Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
The sons of a prominent Milanese sculptor, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni were brothers, architects, and designers who left an enduring contribution to Italian design.
Born in 1918 and 1913 respectively, they established their own design practice in 1944 after the younger Achille graduated from the Polytechnic University of Milan. Initially focusing on exhibition design and restoring buildings damaged in World War II, the brothers ultimately went on to design interiors, furniture and lighting.
The 1950s and ‘60s were considered a renaissance period for modern Italian design, and Achille & Pier Giacomo were at the heart of it. Dedicated to creating visually appealing, yet technically innovative designs, the brothers also experimented with new materials and techniques for industrial production. Their impressive output included collaborations with famous Italian manufacturers, including Flos for lighting, Zanotta for furniture, and Alessi for home goods. Pier Giacomo died an untimely death in 1968, but Achille continued their work until his own death in 2002. Today, many of the brothers' designs are on display at museums around the world, including the V&A Museum in LOndon, the MoMA in New York, and the Vitra Design Museum in Germany. Castiglioni lighting is also highly sought-after on the vintage market.
Design Portfolio
Snoopy Table Light
Designed by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1967, the Flos Snoopy table light is an iconic piece of mid-century design. Offering a soft, downward facing glow, the asymmetric shade has an instantly recognisable silhouette, and sits atop a beautiful Italian white Carrara marble base. Featuring an integral touch dimmer, the Snoopy is highly functional and aesthetic. Bursting with character, this delightful little light will make a lasting impression on any nightstand, desk or sideboard.
Arco Floor Light
An iconic piece of mid-century lighting, the Arco is a free-standing floor light with an arching stainless steel frame, a pressed aluminium domed shade and an elegantly carved Carrara marble base. Inspired by an urban street light, the Arco was designed in 1962 to bring overhead illumination to a space without the need for mounted fixtures, or having to walk around the light source. The Arco’s incredible height and span coupled with its contemporary structure and classic marble accents, creates a sculptural display within its surroundings. Now available with a dimmable LED, the Arco floor light is a truly efficient and one-of-a-kind light source.
Taraxacum 88 Pendant Light
An instantly recognisable icon, the Taraxacum 88 Pendant light resembles the dandelion flower for which it is named. Designed in 1988 by Achille Castiglioni, the pendant is formed out of 20 pressed and polished aluminium triangles, and multiple clusters of exposed bulbs that emit both direct and reflected light. Available in two sizes, the pendant holds either 60 or 120 individual Globolux bulbs and includes a ceiling fitting and rose made of steel. As contemporary now, as at its inception, the Taraxacum 88 provides a spectacular focal point to any residential or commercial space.