ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Pirelli's 147-Year History Becomes a Digital Graphic Novel Web Series

digital · 2026-05-04

Pirelli has introduced a five-part web series named 'Pirelli, un’italiana nel mondo' on its official site, showcasing its 147-year legacy since its establishment in 1872 as G.B. Pirelli & C. Each segment features a mix of archival videos, animations, and illustrations aimed at a general audience, inspired by Carlo Bellavite Pellegrini's 2018 publication, 'Pirelli. Innovazione e passione.' The series is produced by Cast4 and Fondazione Pirelli, with creative direction from Andrea Gnesutta. The episodes cover: 1) 'Il futuro della gomma' about Giovan Battista Pirelli; 2) 'Come nasce un brand' focusing on his son Alberto; 3) 'La gomma è pop' during the economic boom; 4) 'Al cuore dell’innovazione' in the 1990s; 5) 'E il viaggio continua' on global operations. Maurizio Abet noted that the format effectively communicates the brand's history and challenges.

Key facts

  • Pirelli launched a five-episode web series 'Pirelli, un’italiana nel mondo' as a digital graphic novel.
  • The series covers 147 years of company history from 1872 to present.
  • Historical basis is Carlo Bellavite Pellegrini's 2018 book 'Pirelli. Innovazione e passione'.
  • Series produced by Cast4 in collaboration with Fondazione Pirelli.
  • Creative direction by Andrea Gnesutta, illustrations by Andrea Pucci and Lucia Resta.
  • Direction by Giacomo Zito, original music by New Horizon Project.
  • Episode one focuses on founder Giovan Battista Pirelli and early rubber products.
  • Episode two covers son Alberto's expansion into auto tires and internationalization.
  • Episode three highlights the Pirelli Tower, first Pirelli Calendar (1963), and Cinturato tire.
  • Episode four details 1990s innovations under Marco Tronchetti Provera.
  • Final episode shows Pirelli as a global company in 160 countries.
  • Maurizio Abet explained the choice of digital graphic novel format to Corriere della Sera.

Entities

Artists

  • Andrea Gnesutta
  • Andrea Pucci
  • Lucia Resta
  • Giacomo Zito
  • New Horizon Project
  • Carlo Bellavite Pellegrini
  • Giovan Battista Pirelli
  • Alberto Pirelli
  • Marco Tronchetti Provera
  • Maurizio Abet

Institutions

  • Pirelli
  • Fondazione Pirelli
  • Cast4
  • Il Mulino
  • Corriere della Sera

Locations

  • Milan
  • Italy

Sources