Lyda Levi Biography
Lydia Levi was born in 1922 and had a significant experience during the Second World War. Being a victim of Nazi persecution, he decided to flee to Switzerland to escape the imminent dangers. After the end of the conflict in 1945, Levi returned to Milan, a city she had left with great pain and difficulty.
Once she returned to her hometown, Lydia Levi actively engaged in the so-called Operation Exodus, an important initiative that aimed to help Holocaust survivors migrate to Palestine. Her participation in this humanitarian cause demonstrated Levi's indomitable spirit of solidarity and determination.
In 1946, during a period of reconstruction and rebirth for Italy, architect Piero Bottoni was appointed Extraordinary Commissioner of the Milan Triennale by the National Liberation Committee. To collaborate in the organization of the VIII Triennale, Piero Bottoni chose Lydia Levi, recognizing in her skills and competences a precious resource for the field of design and applied arts.
The Milan Triennale represented a highly prestigious platform for emerging talents in the world of art and design. Through her participation in the VIII Triennale, Lydia Levi achieved notoriety and visibility which led her to establish herself as a leading figure in the sector.
After her experience at the VIII Triennale, Lydia Levi was appointed head of the crafts section of the Public Relations Office for the Marshall Plan, a position she held with dedication and passion from 1948 to 1953. During this period, Levi actively contributed to the organization and promotion of exhibitions and events related to craftsmanship, demonstrating its expertise and commitment in the sector.
During a trip to the United States in 1956, Lydia Levi visited San Francisco and met with Elinor and John McGuire, creatives and makers of a renowned line of rattan furniture. This meeting profoundly influenced her vision and led her to develop her own line of furniture, known as "Lyda Levi-McGuire", which combined new trends pioneered in America with Italian artisan experience.
Lydia Levi-McGuire's furniture line achieved great success, thanks to her ability to combine innovative design elements with Italian craftsmanship. This entrepreneurial adventure was just one of the many tests of his career dedicated to design and applied art, demonstrating his ability to adapt and anticipate trends.
Lydia Levi-McGuire has earned a prominent place in the international design field thanks to her eclectic career and innovative creations. His contribution has left an indelible mark on the applied art sector, thanks to his ability to blend tradition and modernity in a single and fascinating style.
