Fontana Arte

Biography

Fontana Arte is known as one of the most influential Italian design firms. It was founded in 1932 by Luigi Fontana, who owned an eminent glass manufacturing company and Gio Ponti. The use of modern materials and industry is at the forefront of the company's philosophy. Ponti was a skilled artist as well as being editor of Domus Magazine. Glass was his most popular material, he made it a distinguishing feature in furniture, lamps and objects. Having trained as an architect, he applied his knowledge of homes in interior décor.

Not only objects for the interior, Fontana Art designed many stained-glass windows in churches and cathedrals, including the Duomo of Milan.

The company also gained a reputation for collaborating with many famous artists of the time, something which it still does to this day.