Barovier & Toso lighting

The Barovier family of Venetian glassmakers can trace their history back to the 13th century, and in 1884, Giovanni (1839 - 1908) together with nephews Benedetto (1857-1930), Giuseppe (1863-1942) and Benvenuto (1855-1932), all members of the Barovier family founded the Murano glassworks that became Artisti Barovier in 1890.

In 1919 Benvenuto's sons, Ercole (1889-1974) and Nicolo, and Giuseppe's son, Napoleone, joined the firm, creating the Vetreria Artistica Barovier, that was remarkable for its blown glass animals and murrine vases.

In 1919 Benvenuto's sons, Ercole (1889-1974) and Nicolo, and Giuseppe's son, Napoleone, joined the firm, creating the Vetreria Artistica Barovier, that became known its blown glass animals, murrine vases and, by 1929, the Primavera series of art deco style elegant vases in white glass with black handles.

Ercole Barovier took over as the artistic director of the company after World War I and more... the company was renamed Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C. he was able to innovate and create new chemical formulae, new colours and improved methods to manufacture glass.

The company merged with Ferro, Seguso and Toso in 1936 and in 1939 was renamed Barovier & Toso, remaining under the control of Ercole Barovier.

He remained the mainstay of firm until his death in 1972 when his son Angelo (1927 - 2008) took over. The company is still in operation under the control of Angelo. less...