Targetti Sankey S.p.A.

Targetti Sankey S.p.A. was founded in 1928 in Florence by Sankey Targetti as a family business. The company began as a small shop selling lamps and electrical goods, before starting its own production of lighting fixtures in 1937. In 1959, Targetti opened its industrial headquarters on the outskirts of Florence, where the company remained based for decades. Over time, it developed into one of Italy’s best-known manufacturers of architectural lighting, with products for both indoor and outdoor use.

The company became especially known for lighting museums, public buildings and historic spaces. This close connection with Florence is reflected in the long-standing association between Targetti and important cultural institutions in the city. The company also developed the Light of Florence collection, introduced in 1993, specifically for the illumination of historic buildings and places of worship.

One of the best-known examples is the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze, where Michelangelo’s world-famous statue of David was illuminated by Targetti. The company has also been associated with the lighting of the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence.

Paolo Targetti

Paolo Targetti (1937–2010) joined the family company in 1960. Alongside his managerial responsibilities, he developed a strong interest in the design of lighting fixtures and in visual communication. He became a member of the board in 1963, served as president of Targetti Sankey S.p.A. from 1985, and later became chairman of the Targetti Poulsen Group in 2007.

Paolo Targetti was also active in cultural and industrial institutions. He served as president of the Industrial Association of Florence, was a member of the national council of Confindustria, and in 1992 was named Cavaliere del Lavoro. From 2003 to 2010 he was president of the Scuola di Scienze Aziendali in Florence, from 2004 to 2007 chairman of the Associazione Nazionale dei Produttori di Illuminazione, and from 2008 onward president of the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence.

Villa La Sfacciata

In 1998, Paolo Targetti and Targetti Sankey acquired Villa La Sfacciata in Florence, Italy. The villa became home to the Fondazione La Sfacciata Light Academy and to the Targetti Light Art Collection, directed by Amnon Barzel. The foundation was dedicated to promoting lighting research, encouraging the culture of light, and commissioning works by contemporary artists using artificial light as a medium. The villa is located at Via Volterrana 82, on the hill of Giogoli, near the Certosa di Firenze. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Targetti still exists today as an active lighting brand. In 2017, the company was acquired by the Italian manufacturer 3F Filippi, marking a new chapter in its long history.