Vittorio Necchi from Pavia knew his wife wanted a new sewing machine, and – instead of simply going out to buy one – he decided to please her by producing them himself. Necchi’s masterpieces were “Mirella” and “Lydia”, a series of sewing machines launched in 1956 that were in production well into the 1970's. Changing the design from the blocky industrial look to a sexy curved appearance thanks to the creative touch of one of Italy’s most important industrial designers; Marcello Nizzoli (1887-1969). Six years earlier, Nizzoli had designed another iconic object: the Lexikon 80 typewriter for Olivetti. The “Mirella” won the “Compasso d’Oro” and the “Grand Prize” at the 11th edition of Milan’s Triennial Exhibition, and is now part of the permanent collection at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. This Necchi Lydia has been on display at the design office I work at for some time. Dimensions: 30cm tall x 17,5cm x 45cm width Weight: 11kg Origin: Italy Date: 1960s Material: Enameled aluminum Complete with case and foot pedal, in working condition, some scuffs from use but otherwise in very good condition. Link to the Moma permanent collection: moma.org/collection/works/2627