Silvio Coppola

Apulian by birth but Milanese by adoption, Silvio Coppola (Brindisi 1920 - Milan, 1985) is one of the most multifaceted and versatile designers of the 20th century. Author of authentic masterpieces of international editorial graphic design (among which the Feltrinelli covers), Coppola is known in the world of vintage furnishings for his geometric pieces. Mainly dating back to the 1960s and inspired by the Lombard cabinet-making tradition, they were made for Bernini, a company of which Coppola was also art director; an assignment that added up to the role of art director for other prestigious brands, from Bayer Italia to Cinzano, from Laminati Plastici to Tessitura di Mompiano. For many companies Coppola created the first PVC and metal posters, which later became highly sought-after collector's items. In all his projects, he aimed at a fusion between graphic design, architecture and industrial design, an attitude that led him, in 1968, to found the ED Exhibition Design Group on this principle, supported by a group of important graphic designers of his time: Giulio Confalonieri, Franco Grignani, Bruno Munari and Pino Tovaglia. His works are held in the permanent collections of prestigious museums including the MoMA in New York, the University Collection in Paris and the Bertarelli Collection in Milan.