Guzzini is often mistakenly thought to be the name of a lighting designer active in the 1960s and 1970s. But in fact the label belongs to a lighting manufacturing company that was founded by six Guzzini brothers — Raimondo, Giovanni, Virgilio, Giuseppe, Adolfo and Giannunzio, who were inspired by the 1950 film Harvey starring James Stewart.
Compounding the historical record even further, it seems that the Guzzini company rebranded many times in the 20th century, going by, at various points, Harvey Creazioni, Harvey Guzzini, Guzzini, iGuzzini and Illuminazione Guzzini. Harvey Creazioni was originally founded in 1959 in Recanati (on the east-central coast of Italy) by Raimondo, focusing on the production of copper-plated decorative objects. Four years later, in June 1963, the six brothers joined together and established Harvey Creazioni di Guzzini, expanding production to include pendant lighting, sconces, table lamps and floor lamps.
The brothers employed architect-designer Luigi Massoni — who was introduced to the Guzzini brothers by leading plastic importer Maurizio Adreani — as head of design, branding, public relations and advertising. Famous Harvey Guzzini designs include Massoni and Luciano Buttura's Mushroom table lamp (1965) as well as the in-house designed Arc floor lamp (1968), Faro table lamp (1970) and Toledo table lamp (1973). Studio 6G, an interning design team, developed the collectible Clan table lamp (1968); and designers Ermanno Lampa and Sergio Brazzoli were responsible for the Nastro series (1970), Orione pendant (1970), Sirio table lamp (1970), Alba floor lamp (1973), Albanella table lamp (1973) and Alf series (1976). Around 1976, Harvey Guzzini ceased the production of copper-plated items to concentrate on lighting made almost exclusively from methacrylate plastic (acrylic). The company also dabbled in furniture production, collaborating with Yugoslavian furniture producer Meblo, located in Nova Gorica in present-day Slovenia.
In 1967–68, the company exhibited at Domus: Formes Italiennes in the Galeries Lafayette in Paris under the name Design House (DH), where the company featured Gio Ponti’s Media lamp. A retail outlet was opened in central Milan under the name Harvey Guzzini-DH in 1969, situated literally and figuratively among the best known Italian design houses. In 1974, the company rebranded once more as iGuzzini, adding Illuminazione in 1981, which still exists today with headquarters in Recanati, Italy.
Find a collection of vintage Guzzini furniture today on 1stDibs.
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Guzzini Feeling Thermal Jug Post Modern Mid-Century Italy
By Guzzini
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Guzzini Feeling Thermal Jug, an Italian-designed carafe known for its modern aesthetic and double-walled insulation. Red vessel. Part of the "Feeling" coll...
Plastic
20th Century Italian Solid Silver Pitcher, Water Jug
By Brandimarte
Located in VALENZA, IT
Pitcher in 800 silver handmade in Italy. The jug was made from a silver plate, shaped and welded. The imposing base of the jug, round in shape, is hammered and proportioned to give...
Silver
Rose Thermal Carafe 2L
By Pinetti
Located in Milan, IT
Exuding elegance and functionality, the Rose thermal carafe is expertly crafted from stainless steel both inside and out. Its practical design includes removable linings for effortle...
Leather
Elfie Stadler Mid-Century Schramberg Florida Pattern Jug
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish German mid-century SMF Schramberg Florida pattern jug design by Elfie Stadler (1930-1968). This striking art pottery stylised jug stands on a narrow round unglazed foot an...
Pottery
$1,423
H 8.86 in W 7.09 in D 2.96 in
Mid-Century Modern Blue White Porcelain Rooster Jug Vase, Spain, 1960s
By Sargadelos
Located in Barcelona, ES
Porcelain rooster vase / pitcher, Sargadelos, Spain, 1950s-1960s. Midcentury decorative rooster shaped jug vase in white and cobalt blue porcelain with golden and red accents. Use it as decorative vase or as jug server / tableware. A cool accent to any kitchen or to be used as serving pitcher. Lovely as a part of a ceramics collection displayed in a cabinet. Mint condition. In case that you would like to complete a set the other spanish rooster pitchers...
Porcelain
Italian Majolica Toby Jug Pitcher, 1950s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage ceramic or pottery pitcher features a standing gentleman in wonderful period clothing in yellow, blue, green, and white colors with a handle on the back. The figure is sculpt...
Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery, Stoneware
Rose Thermal Carafe 1, 5L
By Pinetti
Located in Milan, IT
Defined by its exquisite craftsmanship, the Rose thermal carafe boasts a sleek stainless steel construction both inside and out. Its practical button-operated design ensures easy rem...
Leather
$165
H 6 in W 8 in D 4.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Ice Cube Jug Pitcher by Arabia, Finland, Circa 1960
By Arabia of Finland
Located in Fairfield, CA
A mid century modern ceramic pitcher by Arabia, Finland. Great minimalist angled design with a slanted top designed to act as an ice lip. Finished in a glossy white glaze. Marked on ...
Ceramic
Italian Maiolica La Bella Water Jug, 19th Century
Located in CH
IItalian Maiolica “La Bella” Istoriato Lustered Red Water Jug 19th Century A finely decorated Italian maiolica water jug, richly painted in the “La Bella...
Ceramic
Rose Stainless Steel Thermal Carafe 1L
By Pinetti
Located in Milan, IT
Crafted entirely from stainless steel, both inside and out, the Rose Thermal Carafe boasts practicality and elegance. With its easily removable lining, cleaning is a breeze. Availabl...
Leather
$250
H 10.24 in W 7.49 in D 6.3 in
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Pitcher from Italy, 1970s, Good Condition
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Beautiful classic ceramic pitcher made in Italy in the 1970s. The vintage pitcher has the original manufacturer's label. The pottery jug is in g...
Ceramic
20th Century Italian Modern Solid Silver Jug Pitcher
By Arval Argenti Valenza
Located in VALENZA, IT
Modern style solid silver pitcher. The shape of the jug is oval and has been completely handmade from an 800 silver plate. The body of the object is...
Silver
Green Vintage Mid-Century Modern Glass Pitcher, Italy, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage green charming vintage pitcher with a capacity of 2 liters. The material of this barware is clear glass and the color goes from clear into green, furthermo...
Glass
Mid-Century Pottery Jug, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Pottery Jug, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Color: Brown Styles: Mid-Century Modern Item Type: Vintage...
Ceramic
Large 19th Century Pitcher, Jug Puglia Italy Cream
Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire
A large 19th century tin-glaze Pugliese Pitcher. Featuring an elongated ovoid-shape body with a disc foot. The flat strap handle rises from just under the rim and ends just before t...
Pottery
$180Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.5 in Dm 10.5 in
Memphis Design Thermal Carafe by K. Shigeto Milano for Zohirushi Japan
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on this Memphis era coffee carafe, designed by K Shigeto Milano for Zohirushi Japan circa 1980's great condition, with top switch for open/c...
Glass, Plastic