Raymor: The American Gateway to Mid-Century European Design
Raymor was a pioneering American importer and distributor of modern design, founded in the early 1940s by Irving Richards. With a background at Lightolier, Richards had strong ties to European manufacturers, particularly in Italy and Scandinavia.
His goal was to bring the best of European modernist design to the U.S. market – focusing on ceramics, glass, furniture, and lighting.
One of Raymor’s most iconic partnerships was with Bitossi Ceramiche of Florence. In the 1950s and 60s, Raymor imported works by Aldo Londi, including the now-famous Rimini Blu series. In fact, it was through Raymor that Ettore Sottsass Jr. was introduced to ceramic design in 1956, working under Londi at Bitossi.
Raymor’s catalogues also featured ceramics by Alvino Bagni, Mancioli, and Pozzi, alongside elegant Scandinavian glass and wood designs by Tapio Wirkkala and Arne Jacobsen.
The company also collaborated with American designers, producing the iconic “Tiki” furniture line by Arthur Umanoff and ceramic components for
Howard Miller’s Meridian division, including clock designs by George Nelson.
Raymor wasn’t just an importer – it became a trendsetter. Its clean, modern aesthetic helped shape the mid-century modern style in postwar America.
The brand’s in-house collections, such as the Omnibus wall units, and cross-continental collaborations positioned Raymor as a design authority in the
1950s – 70s interior market.
In 1963, Raymor was acquired by the Simmons furniture group, and rebranded in 1969 as Raymor Richards Morgenthau Inc.. Later merged with California-based importer Moreddi in 1978, the company eventually ceased operations due to rising import costs and shifting design tastes by the end of the decade. Although Raymor no longer exists, its influence on the American modern design landscape is enduring.
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Vintageinfo
Fratelli Mannelli Travertine Table Lamp
Materials: Rectangular limestone base with 2 diagonal stripes. Brass tube and parts. Lampshade made of cane (reed), with gold coloured aluminium rims. It has some fabric on the inside to defuse the light. Bakelite E27 socket.
Total height: 50 cm / 19.68”
Width: ∅ 32 cm / 12.59”
Base: 15.5 x 12 cm / 6.10 x 4.72”
Electricity: 1 bulb E27, 1 x 75 watt maximum, 110/220 volt.
Any type of light bulb can be used, not a specific one preferred. For this setup a white globe bulb was used.
Period: 1970s, 1980s – Mid-Century Modern.
Designer: Fratelli Mannelli – The brothers Mannelli.
Manufacturer: Fratelli Mannelli, Signa, Florence, Italy.
Other versions: This Fratelli Mannelli travertine table lamp exists in several sizes and varieties.
Fratelli Mannelli: Iconic Italian Design in Marble and Travertine
Fratelli Mannelli was an Italian design brand active mainly from the 1960s through the 1980s. The company became renowned for its high-quality decorative objects, lighting, and home accessories, crafted primarily from marble and travertine.
Founded in Italy during the golden age of modernist design, Fratelli Mannelli blended artisanal craftsmanship with bold, geometric aesthetics. Their pieces often featured clean lines, minimalist shapes, and the natural textures of stone – a timeless look that still appeals to collectors and interior designers today.
Travertine and Marble Lighting
One of the standout contributions of Fratelli Mannelli was their range of vintage lighting. Table lamps, desk lamps, and sculptural light objects made from solid travertine and marble exemplify the era’s love for natural materials and durable design. These lamps are not only functional but also serve as sculptural centerpieces in any interior.
Other Decorative Pieces
Besides lighting, Fratelli Mannelli produced bookends, ashtrays, clocks, and vases — all in signature stone finishes. Many of these pieces are now highly sought after in the vintage and mid-century modern decor market.
Travertine
Travertine, a form of limestone can be found in several places in Europe. In Italy it’s located in the heart of the Province of Siena, in the quaint little village of Rapolano Terme, and it is in this area that you will find a large source of travertine stone. It’s only 98 km (60 mi) from Florence.
Fratelli Mannelli also designed/produced for Marble Art, from Marta in the Province of Viterbo in the Italian region Latium, as you can see below.
Cerri Nestore
Similar lamps and objects were made by another Italian company named Cerri Nestore, from Volterra, some 60 km /37 mi from Signa and Florence.
In the United States, Fratelli Mannelli was distributed by Raymor, a well-known importer of European design.
Early 1980s VLM Components Plug
VLM Components Switch (back)
Fratelli Mannelli design for Marble Art, Marta (VT), Italy
