Marcello Nizzoli

(1887–1969)

Overlooking the banks of the great Po River, Boretto is the birthplace of Marcello Nizzoli, one of the most important Italian designers of the 20th century, as well as an architect and painter.
It was here that the talent of an artist destined to leave an indelible mark on the history of international design began to take shape.

After studying at the Art Institute of Parma, Nizzoli began his career as a painter, joining the vibrant avant-garde scene with the Nuove Tendenze group and creating advertising posters, including those for Campari.
In the 1930s, he taught at the ISIA (Istituto Superiore Industrie Artistiche) in Monza and took part in the staging of major exhibitions, helping to define the taste and aesthetics of the era.

The turning point came with his collaboration with Olivetti, where Nizzoli became a leading figure in Italy’s post-war industrial renaissance.
Here he designed some of the most iconic objects in design, including the famous Lettera 22, a portable typewriter that became a symbol of modernity and elegance.
In the 1950s, he received prestigious awards, such as the Compasso d’Oro (1954) and the title of best design product of the century (1959), and his work was also included in the permanent collection of the MoMA in New York.

At the same time, Nizzoli also made a name for himself as an architect, designing modern and functional buildings, including those associated with the Olivetti group.
In 1966, the Politecnico di Milano awarded him an honorary degree in architecture, thereby recognizing his international standing.