BIANCONI, FULVIO (Italian, 1915-1996)

In 1948, glass designer and caricaturist Fulvio began work at Venini's glassworks. Thanks to Bianconi’s outstanding creativity, Venini's postwar recovery was remarkable. Bianconi stayed connected to Venini until the 1990s, although he occasionally designed for other glassworks during this time, such as Cenedese, Mazzega, Vistosi, Galliano Ferro and under his own name. This way he was able to create his 'own' designs, by-passing Paolo Venini. Where Carlo Scarpa's designs epitomised classical elegance, Fulvio Bianconi represented exploding creativity. The very best 'Bianconi' years were 1948 - 1957.
There can be little doubt that Fulvio Bianconi remains the leading figure in the Venini 'cult'. This is especially evident in his fazzoletto (handkerchief vase) and the pezzato (patchwork). But his other works are also truly wonderful: scozzese (scottish), forato (hole), fasce (bands) for example. His unique pieces include his torsi, mermaids, commedia dell'Arte figurines, his clowns, and his rete (nets).