It was the late 1950s when Pierangelo Gallotti and Luigi Radice founded Gallotti&Radice in Cermenate near Lake Como in Brianza, northern Italy, a region renowned for its generations of highly skilled furniture makers. Now led by the next generation of both founding families – Silvia and Massimo Gallotti, and Marco Radice, it is one of only a handful of Italian design houses that fosters its origin continuum, their unique evolution a celebration of heritage through craftsmanship and innovation rooted in the brand’s pioneering use of glass.
Built on a shared passion for glass craftsmanship, that artisanal focus established Gallotti&Radice as one of Italy’s most respected luxury furniture houses. The first designs included lighting, furnishing items and mirrors, one-off pieces made exclusively by hand. As the collection grew, so did the vision for the studio. Pierangelo Gallotti and Luigi Radice would enrol at the School of Industrial Art at the Sforza Castle in Milan, where they studied design and decoration, soaking up every aspect of technical and ornamental design. That step that would lay the foundations for the company and shape its identity.
How Gallotti&Radice’s artisanal roots are shaping their vision for the future
T35 Trio coffee table set designed by Pierangelo Gallotti in 1975. Photo c/o Gallotti&Radice.
Bolle Cielo hanging lamp by Massimo Castagna, with Selce-T dining table (with lazy susan) and Stami sideboard by Studiopepe. Photo c/o Gallotti&Radice.
Evolis sofa by Martina and Massimo Castagna with the Choupette swivel armchair and Mirage Marble table by Studiopepe. Photo c/o Gallotti&Radice.
P26 bed by Marco Boga with the Sunset Comodino by Studiopepe. Photo c/o Gallotti&Radice.
Haumea Anniversary coffee table by Massimo Castagna, with special bronzed glass and natural brushed Travertino Silver base that is not treated with resin. Photos c/o Gallotti&Radice.
President Junior 50th Anniversary exclusive 'crisscross gold' finish, special edition by Studio G&R. Photo c/o Gallotti&Radice.
Passato by Pierangelo Gallotti. Photo c/o Gallotti&Radice.
In the early years, Pierangelo Gallotti and Luigi Massoni developed important pieces that reimagined glass. In 1969, Luigi Massoni designed Adam, the brand’s first table created completely from light, transparent, elegant glass and it was an unexpected success. The iconic President desk designed by Studio G&R followed in 1971, then the T35 Trio table designed in 1975 by Pierangelo Gallotti. Still all part of the collection today, each piece is defined by clean lines and timeless elegance, innovation and aesthetic refinement. And characterised by a key element of Gallotti&Radice’s production: the metal joint. that has become a defining stylistic feature of the company and a distinctive signature.
‘Tradition should never be something static,’ said Gallotti&Radice at Milan Design Week. ‘But rather a living matter to be constantly reinterpreted through new aesthetic sensibilities, contemporary languages, and cultural cross-pollination.’ Gallotti&Radice’s ability to innovate without losing identity centres on an innate skill in blending past, present and future. The early experimentation is now overlaid with fresh new directions, however glass remains the common thread and the continuity of expression. It’s this artistic approach that underpins collaborations with renowned international designers including Francesco Meda and David Lopez Quincoces, Samuele Tremolada, Studiopepe and Federica Biasi.
The Half-Pipe armchair by Meda & Quincoces and the Ri-Giro table by Samuele Tremolada, explore the poetry of regeneration, highlighted through the tactility of ‘BonBon Glass’ formed from recycled glass powder in deep burgundy ‘ciliegia’ and soft ‘menta-glaciale’. Their approach to sustainable production is also embodied in Re-verre, a series of tables designed by Federica Biasi. The Re-verre collection reiterates Gallotti&Radice’s desire to experiment with contemporary ways of reusing glass, a material that has always been part of the company’s DNA which over the years has reinterpreted itself through sophisticated finishes. It’s work that fosters future forward pathways where glass remains the brand’s core material and its identity.
As Gallotti&Radice’s CEO Silva Gallotti remarks: ‘The new international collaborations also reveal an inclusive and collective vision of design. Valentina Cameranesi Sgroi, Ivania Carpio, Estudio Persona, Rania Hamed, Fumie Shibata and Miminat Shodeinde, are all designers from different cultural backgrounds who have reinterpreted the heritage of Gallotti&Radice, bringing with them diverse memories, identities, and perspectives. After 70 years of dialogue with glass, the most important value to pass on to future generations is perhaps the ability to see glass not merely as a material, but as an expressive medium in constant transformation: a substance capable of preserving experiences, vision, sustainability, and emotion, while maintaining its essence as it evolves over time.’
Marking seven decades with the exhibition ‘Tales in Glass’ at Milan’s historic Palazzo Meli Lupi di Soragna, Gallotti&Radice reaffirms that heritage is not about replicating the past, but about keeping its essence alive through new interpretations.
‘At Gallotti&Radice the idea of craftsmanship as a cultural heritage to be preserved and passed on, focuses on the handcrafted techniques, artisanal decorations, and meticulous attention to detail reflecting a sensibility that places time, materiality, and the quality of human workmanship at its centre.’
Gallotti&Radice
Arch side tables in 'supermirror' stainless steel by David/Nicolas. Photos c/o Gallotti&Radice.
Detail of the Admira Prestige cabinet in tempered extra light glass, here covered with copper leaf 'Rosso Marte”' Designed by Silvia Gallotti. Photo c/o Gallotti&Radice.
In the following interview, More Space Journal chats with designer and CEO, Silvia Gallotti, about the influences of growing up in the Gallotti&Radice family closely connected to the world of design, and how the mastery of glass is shaping their vision for what comes next.
MS: Thank you for joining us Silvia and congratulations on your 70-year anniversary celebration ‘Tales in Glass’ at Milan’s historic Palazzo Meli Lupi di Soragna. Could you please start by describing Gallotti&Radice’s DNA?
SG: At Gallotti&Radice glass represents both an aesthetic symbol and advanced technology passed down from generation to generation, and our continuous pursuit of exceptional finishes, particularly on glass, has always been an integral part the DNA. Gold, copper and aluminium leaf onto glass; colouring through sublimation processes; hand lacquering and brushing to create innovative decorative effects inspired by metallic and textile textures; the use of recycled glass to achieve striking aesthetics through sustainable practices. These are all skills that embody the fusion of ancient art and contemporary reinterpretations. By integrating these sophisticated combinations, we create distinctive pieces that embody heritage, forward thinking, and what we describe as, ‘timeless elegance’.
In what ways does the philosophy of Gallotti&Radice align with Space Furniture?
Gallotti&Radice and Space Furniture share a common vision founded on design excellence, exceptional artisanship, continuous innovation, and a profound appreciation for everlasting aesthetics. By combining our strengths and shared values, we aim to bring outstanding Italian design and craftsmanship to an even wider audience, contributing to the continued evolution and international appreciation of Italian furniture excellence.
‘Glass never stops speaking: you just have to know how to listen to it.’
Silvia and Massimo Gallotti, and Marco Radice, Gallotti&Radice
Re-Verre table by Federica Biasi made with recycled glass. Photos c/o Gallotti&Radice.
Mirage table by Studiopepe for Gallotti&Radice. Photo c/o Gallotti&Radice.
Adam table by Luigi Massoni, the brand's first glass table designed in 1969. Photo c/o Gallotti&Radice.
‘Among the moments I most vividly associate with my father is when he presented the tables to customers. To demonstrate the strength and reliability of the glass, he would often quite literally stand on top of them, showing his complete confidence in the material… but also a determination to change the perception of glass itself…’
Silvia Gallotti, CEO, Gallotti&Radice
As the second generation of the Gallotti&Radice family, now leading the design house with your brother Massimo and Marco Radice, what are the important lessons you learnt from your parents?
The founding partners always led the company with passion, commitment and dedication, and they have succeeded in passing on these values to our generation, which continues with me, my brother Massimo and Marco Radice. Design has always been a part of my life since childhood, a passion passed down to me by my father, Pierangelo Gallotti. My love for design grew from watching my father: the insights and imagination that led him to create iconic pieces and push his own limits. Ever since I was a girl, I have always been fascinated by this world, which mixes different contaminations, where you can combine and create unique solutions. Seeing an initial concept evolving into a finished product was one of the greatest satisfactions. Throughout our history, we have always sought to strike a balance between tradition and modernity, creating products that stand the test of time. Each phase has brought new challenges, but also incredible opportunities to grow and stay relevant in a constantly changing world.
Growing up in the Gallotti&Radice family, what are your strongest memories?
I had the privilege of growing up closely connected to the world of glass. I attended trade fairs and visited production sites, fascinated by the artisanal process that transformed this delicate material into authentic design objects. It was the transparency and creative potential of glass that sparked my passion for design from an early age. My most vivid recollections from those years is closely connected to the designer Luigi Massoni and my father. In 1971, Luigi Massoni created Adam, the first table designed entirely from glass for Gallotti&Radice. The project represented a turning point in the history of glass applied to furniture design, and in the years that followed Massoni developed more projects for the company, playing a fundamental role in shaping and consolidating its distinctive identity. Among the moments I most vividly associate with my father is when he presented the tables to customers. To demonstrate the strength and reliability of the glass, he would often quite literally stand on top of them, showing his complete confidence in the material. It was a simple yet highly meaningful gesture, conveying not only the technical quality of the products but also a determination to change the perception of glass itself, transforming it from a traditionally considered fragile material into a leading element of contemporary furniture design.
How do the skills of craftspeople continue to shape the brand?
We design, create, transform and manufacture exclusively and completely in Italy thanks to the experience the company has gathered over the years. All of them local and most of them are located in the large district of Brianza, renowned for working in the furniture industry for generations. Each product is handcrafted by master artisans using premium materials such as glass, wood, stone, and metal, giving every surface a distinctive and unrepeatable character. The result is a unique expression of years of experience, passion, and a profound understanding and respect for the materials.
What are some of the material experiments that have broken new ground?
Every slight variation, every unique mark, tells the story of traditional artisanship and the human touch, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. The Bolle family, a design collection dating back thirteen years, was the starting point of an exciting journey into decorative design finishes. Its distinctive spherical shape inspired by the ethereal nature of bubbles, the transparency of the suspended, mouth-blown spheres, combined with hand-polished brass parts and soft, enveloping light, has created a magical atmosphere that has made the Bolle lamp a symbol of style and sophistication. Bolle also involved the exploration of a new process called sublimation to achieve the various finishes on the glass. Using a highly technological process, we are able to sublimate materials and oxides into nanoscale foils allowing the colour to settle on the glass. The sphere’s gradient highlighting the intensity of the colour, while still allowing the transparency of the glass to be maintained.
‘Gallotti&Radice and Space Furniture share a common vision founded on design excellence, exceptional artisanship, continuous innovation, and a profound appreciation for everlasting aesthetics.’
Silvia Gallotti, CEO, Gallotti&Radice
Half-Pipe armchair by Meda & Quincoces for Gallotti&Radice.
Ri-Giro table by Samuele Tremolada for Gallotti&Radice.
Admira Prestige by Silvia Gallotti for Gallotti&Radice.
Bolle Verticale by Massimo Castagne for Gallotti&Radice.
Admira by Silvia Gallotti for Gallotti&Radice.
Dock by Marialaura Rossiello Irvine for Gallotti&Radice.
Orma sofa by Martina and Massimo Castagba for Gallotti&Radice.
Titta swivel lounge chair by Federica Biasi for Gallotti&Radice.
Choupette swivel armchair by Studiopepe for Gallotti&Radice.
'New glass pieces including Half-Pipe by Meda & Quincoces and Ri-Giro by Samuele Tremolada, both made from "BonBon Glass", celebrate the poetry of regeneration through a tactile texture crafted from recycled glass granules.'
Silvia Gallotti, CEO, Gallotti&Radice
Working with local and international designers, how does that collaborative process take shape inside Gallotti&Radice?
Over the years we have developed a strong collaboration with a pool of designers who can reveal and enhance our DNA. Through our collaborations we continue to explore new creative paths: together, we enhance the material qualities of our creations and contribute innovative approaches to the design process with a strong focus on technological innovation and sustainability, two fundamental pillars to which we remain deeply committed. Sustainability is a cornerstone of our design philosophy. A significant example of this commitment is our continuous exploration of eco-friendly materials and finishes, ensuring that each piece we create achieves the highest standards of sustainability without compromising beauty or quality. This approach is embodied by the Re-verre collection, designed by Federica Biasi. The coffee and dining table collection stems from Gallotti&Radice’s desire to experiment with contemporary ways of reusing glass. Meaning ‘glass again’ in French, the goal was to breathe new life into the material by reinterpreting it with innovative finishes. At the same time, the company’s ambition was also to achieve a material that did not look like glass at first glance. At its core lies an aggregate made from recycled bottle fragments with intentionally irregular edges and subtle colour gradients, achieved using powder pigments inspired by the warm tones of the earth and the cool shades of lunar landscapes.
Is there a favourite design piece of yours from the past?
The President, designed by Studio G&R in 1971 that’s still part of the collection today. It’s a desk defined by clean lines and timeless elegance that embodies both innovation and aesthetic refinement. It is characterised by a key element of Gallotti&Radice’s production: the metal joint. Initially conceived as a technical solution to connect glass panels and avoid direct glass-to-glass joints, the metal joint progressively evolved into a formal design choice and a defining stylistic feature, and is now a distinctive design signature of the brand.
And the highlights from the Gallotti&Radice 2026 collection?
The Diario collection is a cohesive narrative that traces the brand’s history in the year of its 70th anniversary. New glass pieces including Half-Pipe by Meda & Quincoces and Ri-Giro by Samuele Tremolada, both made from BonBon Glass, celebrate the poetry of regeneration through a tactile texture crafted from recycled glass granules. While new finishes, for example ‘Beige Matera’ and ‘Terra di Borgogna,’ add even more versatility and elegance to our designs.
Thank you very much for joining us Silvia.
Gallotti&Radice is now available exclusively in Australia from Space – Australia.