About Angelo Lelii
Angelo Lelii (1911–1989) was born in Ancona, but later relocated with his family to Milan, where he pursued studies at the University of Decorative Arts in Monza. By 1939, he established a small workshop in Monza, crafting lamps and chandeliers celebrated for their sleek lines, meticulous craftsmanship and innovative use of technology. Despite an interruption during wartime, his designs gained recognition when three were featured in Domus Magazine in 1946. In 1947, Lelii founded Arredoluce in Monza, marking the beginning of collaborations with esteemed modernist designers like Domus cofounder and furniture maker Gio Ponti, Memphis Group member Ettore Sottsass and designers such as Franco Albini, Achille Castiglioni and Nanda Vigo. Lelii's best-known design is likely his Triennale floor lamp model 12128, unveiled at the Milan Triennale in 1947.
Other iconic pieces include the Cobra table lamp, the Tris lamp, the Eye floor light and the President table lamp. Lelii's innovative spirit led him to experiment with halogen bulbs and integrate transformers into his designs, a feature seen in many of Arredoluce's floor lamps. His lighting objects are characterized by their simplicity, minimalistic elegance and inherent sensitivity. This unique approach cemented Arredoluce's reputation for producing high-quality lighting with functional yet clean designs. This enduring appeal makes Lelii's creations highly sought after by collectors and mid-century design enthusiasts, valued both as technical masterpieces and sound investments.