ACHILLE AND PIER GIACOMO CASTIGLIONI, 1967
Object
The Snoopy table lamp was designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1967. Produced by Flos, this legendary lamp, inspired by Schultz’s character Peanuts, is an icon of 1960s Italian design, a beautiful table lamp that has remained in production since its inception.
The design of the Snoopy lamp embodies the principles of the Castiglioni brothers, who emphasized expressiveness, form, and function in their work.
The Snoopy lamp has a strong expressive quality, inspired by the famous beagle from the Peanuts comic strip, featuring an asymmetrical shape that initially appears to have an unstable balance. However, the Castiglioni brothers’ design ensures perfect weight distribution, achieved through the beautiful Carrara marble base that complements the large glass-based lampshade.
Another innovative feature for its time (now quite common) is the rotary dimmer, allowing for light intensity adjustment. Over the sixty years since its design, Flos has updated the materials and techniques while preserving the original concept. Thus, the Snoopy lamp still features a dimmer for light regulation, now utilizing advanced LED technology.
Lastly, the Snoopy lamp includes a playful and ironic touch. The three holes on its top, initially intended for lamp cooling, resemble a bowling ball—a nod to the American culture of the Peanuts.
The Snoopy Lamp in Culture and Museums
The Snoopy lamp, along with other creations by the Castiglioni brothers, has had a huge impact on design and popular culture. It is considered an icon of Italian design, a timeless piece that will continue to accompany us for many years to come.
Not just the Snoopy, but also other Castiglioni projects, such as the Arco lamp, the Taccia, the Mezzadro stool, to name a few.
In terms of museums, the Snoopy table lamp is collected by numerous prestigious museums in Europe and around the world. Starting, of course, with MoMA in New York, the Triennale di Milano, the Art Institute of Chicago, and many more.
Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Pier Giacomo Castiglioni (1913-1968) was a pioneer of Italian industrial design. His work is distinguished by the innovative use of materials and a design approach focused on functionality and formal experimentation and irony. Among his most notable works in collaboration with his brither Achille, are the Arco lamp and the Mezzadro chair.
Achille Castiglioni
Achille Castiglioni (1918-2002) was a master of Italian design. Among his most famous creations are the Arco and Taccia lamps and the Mezzadro stool. His intelligent and ironic approach combines functionality, technical innovation, and aesthetics, making him one of the most influential designers of the 20th century.
FLOS
Flos is a lighting and lamp manufacturer founded in Merano in 1962 by Dino Gavina and Cesare Cassina. After relocating to Brianza, Flos quickly began producing culturally significant design objects, such as the iconic Parentesi, Arco, and Taccia by the Castiglioni brothers, as well as Drop 2 by Marc Sadler and the MayDay by Konstantin Grcic. Flos design objects are collected by design museums worldwide and have won numerous international awards and recognitions.
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Details
Produced by Flos
Dimensions of the Snoopy lamp:
- Total Height: 369 mm
- Total Width: 349 mm
Direct light table lamp with a painted metal reflector and a base made of white Carrara marble.
