Sandro Tothill
LZF was co-founded in 1994 by Mariví Calvo, Graduate in Art History by the Literary University of Valencia (1982) and in Fine Arts, specialising in Engraving by the Polytechnic University of Valencia (1983). Also, she is specialised in "Collagraph" by the Pratt Institute in New York (1984-1987), and Sandro Tothill, an Australian musician. Together, they shared a passion for creativity and experimentation. On one auspicious occasion, while playing with wood veneers, Mariví and Sandro hit on a novel idea for enveloping light. LZF has since crafted an extensive collection of innovative lamps. Through developing Timberlite®, a patented process for treating natural wood veneer—making the veneer both pliable and non-breakable—a multi-talented roster of designers have worked with LZF to create a great number of handcrafted lamps.
LZF has been a creative hub from the outset. In its exciting journey to date, the company has embraced art, design, craftsmanship, innovation, technology, and sustainability. While wood veneer is the staple of LZF’s craft, it is now working with novel materials, including hand-blown borosilicate glass. Never losing touch with its creative history or its roots, LZF’s lamps are produced in its bustling factory in the village of Chiva, Valencia. Each lamp is handmade by skilled and diligent craftspeople, from FSC certified natural wood veneers. LZF is committed to the preservation of traditional skills and know-how. Its lamps have journeyed across the world and are part of a showcase of great Spanish design.
As artisans, it is always a privilege to have any work recognised, but LZF remains ever humble. The company has received more than thirty-five national and international awards. In October 2020, LZF was the proud recipient of Spain’s Premios Nacionales de Innovación y de Diseño 2020 (a National Innovation and Design Award) in the ‘Companies’category. In 2011, LZF won the Spanish National Craftsmanship Award (Premio Nacional de Artesanía), recognising the company’s dedication to artisanship. It is the first time that a Spanish company has won both of these prestigious accolades.
Today, Mariví, Sandro, and the entire LZF family, continue to share a passion for creativity and experimentation. At its core, LZF remains devoted to, and fascinated by, the possibilities found in wood touched by light.