artemide, he immediately uses design processes as a distinctive factor and, in this long process encourages and enhances collaborations with the world of national and international design. A coherent example of how design can be a concrete strategic lever for cultural and economic growth, it has always worked so that Italian design can be a virtuous example at an international level".

It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to this incredible innovator whose designs and collaboration we have enjoyed for 40 years.

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