Side Gallery

Mirror model “1669”
Manufactured by Fontana Arte
Italy, 1950s
Coloured glass, mirrored glass

Measurements
71 Ø cm
28 Ø in

Literature
Charlotte and Peter Fiell, eds., Domus Vol. IV 1955-1959, Cologne, 2006, p. 295 for a similar example; Laura Falconi, Luci e Trasparenze: Fontana Arte, Rome, 2006, pp. 44 and 87 for a similar example

Provenance
Private collection,Italy

Details
Frame with manufacturer’s label ‘Luigi Fontana’

Biography
A famous French master glass worker and decorator, he was artistic director of Fontana Arte for one decade, starting from 1954. During that time he came up with many design classics, such as the Fontana table lamp, still one of the best selling products for the company that bears its name. Having studied at the school of Fine Arts in Paris, he specialised in the decorative Arts, under the guidance of major artists such as Jacques Grüber and Charles Lemaresquier. He also produced a great number of stained glass panels for religious buildings, hotels and public places. Towards the end of his life he was awarded the French Legion of Honour in recognition of his achievements in design.