1901 -1932

THE LAUNCH OF AN INDUSTRIAL COMPANY

TINPLATED CUTLERY

On 1 August, 1901, Carlo Lagostina and his son Emilio purchased a factory in Omegna, Italy, producing tinned iron tableware. After the early death of his father, the young Emilio found himself at the head of a new company at the tender age of 24. With imagination, courage and an innate sense of anticipation, he guided the company's development, and it continued to grow even during the war. The inevitable economic crisis that followed the war led to the first workers' uprisings in Italy. In addition to being a technical expert, Emilio Lagostina revealed himself to be particularly attentive to the workers' conditions.


Act of acquisition of the Molinetto establishment

Act of acquisition of the Molinetto establishment, drawn up by the solicitor Antonio Barboglio on 1 August, 1901.

The first photograph of Lagostina's team of employees

The first photograph of Lagostina's team of employees.

The manager, Giuseppe Jacometti, can be seen to the left, and next to him is Fortunato Bertinotti, the first worker hired on 15/12/1901.

The first labourers at work in the tableware cutting workshop

The first labourers at work in the tableware cutting workshop.

One step in tinning the tableware, shown here in a photo from the 1950s.

One step in tinning the tableware, shown here in a photo from the 1950s. 


The labourers play an important role in the business.

Tinned iron tableware with the personalised effigy of the patron saint, or "i santini" (the saints)

Tinned iron tableware with the personalised effigy of the patron saint, or "i santini" (the saints).

Tinned iron tableware with the personalised effigy of the patron saint, or "i santini" (the saints)

Tinned iron tableware with the personalised effigy of the patron saint, or "i santini" (the saints).

Mock-up of a catalogue cover from the 1920s

Mock-up of a catalogue cover from the 1920s.