Elio Martinelli, Blow lamp for Martinelli Luce

ELIO MARTINELLI (Lucca 1922-2004) for Martinelli Luce.
Ceiling lamp "Blow".
White opaline methacrylate.
Measurements: 38 x 80 x 80 cm (lampshade); 150 cm (cable length).

The "Blow" ceiling lamp stands out for its purist and minimalist geometry, defined by a large hemispherical shade in white opaline methacrylate that guarantees a soft, homogeneous and glare-free light diffusion. This design, true to Martinelli's philosophy of using innovative plastic materials to create organic forms, is suspended by a subtle cable that emphasizes its visual lightness, appearing to float in space. Its timeless and functional aesthetic of Space Age inspiration dispenses with any unnecessary ornamentation, entrusting all its decorative strength to the perfection of its hemisphere and the quality of its translucent sheen, making it an icon of sobriety ideal for rationalist or contemporary environments.

Trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence as a set designer, Elio Martinelli began to take his first steps in the field of lighting in the business of his father Plinio. After a few years and after several experiences in the scenography sector, he decides to start his own business focusing initially on interior design and set-up of stores, restaurants, hotels and pubs. Due to the need to finish his plans, he drew and made the lighting fixtures on his own. During the 50's, Elio accentuates his simple and rigorous inspiration giving a strong impulse to his company that becomes a point of reference for Italian design in the geometry of lighting and nature considered from its many forms. A crescendo of intuitions and experimentations using new materials such as methacrylate. From these first tests were born very different lamps such as Foglia, Bolle, Cobra or Biconica.
Elio Martinelli was an inexhaustible source of ideas and innovation whose design objects such as Cobra, Bolla, Semisfera and many others are still examples of this original design impulse.