Marcello Nizzoli

Marcello Nizzoli (1887–1969) was a painter, designer and graphic artist. He worked as a graphic designer for Olivetti rom the 1930s, creating a uniform corporate image. He became chief design consultant in 1936, a role he held for 22 years. Throughout this period Nizzoli's work for Olivetti led the industry in the adoption of advanced manufacturing processes, new materials and the highest standards in mechanical engineering.

His designs for typewriters and calculating machines are especially important, and draw heavily on organic and modernist forms. In 1954 he won the inaugural Compasso d'Oro Award, the pre-eminent Italian design award.

Nizzoli also worked as an architect for Olivetti, designing houses for employees, and office buildings for the company. He actively sought new challenges throughout his career, moving rom painting to stage design, followed by a series of seminal designs for exhibitions, trade shows and retail shops.