FontanaArte

FontanaArte is an iconic Italian company in the field of lighting design and furniture, renowned for its fusion of innovation, craftsmanship, and timeless aesthetics. Founded in 1932, the company has established itself as a global reference by collaborating with renowned designers and producing iconic pieces that have shaped the history of design.

The story of FontanaArte began with the collaboration between architect Gio Ponti and master glassmaker Pietro Chiesa. In 1931, Gio Ponti, then artistic director of Luigi Fontana & C., a company specializing in glass manufacturing, invited Pietro Chiesa to lead a new division dedicated to the creation of functional and artistic glass objects. This partnership led to the founding of FontanaArte in 1932.

Under the artistic direction of Ponti and Chiesa, FontanaArte produced some of the most emblematic pieces in design history. Among them are the curved glass coffee table (1932) and the Cartoccio vase, both designed by Pietro Chiesa, as well as the Bilia lamp (1932) by Gio Ponti. These creations are distinguished by their innovative use of glass and their sleek, modern designs.

In 1954, the French master glassmaker and decorator Max Ingrand took over as artistic director of the company. During this period, he designed the Fontana lamp, one of the most iconic lighting pieces of the brand. His work blended traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, further solidifying FontanaArte’s reputation on the international design scene.

Over the decades, FontanaArte continued collaborating with renowned designers, including Gae Aulenti, who became artistic director in 1979, and Renzo Piano. These partnerships led to legendary creations, such as Gae Aulenti’s glass table with wheels and Renzo Piano’s Teso lamp.