Large "Pipistrello" lamp, by Gae Aulenti, Italy, circa 1965/1970

This lamp edited by Martinelli Luce, designed by Gae Aulenti, is the largest model of the Pipistrello lamp, with adjustable height. It can be lowered or raised by about 20 cm thanks to its telescoping base.
White opal methacrylate shade. Four light bulbs. Vintage lamp from the 1970s.

Maximum height: 33.86 in / 86 cm
Minimum height: 26.77 in / 68 cm
Largest diameter: 21.26 in / 54 cm

Gae Aulenti (1927–2012) was an Italian architect, interior designer, and architectural theorist. She trained as an architect in Milan in the 1950s, at a time when Italian architecture was engaged in a cultural-historical exploration focused on reviving the architectural values of the past and the existing built environment, and had joined the Neoliberty movement. Aulenti was part of this movement, which was at odds with rationalism. At the 13th Milan Architecture Biennale in 1964, she designed the Italian pavilion. From 1966 to 1969, she served as vice president of the Society of Italian Designers. She created stage designs (notably for director Luca Ronconi), furniture, various interior designs, gardens, residential spaces, hotels, schools, and stores.
She gained international renown in the 1980s.
From 1980 to 1986, she led the project to renovate and convert the Orsay train station in Paris into a museum, a project for which she is remembered in France. From 1982 to 1985, she redesigned the Georges Pompidou National Center for Art and Culture. From 1985 to 1992, she renovated the Palau Nacional de Montjuïc in Barcelona, transforming it into the National Art Museum of Catalonia.

The Martinelli Luce brand was founded in 1950 by Italian designer Elio Martinelli, who wanted to independently manufacture lighting fixtures for businesses. At the time, he was involved in interior design for bars, hotels, and shops. As a result, Martinelli Luce immediately focused on producing indoor lighting fixtures.
Very soon, in the 1960s, Elio Martinelli decided to collaborate with Gae Aulenti, an Italian architect and designer. From this collaboration within the Martinelli Luce company, the Pipistrello lamp was born in 1965. As its name suggests, this lamp is shaped like a bat. The lamp features a lacquered metal base and a translucent methacrylate shade mounted on a telescoping arm whose height can be adjusted. The Pipistrello is one of the greatest successes of Martinelli Luce and Gae Aulenti.
Although these two famous designers—Gae Aulenti and Elio Martinelli—are no longer with us, Martinelli Luce continues to operate. Today, the Italian brand boasts an extensive collection of products that perfectly embody Italian design from the 1960s to the 1970s.