Willy Rizzo

WILLY RIZZO (Naples, 1928 – Paris, 2013) for BD Lumica.
Pair of table lamps, 1970s.
Brass and chrome-plated metal.
Three-light lamp holders, marked “BD LUMICA.”
They come without lampshades.
In excellent condition.
Measurements: 52 cm high; base 27.5 x 15 cm.

This pair of lamps epitomizes the sophisticated, architectural aesthetic associated with Willy Rizzo during the 1970s. The structure is constructed from rectangular gold-plated brass profiles, arranged in a rigorously geometric composition that combines vertical and horizontal lines, while the chrome-plated finials introduce subtle hallmarks in tone and sheen.

The boldness of the base and the stepped design of the body give the pieces an almost sculptural presence, characteristic of Rizzo’s taste for bringing a sense of refined luxury to furniture and lighting. The strict geometry of the ensemble and the gold finish tie in with the reinterpretation of Art Deco and the glamorous character that defined much of international interior design in the 1970s.

Willy Rizzo began his professional career as a photographer in Paris and, after settling in Rome in 1968, began designing furniture for his own interiors. In response to the demand for his creations, he established his workshop in 1970. His work is characterized by a combination of geometric forms, luxurious materials, and a distinct modern elegance; his elliptical marble table has been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.