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.
Space Age Red Plastic Tray Table or Gueridon Pepito Luigi Massoni for Guzzini
By Luigi Massoni, Guzzini
Located in Vienna, AT
Soace Age red vintage tray table, gueridon or serving table model Pepito from plastic by Luigi Massoni for Guzzin 1970s Italy. A bold colored pract...
Plastic
Red Plastic Space Age Vintage Tray Bed Table Luigi Massoni Guzzini, 1970s, Italy
By Luigi Massoni, Guzzini
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age red vintage tray or breakfast table Model pepito from plastic designed by Luigi Massoni Grafico Studio Zeto for Guzzini 1970s Italy. Perfect to use as foldable breakfast bed table or tray or as computer table...
Plastic
$515
H 9.06 in W 24.02 in D 13.78 in
Luigi Massoni Minimalist Plastic White Bed Tray Element by Guzzini, Italy, 1980s
By Luigi Massoni, Guzzini
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Plastic tray Design: Luigi Massoni Producer: Guzzini, Italy Decade: 1980s Description: This tray table was designed by Luigi Massoni and produced by Guzzini in Italy in the 1980s. It is made from white-colored plastic and is in very good vintage condition, and would be ideal to serve breakfast in bed. It still features the original Guzzini box...
Plastic
19th Century Mahogany Serving Tray
Located in San Francisco, CA
19th century mahogany serving tray Hand made serving tray from solid mahogany with brass hardware. The oval tray has four handles along four drop-down sides. The tray sits a...
Mahogany
English George III Mahogany Butler's Tray Table on Folding Stand
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early 19th century Regency George III period mahogany butler's tray on folding stand. Unusual square shape tray as these are mostly rectangle in shape. Beautiful old patina with ex...
Mahogany
$905
H 0.99 in W 19.3 in D 11.42 in
Mid-century Lucite and Brass Serving Tray by Guzzini, Italy, 1970s
Located in Palermo, IT
Mid-century Lucite and brass serving tray by Guzzini, Italy, 1970s Intact and in good condition. Width 49 cm Depth 29 cm Height 2.5 cm
Brass
$720Sale Price|77% Off
H 24 in Dm 30.5 in
Mughal Empire Antique Brass Tray Table with Wooden Folding Stand
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
3-480 Mughal Empire antique brass tray with later date carved wooden folding stand. Brass top is decorated with repousse foliate and floral motif. Tray...
Brass
$571
H 18.12 in W 15.75 in D 16.93 in
Midcentury Rare Side or Serving Table, Space Age Style, Italy, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- very practical - rare type
Chrome
19th Century English Mahogany Butlers Tray Table
Located in Montreal, QC
Mahogany folding butlers tray on stand tray has four folding sides with inset brass hinges. Supported on folding stand with decorative turned supports. The dimensions are with the ...
Mahogany
Art Deco Serving Table or Bar by Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Bridgewater, CT
Adnet Jacques (1900-1984) An Art Deco bar roulant/ serving table in sycamore with chrome-plated metal frames and two removable trays with mirrored glass...
Chrome
1970s Spanish Iron Drinks Trolley with Marble Shelves
Located in Marbella, ES
1970s Spanish iron drinks trolley with marble shelves.
Marble, Iron
$950Sale Price|26% Off
H 33 in W 27.25 in D 17 in
19th Century Mahogany English Butler's Serving Bar Tray on Wooden Stand
Located in Savannah, GA
Large mahogany butlers tray on stand featuring a rectangular shaped tray with a surround gallery. with handles on either end for easy access. On folding X frame stand with heavy wove...
Mahogany
$568Sale Price|20% Off
H 20.87 in Dm 18.51 in
Vintage Italian Space Age Plastic Bar Trolley, Orange, 1970s, 47cm
Located in Vienna, AT
Striking vintage plastic bar cart from the 1970s, a true testament to Italys iconic design era. Crafted in bold orange plastic, this circular trolley features two spacious shelves supported by three sturdy legs, offering both function and style. Its compact size (47 cm in diameter, 53 cm in height) makes it the perfect addition to any room, whether youre using it as a serving cart or a quirky side table. This mid-century piece is as practical as it is eye-catching, with smooth-rolling swivel wheels that allow for easy mobility. Whether youre hosting guests or simply want a stylish way to display your favorite drinks, this trolley is a versatile and playful addition to your space. The sleek, circular design embodies the best of 70s Space Age aesthetics, making it a standout in any retro, eclectic, or contemporary decor. The vibrant orange color exudes a playful energy that is sure to bring a pop of personality into Perfect for vintage enthusiasts or anyone looking to add a fun, functional piece to their home decor, this 70s bar...
Plastic
Baker Serving Table with Removable Tray and Butterfly Top
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Chicago, IL
Butler tray table, with folding X-base, in original light walnut finish from Baker Furniture. Two flush panel mahogany butterfly leaves unfold from the centre on heavy brass hinges...
Brass
Vintage Italian Serving Cart By Luigi Massoni For Guzzini, 1970’s
By Guzzini, Luigi Massoni
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Space Age 1980's rolling cart with removable serving trays by Luigi Massoni for Guzzini. Off white acrylic trays with triangular base and chrome wheels. A sleek, MOD rolling cart wit...
Acrylic