Ermanno Toso Portrait

Ermanno Toso 1903–1973

Born on Murano, Ermanno Toso began to work at the Fratelli Toso workshop in 1924, where he was later to become a partner. In 1936, he was named artistic and marketing director of the company. During the period preceding World War II, he created thick glass pieces using traditional decorative techniques that were characterized by simple and solid shapes inspired by the Novecento style. During the ’50s, he created a collection of extraordinarily lightweight glass pieces based on a modern interpretation of classical techniques, such as filigrana and murrina. During the ’60s, his creative talent led him towards an absolute multicolored sobriety.

Photograph by Luca Vignelli
Kiku
Fratelli Toso, 1959-1960
Information
Photograph by Luca Vignelli

Ermanno Toso KikuFratelli Toso, 1959-1960

Globular glass vase crafted with aubergine and lattimo pinwheel murrine, most of which have a red glass core.

7 in. high (17.8 cm)
Exhibitions:
2000, New York, Venetian Glass, Museum of Arts & Design;
2001, Milan, Murano: Vetri dalla Collezione Olnick Spanu, Spazio Oberdan.

Bibliography and comparative texts:
M. Heiremans, 1989, nn. 163, 164;
Olnick Spanu, 2000, n. 120;
Olnick Spanu, 2001, n. 159.

Workshop
Photograph by Luca Vignelli

Fratelli Toso  1954–1982

Founded in 1854 by the brothers Ferdinando, Carlo, Liberato, Angelo, Giovanni, and Gregorio Toso, Fratelli Toso initially produced pharmaceutical bottles for domestic use. These were soon followed by reproductions of antique glass pieces. In the early 1900s, the company produced objects and chandeliers in the floral style executed with the murrine technique. In 1912 and 1914, Fratelli Toso obtained great success at the Biennale di Venezia by presenting works by the Norwegian artist Hans Stoltberg Lerche. In 1934, however, a remarkable change was noted in their work presented at the Biennale di Venezia. In 1936, the artistic direction of the company was assumed by Ermanno Toso, who progressively revisited the techniques of Murano glass, reinterpreting them in a personal style. These works received widespread acclaim, especially after World War II. During the '60s and '70s, the works of Renato, Giusto and Rosanna Toso, who often used transparent glass, brought a decidedly modern look to the company. The furnace was closed in 1982.

Kiku
Fratelli Toso, 1959-1960
Photograph by Luca Vignelli
Murrine spiraliformi
Fratelli Toso, 1960-1962
Information
Photograph by Luca Vignelli

Ermanno Toso Murrine spiraliformiFratelli Toso, 1960-1962

Bowl composed of green, blue, and yellow spiraled murrine.
Original paper label: Murano Glass Made in Italy.

5 1/2 in. high (14 cm)
Exhibitions:
1962, Venice, 31st Biennale Internazionale d’Arte;
1963, Venice, Exhibition of Murano Glass, Opera Bevilacqua La Masa;
2000, New York, Venetian Glass, Museum of Arts & Design;
2001, Milan, Murano: Vetri dalla Collezione Olnick Spanu, Spazio Oberdan.

Bibliography and comparison texts:
Mostra del vetro…, 1963;
M. Heiremans, 1989, nn. 158, 159;
M. Barovier, R. Barovier Mentasti,
A. Dorigato, 1995, p. 141;
F. Deboni, 1996, n. 170;
M. Heiremans, 1996, n. 219;
M. Barovier, 1999, p. 258;
Olnick Spanu, 2000, n. 119;
Olnick Spanu, 2001, n. 158.

Workshop
Photograph by Luca Vignelli

Fratelli Toso  1954–1982

Founded in 1854 by the brothers Ferdinando, Carlo, Liberato, Angelo, Giovanni, and Gregorio Toso, Fratelli Toso initially produced pharmaceutical bottles for domestic use. These were soon followed by reproductions of antique glass pieces. In the early 1900s, the company produced objects and chandeliers in the floral style executed with the murrine technique. In 1912 and 1914, Fratelli Toso obtained great success at the Biennale di Venezia by presenting works by the Norwegian artist Hans Stoltberg Lerche. In 1934, however, a remarkable change was noted in their work presented at the Biennale di Venezia. In 1936, the artistic direction of the company was assumed by Ermanno Toso, who progressively revisited the techniques of Murano glass, reinterpreting them in a personal style. These works received widespread acclaim, especially after World War II. During the '60s and '70s, the works of Renato, Giusto and Rosanna Toso, who often used transparent glass, brought a decidedly modern look to the company. The furnace was closed in 1982.

Murrine spiraliformi
Fratelli Toso, 1960-1962