Pair of table lamps model “1853”
Manufactured by Fontana Arte
Italy, 1990s
Designed in 1954
Opaline glass, lacquered metal
Measurements
47 cm x 47 cm x 80h cm
18,5 in x 18,5 in x 31,5h in
Literature
Quaderni di Fontana Arte 1 (1962) p. 83;
Laura Falconi Fontana Arte una storia trasparente Skira Milano 1998 p. 117;
Giuliana Gramigna Repertorio 1950-2000 Allemandi Torino 2003 p. 39;
Charlotte & Peter Fiell 1000 lights 1960 to present Taschen Cologne 2005 p. 512;
Pierre-Emmanuel Martin-Vivier Max Ingrand du verre à La Lumière Norma Editions Paris 2009 p. 208.
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.
