refinement and imagination in Italian design. In the
post-World War II period, Fontana Arte would be a
leader in the Italian design revolution, which would
reinforce democracy in that country. Five hundred
sixty-two illustrations, on 336 pages, document the
firm's splendid objects, from chandeliers to lamps,
consoles, boxes and mirrors.
Bernd Goeckler, the twentieth century decorative arts
antiquaire and curator, provides a Foreword which
recounts the exquisite collection of Fontana Arte
lighting and other objects amassed by Franco Deboni
as well as Goeckler's own pleasure in buying, living
with and selling Fontana Arte objects. The publishers,
Allemandi & Cie, have chosen beautiful end papers,
excellent proportions, fine color reproduction,
mercifully readable type and classic curatorial layout,
all executed at their premises in Turin, Italy.
Three great men form Fontana
Arte's compelling artistic narrative
of twentieth century modern
design, spanning the first real
decade of the century, the 1920s,
through the 1960s. They would
all, one after the other, be artistic
directors of Fontana Arte, one of
history's most noteworthy glass
Max Ingrand, lacqured metal table lamp, c. 1963
HYLAND
