Ernesto Gismondi

Italian designer and engineer Gismondi played an important role in progressive design circles. Having undertaken aeronautical and aerospace studies in Milan (graduating in 1957) and Rome (1959), he founded the lighting manufacturing firm Artemide in Milan in 1959 with Sergio Mazza. From 1970 onwards he designed a number of lights himself, including the Tholos wall lamp (1979) and the Zen (1988) and Tebe floor lamps.

His professional and entrepreneurial involvement with progressive design currents in Italy was further evidenced by his sponsorship and presidency of the progressive Memphis design group, as well as the vice-presidency of ADI (Associazione per il Disegno Industriale), membership of the Council for the Milan Triennale, and a number of ministerial commissions on various aspects of design.