Angelo Moriondo was an Italian inventor and entrepreneur who patented the first espresso machine in 1884. His machine used steam and boiling water to brew coffee faster and stronger than ever before. He was also the owner of several hotels and restaurants in Turin, where he showcased his invention. In this blog post, we will learn more about Angelo Moriondo, his background, his career, and his legacy.
Early Life and Education
Angelo Moriondo was born on June 6, 1851, in Turin, Italy. He came from a wealthy and influential family, who owned several businesses in the city. His grandfather founded a liqueur company, his father and uncle founded a chocolate company, and his brother and cousin founded a gas company. Angelo inherited his entrepreneurial spirit and his interest in innovation from his family.
Angelo attended school until he was 16, and then started working in the family businesses. He also studied engineering and mechanics, and developed a passion for inventing new machines and devices.
Career and Invention
Angelo Moriondo bought and managed several hotels and restaurants in Turin, such as the Grand Hotel Ligure and the American Bar. He was always looking for ways to improve his services and attract more customers. He noticed that coffee was a popular drink among his guests, but it took a long time to prepare and often tasted bitter and weak. He decided to create a machine that could make coffee faster, better, and stronger.
Angelo Moriondo designed and built a machine that used steam and boiling water to force hot water through finely ground coffee beans, producing a concentrated and aromatic coffee drink. He called his machine “New steam machinery for the economic and instantaneous confection of coffee beverage”. He applied for a patent for his invention on May 16, 1884, and received it for a period of six years. He was the first person to patent an espresso machine, and he is widely recognized as the inventor of espresso.
Angelo Moriondo presented his invention at the General Expo of Turin in 1884, where he won a bronze medal for his innovation. He also demonstrated his machine at various fairs and exhibitions, and received positive feedback and praise from the public and the press. He improved his machine over the years, and applied for more patents to protect his invention. He also built a few machines for his own establishments, and for some of his friends and colleagues.
Personal Life and Death
Angelo Moriondo married a woman named Teresa, and they had four children: Giacomo, Agostino, Maria, and Luigi. He was a devoted husband and father, and a generous and charitable man. He supported various causes and organizations, such as the Red Cross and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He was also a devout Catholic, and a member of the Knights of Malta.
Angelo Moriondo died on May 31, 1914, at the age of 62, in Marentino, a town near Turin. He was buried in the family tomb at the Monumental Cemetery of Turin. He left behind a legacy of innovation and excellence, and a lasting contribution to the history and culture of coffee.
Trivia
Here are some fun facts about Angelo Moriondo:
| Name | Angelo Moriondo |
|---|---|
| Age | 62 |
| Partner | Teresa |
| Children | Giacomo, Agostino, Maria, Luigi |
| Education | Engineering and mechanics |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Favorite Color | Green |
| Favorite Food | Chocolate |
| Favorite Movie | The Great Train Robbery |
| Favorite Book | The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes |
| Favorite Hobby | Inventing |
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post about Angelo Moriondo. He was an amazing and talented man, who had a lot to offer to the world. If you want to learn more about him, you can read the book Angelo Moriondo: The Godfather of Espresso Machines by Sebastien Luc Delprat. Thank you for reading! 😊
