Gio Ponti (1891-1979) was born in Milan, Italy, and graduated from Politecnico di Milano in 1921.  In 1927, he founded Il Labirinto with Lancia, Buzzi, Marelli, Venini and Chiesa in order to produce high-quality furniture and objects.  From 1923 to 1930 he has been Richard Ginori's artistic director. Thanks to the creation of Domus magazine in 1928 (which he presided over almost constantly until his death), Ponti made an intensive contribution to the renewal of the Italian production in the sector, giving it new impetus.  Ponti has been a strong supporter of the Monza Biennale, then the Milan Triennale, of the Compasso d'Oro awards and of ADI (Association of Industrial Design).  As an architect, he created the architectural symbol of modern Milan, the Pirelli skyscraper, designed with Fornaroli, Rosselli and Nervi in 1956.  In 1951, he realized the second Palazzo Montecatini (his first office building dates back to 1938-39).  In 1957 he designed his celebrated Superleggera chair for Cassina, the crowning achievement of a long and fruitful working association with the manufacturer.  In addition to architecture and furniture design produced by Cassina and Poltrona Frau, Ponti created a number of ceramic and metal accessories for Richard Ginori, Franco Pozzi, and Reed & Barton as well as lighting designs for Fontana Arte.  His work is included in the permanent collections of museums around the world.