Aureliano Toso Vetri Decorativi 1932–

Founded in 1938 by Aureliano Toso, Aureliano Toso Vetri Decorativi boasted the artistic direction of Dino Martens, a painter from Murano, who worked with the company until 1965. The works created by Martens brought widespread acclaim at the major exhibitions of decorative arts, the colors being of particular interest. In 1962, the company sought the collaboration of outside consultants like Enrico Potz. After 1966, the artistic direction was entrusted to Gino Poli, who designed, among others, the collection A Solchi Colorati. Later, the company turned to the production of glass parts for lighting, which it still produces today.

Photograph by Luca Vignelli
Anzolo Fuga, Aureliano Toso Vetri Decorativi, ca. 1968
Anzolo Fuga
Fiori, ca. 1968

Anzolo Fuga   FioriAureliano Toso Vetri Decorativi, ca. 1968

A group of six flowers made in transparent glass. All decorated with murrine and multicolored glass canes. Each flower sits on a metal base that emulates leaves and stems.These flowers are prototypes and were never produced.

14 5/16 in. to 18 3/4 in. high
(36.4 to 47.6 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:
Howard J. Lockwood, 2000, cover;
Olnick Spanu, 2000, n. 144;
Olnick Spanu, 2001, n. 182.

Photograph by Luca Vignelli
Dino Martens, Aureliano Toso Vetri Decorativi, ca. 1950
Dino Martens
A macie, ca. 1950

Dino Martens   A macieAureliano Toso Vetri Decorativi, ca. 1950

Vase in clear trasparente glass
with inclusions of blue glass grit.

13 in. high (33 cm)

Exhibitions:
2001, Milan, Murano: Vetri dalla Collezione Olnick Spanu, Spazio Oberdan.

Bibliography and comparative texts:
M. Heiremans, 1993, n. 153;
M. Heiremans, 1996, n. 77;
M. Heiremans, 1999, nn. 16, 18;
Olnick Spanu, 2001, n. 150.

Photograph by Luca Vignelli
Dino Martens, Aureliano Toso Vetri Decorativi, ca. 1950
Dino Martens
A macie, ca. 1950

Dino Martens   A macieAureliano Toso Vetri Decorativi, ca. 1950

Vase in clear trasparente glass with inclusions of ruby glass grit.

11 7/16 in. high (29 cm)

Exhibitions:
2001, Milan, Murano: Vetri dalla Collezione Olnick Spanu, Spazio Oberdan.

Bibliography and comparative texts:
M. Heiremans, 1993, n. 153;
M. Heiremans, 1996, n. 77;
M. Heiremans, 1999, nn. 16, 18;
Olnick Spanu, 2001, n. 149.

Photograph by Luca Vignelli
Dino Martens, Aureliano Toso Vetri Decorativi, 1952
Dino Martens
Oriente, 1952

Dino Martens   OrienteAureliano Toso Vetri Decorativi, 1952

Vessel from the Oriente series. This model is also known as Nabucco. Made with irregular patches of multicolored glass, inclusions of avventurina and canes of zanfirico and reticello.

This vessel
conforms with model n. 3121 of
the manufacturer’s catalogue.
8 1/4 in. high (21 cm)
Exhibitions:
1952, Venice, 26th Biennale Internazionale d’Arte;
2000, New York, Venetian Glass, Museum of Arts & Design;
2001, Milan, Murano: Vetri dalla Collezione Olnick Spanu, Spazio Oberdan.

Bibliography and comparative texts:
Mille anni…, 1982, n. 615;
Intérieurs ’50, 1983, n. 137;
W. Neuwirth, 1987, n. 95;
M. Heiremans, 1989, n. 136;
R. Barovier Mentasti, 1992, n. 104;
M. Heiremans, 1993, nn. 155, 157, 161, 162;
M. Barovier, 1994, nn. 27-29;
Venezia e la Biennale…, 1995, n. 486;
F. Deboni, 1996, nn. 152, 153;
M. Heiremans, 1996, nn. 122-124;
H. Ricke, E. Schmitt, 1996, nn. 203-206;
L. M. Barbero, 1997, p. 231;
M. Barovier, 1999, p. 217;
M. Heiremans, 1999, n. 57b;
Olnick Spanu, 2000, n. 110-111;
Olnick Spanu, 2001, n. 148.

Photograph by Luca Vignelli
Dino Martens, Aureliano Toso Vetri Decorativi, 1952
Dino Martens
Oriente, 1952

Dino Martens   OrienteAureliano Toso Vetri Decorativi, 1952

Vessel from the Oriente series. This model, also known as Olaf, made with irregular patches of multicolored glass, inclusions of avventurina and canes of zanfirico and reticello.

Vessel conforms with model n. 3122 of the manufacturer’s catalogue.
14 in. high (35.5 cm)
Exhibitions:
1952, Venice, 26th Biennale Internazionale d’Arte;
2000, New York, Venetian Glass, Museum of Arts & Design;
2001, Milan, Murano: Vetri dalla Collezione Olnick Spanu, Spazio Oberdan.

Bibliography and comparative texts:
Mille anni…, 1982, n. 615;
Intérieurs ’50, 1983, n. 137;
W. Neuwirth, 1987, n. 95;
M. Heiremans, 1989, n. 136;
R. Barovier Mentasti, 1992, n. 104;
M. Heiremans, 1993, nn. 155, 157, 161, 162;
M. Barovier, 1994, nn. 27–29;
Venezia e la Biennale…, 1995, n. 486;
F. Deboni, 1996, nn. 152, 153.
M. Heiremans, 1996, nn. 122-124;
H. Ricke, E. Schmitt, 1996, nn. 203-206;
L.M. Barbero, 1997, p. 231;
M. Barovier, 1999, p. 217;
M. Heiremans, 1999, n. 43;
Olnick Spanu, 2000, n. 110-111;
R. Reif, New York Times, 2000, p. 39;
Olnick Spanu, 2001, n. 147.