Lamp from the Florentine Lighting Company

This unique lamp created in marble by the Florentine Lighting Company combines a number of neoclassical elements and motifs. The bottom of the lamp consists of a marble column decorated with a floral motif. The central element sits on the column and features a motif in the art deco style. There are a number of buttons on the bottom of this piece and a dial in the centre of this console. The exact function of this piece is unclear — it is possible that the buttons are used to operate the lamp or that the piece functioned as a radio. On top of the central console is a classical sculpture of a woman next to a large torch. It is likely that the torch acts as the light source for this lamp.

The Florentine Lighting Company was co-owned by Italian Canadian Massimo Iacopo Magi. Magi was born in 1884 in Limano, Bagni di Lucca, Italy. He immigrated to Canada and settled in Toronto. On June 10, 1940, Magi was arrested while at work. According to the RCMP, his arrest was due to his affiliation with the Fascio Principe Umberto, where he was the Secretary, and for overseeing the Toronto dopolavoro (after work) group. A number of his employees, including Ruggero Bacci were arrested along with him. At the time of his arrest Massimo and his wife had three adult children, Rina, Iole and Philip, who were living at home.

Magi was released from Camp Petawawa on June 5, 1941. Upon his return home he started another business, Tuscan Manufacturing Company, which imported artifacts from Italy.