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.
Mid-Century Guzzini Plastic Bathroom Shelf, Italy, 1970s
By Guzzini
Located in Praha, CZ
An original mid-century bathroom wall shelf designed by Guzzini, Italy, circa 1970s. Crafted in molded plastic, this piece combines sculptural form with everyday functionality, refle...
Plastic
$1,082
H 48.04 in W 14.97 in D 14.97 in
Mid-Century Triangular Bamboo and Rattan Italian Corner Bookcase, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing mid-century bamboo and Rattan triangular corner bookshelf. Franco Albini inspired the design of this piece, produced in Italy during the 1970s. This piece is fantastic thank...
Bamboo, Rattan, Wood, Wicker, Cane
$1,263Sale Price|30% Off
H 2.37 in W 33.08 in D 17.33 in
Mid-century modern Shelf Cristal and wood Italian design
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Italian shelf from the 1950s very special design, sanded glass top, beech wood columns and brass finishings, particular elegance for this shelf of art, note the shape of the bean glass.
Brass
$962
H 27.56 in W 21.26 in D 15.36 in
Mid-Century Triangular Bamboo and Rattan Italian Corner Bookcase Shelf, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful French Riviera style triangular corner bookshelf made in bamboo, hand.woven rattan and wicker. This lovely organic bookshelf was hand-made in Italy during the 1970s. In f...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Bruno Mathsson wall shelf, Sweden, 1970s
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Wall shelf model designed by Bruno Mathsson during the 1970s, produced by Bruno Mathsson International, Sweden. Very good vintage condition.
Steel
Lacquered Shelf by Pierre Vandel, 1970s
By Pierre Vandel
Located in Miami, FL
A simple, stylish shelving unit perfect for displaying a collection or useful storage. Taking influence from Japan. Black lacquered aluminium frame with gold details and glass shelve...
Aluminum
$2,165
H 93.71 in W 43.31 in D 17.72 in
Mid-Century Modern Dutch Wooden Bookcase with Shelf and Cabinets, 1970s
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Danish mahogany self-supporting wood bookcase with a solid black steel frame.
Iron
$697
H 9.45 in W 24.02 in D 8.86 in
French Riviera Style Shelf in Bamboo, Rattan and Wicker, Italy 1970s
By Vivai del Sud
Located in Roma, IT
Delightful Mid-Century French Riviera–style wall shelf entirely made of bamboo, rattan, and hand-woven wicker. This stunning organic piece was likely designed in Italy during the 197...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Italian Display Shelf 1970's
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
This display shelf features a striking composition of clean, linear forms, showcasing the refined interplay between chrome and glass. The sleek metallic framework provides a contempo...
Chrome
$866
H 7.68 in W 31.89 in D 7.88 in
Mid-Century Large French Riviera Shelf in Bamboo, Rattan and Wicker, Italy 1970s
By Vivai del Sud
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century large organic wall shelf entirely made of bamboo, rattan, and hand-woven wicker. This stunning piece was likely designed by Vivai del Sud in Italy during the 19...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
$2,105Sale Price|30% Off
H 47.25 in W 39.38 in D 19.69 in
Minimal Sculpture Shelf Italian Design, 1970
By Romeo Rega
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Minimal sculpture shelf Italian design, 1970, golden aluminium, refined elegant and minimal.
Aluminum
$1,495 / item
H 38 in W 31.5 in D 17.5 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Shelf Unit with Brass Edges
Located in Troy, MI
Found in Italy, this circa 1960s small standing shelf unit is made of mahogany and features two adjustable shelves with brass trim on the front...
Brass
$421
H 13.78 in W 17.72 in D 12.21 in
Italian modern black shiny plastic shelf by Marcello Siard for Kartell, 1970s
By Kartell, Marcello Siard
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black shiny plastic shelf by Marcello Siard for Kartell, 1970s Glossy black plastic shelf with geometric profile. The shelf is not central to the structure, so it can ...
Plastic