Gallotti & Radice, a distinguished name in furniture design, is commemorating its 70th anniversary with a captivating exhibition titled 'Tales in Glass' during Milan Design Week 2026. This retrospective celebrates seven decades of the brand's pioneering journey in glass craftsmanship, beginning from its humble origins in Brianza. The exhibition offers a multi-faceted exploration of the company's historical achievements, its continuous material innovation, and its vibrant future, marked by collaborations with an international roster of talented female designers who infuse their cultural perspectives into stunning new glass creations.
Established in 1955 by Pierangelo Gallotti and Luigi Radice in Brianza, a region renowned for its carpentry expertise, Gallotti & Radice embarked on an unconventional path by focusing almost exclusively on glass furniture. Initially a small workshop dedicated to handmade lighting, mirrors, and decorative items, the company gradually expanded its production to incorporate other materials like metal and upholstery, yet always retained its core spirit of artisanal exploration. This unique approach allowed them to push the boundaries of glass design, transforming it from a fragile material into a versatile medium for robust and elegant furniture.
The 'Tales in Glass' exhibition, hosted in the grand Palazzo Meli Lupi di Soragna, is structured into three distinct chapters, each curated to narrate a part of Gallotti & Radice's rich history. Silvia Gallotti, the second-generation CEO and creative director, describes the exhibition as an immersive experience, brought to life by Parisian architect Sophie Dries. Dries’ scenography, inspired by crystal, incorporates fabrics and passementerie interwoven with reclaimed glass fragments, creating a precious yet dynamically moving environment that enhances the visitor's journey through the brand's evolution.
The initial segment of the exhibition takes visitors back to the company’s earliest days, showcasing meticulously recovered archival pieces. Among these historical treasures is the iconic 'Adam' table from 1971, widely recognized as the first table made entirely of glass. This piece exemplifies Gallotti & Radice's early innovations in glass-fusing techniques. Sophie Dries presents an original 'Adam' alongside her modern reinterpretation, featuring a warm bronze-tinted finish, bridging the past with contemporary aesthetics.
A pivotal moment in the brand's history arrived in the 1970s with the development of a groundbreaking method for joining glass panes using a simple stainless steel joint. This innovation liberated designers to create larger and more intricate glass structures, such as the 'T35 Trio' coffee table set, originally designed by Pierangelo Gallotti in 1975. For the anniversary, this classic piece is reimagined in a bronze-tinted tempered glass with brushed silver travertine, reflecting both heritage and modernity.
The exhibition's final chapter focuses on the present and future of Gallotti & Radice, featuring selections from the 2026 catalog. This includes new outdoor furniture by Milanese duo David/Nicolas, as well as a group show featuring new works by prominent female designers from around the globe. These designers, including Estudio Persona, Miminat Shodeinde, Valentina Cameranesi Sgroi, Ivania Carpio, Fumie Shibata, and Rania Hamed, were encouraged to integrate their unique cultural backgrounds into their glass creations. Their pieces showcase the vast artistic potential of glass, utilizing various artisanal finishes developed by Gallotti & Radice over the decades. For instance, Estudio Persona presents a low table with a fused amethyst glass top and a hand-patinated antique bronze base, while Fumie Shibata explores delicate shading on tempered extra-light glass. Miminat Shodeinde crafts a console with thick glass panels that transition from deep black to transparency, and Valentina Cameranesi Sgroi experiments with crackled, shimmering fused glass for a nesting table trio.
The exhibition powerfully illustrates the profound depth of artisanal knowledge and dedication that has been preserved within this family-run company. Sophie Dries highlights the rarity of finding such vibrant craftsmanship in today's world, attributing Gallotti & Radice's long-standing success in glass work to this continuous commitment to heritage and innovation. Beyond the exhibition, Gallotti & Radice will also unveil new designs by Studiopepe, Federica Biasi, and a collaborative effort by Francesco Meda and David López Quincoces at Salone del Mobile, further solidifying its position at the forefront of contemporary furniture design.