Alfredo Barbini

Born in 1912 on the islands of Murano in the lagoon of Venice, Italy – Alfredo Barbini was a glass artist that was one of Murano's leading figures of the twentieth century. The Barbini family can be traced back to the XVI century of the Murano Glass industry. Known as a Venetian noble family and one of the best glass masters, whose guild received special permission to be in the Venice Golden Book, the Barbini family played active roles in Venice’s history in areas of politics, commerce, and various areas of glass production.

Barbini began his long career in 1925 at the age of 13, working in the S.A.I.A.R. Ferro Toso factory. In 1929 he joined Anonima Vetrerie e Cristallerie Murano, where he worked side by side with sculptor, Napoleone Martinuzzi, at the Zecchin-Martinuzzi furnace as a master glassblower. Barbini soon exhibited an innate propensity for modeled figures – believing that in the execution of the objects, he felt his hand to be led by an inner force. Barbini then became a master craftsman at V.A.M.S.A. (Vetreria Artistica Muranese Società Anonima). It was here that his glass sculpturing progressed to the point of working with fumato glass, where he used thick materials and particular chromatic effects.

By 1946, Barbini went on to execute works designed by painter Luigi Scarpa Croce and in the capacity of both partner and director, he moves to the new factory, Gino Cenedese & C. With financial assistance from the firm of Salviati & C., for whom he produced products, he formed in 1950 his own glass firm, Vetreria Alfredo Barbini. His firm exhibited his work at the Venice Biennales from 1950 to 1961.

Constructed during the mid-1960’s, Barbini’s furnace itself was a piece of art resembling a gothic cathedral more than a glass factory, lit through stained glass windows contrasting strong colors with light reflections. In time Alfredo introduced his son, Flavio, and his daughter, Oceania, to the art of glassmaking, leaving his whole legacy to them. 

Among numerous other honors, Barbini was awarded the "Osella d'Oro" by Venice's Associazione degli Industriale and the honorary title "Commendatore" and was named "1989 Venetian of the Year" by the Settemari Association.

Barbini died on February 13th, 2007.