This third chapter in the cycle exploring Murano glass at the Venetian event focuses on the decade from 1948 to 1958 — from the resumption of Biennale activities after the end of the Second World War through the entire 1950s. Once again hosted inside the Padiglione Venezia, the glass exhibitions held during this period reflected the renewed vitality of Murano’s production through the works of several “historic” glassworks, newly founded ateliers, and individual artists presenting under their own name. For Murano, this decade marked an exceptionally fertile season, in tune with the cultural dynamism of the economic boom and with the rise of design culture.

Historic glassworks played a central role, including Venini, with works by Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini; Barovier & Toso, with Ercole Barovier; Seguso Vetri d’Arte, with Flavio Poli; Aureliano Toso, with Dino Martens; Fratelli Toso, with Ermanno Toso; and AVEM, with experiments by Giulio Radi, Giorgio Ferro, and Anzolo Fuga, as well as the engraving firm S.A.L.I.R. The Venice Pavilion also showcased newer furnaces, such as Gino Cenedese, and workshops founded by master glassmakers like Alfredo Barbini and Archimede Seguso. At the same time, several artists, including Ezio Rizzetto, Anzolo Fuga, and especially Vinicio Vianello, a leading member of the Spatialist movement, developed a distinctive interest in glass as a medium, using it as a tool for expressive exploration.

The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue, edited by Marino Barovier and Carla Sonego, which illustrates the works presented in those Biennale editions through period documents.

View the catalogue