Angelo Gaetano Sciolari

Angelo Gaetano Sciolari (1927–1994) graduated in architecture but initially aspired to become a filmmaker. In 1949, at the age of 22, he took over the family lighting company after the sudden death of his father. This unexpected responsibility marked the beginning of what would become one of the most recognisable names in post-war Italian lighting design.

During the late 1950s and early 1960s, Sciolari collaborated with Stilnovo, one of Italy’s most important lighting manufacturers. He is often cited as having worked closely with the company during this formative period, contributing to the development of more sculptural and architecturally structured lighting forms. While documentation is sometimes inconsistent, several designs attributed to him reflect the clean lines and refined metalwork associated with Stilnovo at the time. His approach combined rational architectural thinking with a sense of theatrical presence — something that would later define his independent work.

In the 1950s, Sciolari also introduced bold Sputnik-inspired chandeliers, reflecting the fascination with the Space Age. Throughout the 1960s and especially the 1970s, he developed a distinctive architectural style characterised by modular structures, strong geometric compositions and the combination of brass, chrome, polished steel and crystal elements. His cubic and linear chandeliers, in particular, became iconic and were widely exported, especially to the United States.

Beyond his own company, Sciolari designed lighting for several international manufacturers. In Italy, he worked with Stilnovo, Stilkronen and Ecolight, a brand of the company Valenti. In Spain, he designed models for Metalarte. His work also appeared in the catalogues of Lightolier and Progress Lighting (USA), S.A. Boulanger (Belgium), Helestra and Leola (West Germany), and Lyfa (Denmark). Under his leadership, the Sciolari company, based in Rome and later also active in Milan, expanded significantly and became an internationally recognised brand.

It should also be noted that, in addition to his more refined and architecturally ambitious designs, the Sciolari company produced a considerable number of more conventional lighting fixtures. Like many successful manufacturers of the period, the brand offered a broad commercial range aimed at different market segments. As a result, not every lamp bearing a Sciolari label reflects the same level of design innovation or aesthetic quality. While some models are highly sought after and representative of his strongest work, others were clearly produced for wider distribution and should be evaluated accordingly. Collectors today tend to focus primarily on his architectural and modular designs, which represent the most distinctive and influential expression of his design language.

Sciolari was also the founder and first president of AIDI (Associazione Italiana di Illuminazione), established in 1958, an association created to promote Italian lighting manufacturers and innovation within the industry.

Angelo Gaetano Sciolari remains an important figure in post-war Italian lighting design, particularly for his sculptural and modular chandeliers that helped define the glamour of 1960s and 1970s interiors.