Fontana Arte, founded in 1933 by Luigi Fontana, Gio Ponti, and Pietro Chiesa, is a legendary Italian design company celebrated for its mastery of glass craftsmanship and innovation in lighting and furniture design.

The brand quickly gained an international reputation for marrying traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, becoming a symbol of refined taste and contemporary elegance.

In 1954, Max Ingrand (1908–1969), the visionary French glassmaker and decorator, became Fontana Arte’s artistic director. Bringing with him a profound expertise in stained glass and a passion for colour, Ingrand transformed the company’s creative direction.

His innovative designs combined metal and glass into elegant, refined, and often playful forms that pushed the boundaries of mid-century modern design.

During his tenure, Ingrand collaborated with artists such as Lucio Fontana and architect Roberto Menghi, fostering groundbreaking design projects that elevated Fontana Arte’s status internationally.

Iconic products from this period include the Dahlia chandelier, rare mirrors produced in the 1960s, the unique Model 1963 sconces, and the Omai table lamp, each celebrated for their balance of proportion, beauty, and technical innovation.

Ingrand’s profound understanding of light, colour, and craftsmanship made Fontana Arte a beacon of design excellence throughout the 1950s and 1960s. His signature piece, the Fontana Table Lamp, remains a best-seller more than half a century after its creation, admired for its generous, rounded lines in blown glass and multi-setting illumination.

His work continues to inf luence contemporary lighting design, embodying a unique blend of artistry and functionality that transcends time.

"Mod. 1844" Wall Light

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"Mod. 1844" Wall Light

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Biography Max Ingrand+

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