Pipistrello Lamp By Gae Aulenti Circa 1970s

Pipistrello Lamp By Gae Aulenti Circa 1970s

Product code #OA2937

- Worldwide shipping
- All prices inc VAT
- All prices inc shipping within England and Wales
- White opal methacrylate shade
- Telescopic brushed steel stem
- White base
- Takes 4x E14 bulbs
- Designed by Gae Aulenti
- Model Pipistrello, meaning Bat
- Produced by Martinelli Luce
- Italian ~ 1970s
- 86cm tall x 54cm wide

Gae Aulenti

Gae Aulenti was an influential Italian architect and designer, recognised for her distinctive approach to architecture, furniture and lighting design. Born in Palazzolo dello Stella, Italy, in 1927, she graduated from the Politecnico di Milano in 1953 and went on to establish herself as one of the leading figures in post-war Italian design.

Working across architecture, interiors and industrial design, Aulenti developed a bold, sculptural style that challenged the strict functionalism of mid-century modernism. Her work often combined architectural forms with innovative materials, creating objects that were both practical and visually striking.

Among her most celebrated designs is the Pipistrello lamp, created in 1965 for the Olivetti showroom in Paris and manufactured by Martinelli Luce. Named after the Italian word for 'bat', the lamp features a distinctive wing-shaped opaline diffuser, a sculptural conical base and an adjustable telescopic stem. Its unusual silhouette and combination of organic and geometric forms made it an important example of 1960s Italian lighting design.

Beyond furniture and lighting, Aulenti achieved international recognition for her architectural projects, most notably the transformation of Paris's former Gare d'Orsay railway station into the Musée d'Orsay, completed in 1986.

Aulenti's designs remain highly regarded for their individuality, strong architectural character and innovative use of materials. The Pipistrello continues to be one of her most recognisable creations, representing the experimental spirit of Italian design during the 1960s and 1970s.

Condition Report

Fully re wired with modern electrical components some minor dents to the base and a light scratch to the shade

As with all of our products this product is an original piece and has lived a life before it arrived at Otto's HQ. It has been sympathetically restored by the Otto's team to ensure it has a life for many more years to come. All of our products will show signs of patina and cosmetic wear, this we believe is what gives our products their unique charm. If you have any further questions regarding the condition of this product or any others please don't hesitate to contact us and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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