What comes to mind when you think of a family business? Surely, you think of knowledge passed down through generations, a tradition carefully preserved by family members… For us, we think of Barovier, a name that has been synonymous with Murano glass design since 1295. It is also one of the few companies that can boast such a long history and is the oldest operating glassworks in the world.
The Barovier family arrived in Venice from Treviso in the late 11th century. Even then, Venice was known worldwide for its glassmakers. At that time, their workshops were located in the center of Venice, but since glassmaking workshops, due to the sensitive materials and tools, were often sources of fires and other accidents, they were moved at the end of the 11th century to the island of Murano. The Barovier family moved with them, and to this day, they still have their workshop on the island of Murano.
The first recorded involvement of the Barovier family in glassmaking dates back to 1295, but their global fame was only achieved in the early 15th century. This was accomplished by Angelo Barovier, who was a great admirer of both science and art. By blending these two fields, he created many new glassmaking techniques, but he became most famous for ‘cristallino,’ a type of glass that is one of the clearest and most transparent, earning Barovier an exclusive patent from the Venetian Republic. During that time, he was recognized and placed alongside Michelangelo and Da Vinci. The patent granted Angelo Barovier the exclusive right to produce mirrors in Europe, elevating the island of Murano and Venice to the forefront of the glassmaking industry.
During the most famous period, between 1500 and 1600, three Barovier workshops were operating on Murano, completely separate from each other. The Barovier family kept pace with the times, and even the Baroque period did not surprise them, as they had to refine their precision and skills in detail. However, they remained deeply committed to preserving the family traditions and secrets that had been passed down for centuries. In the 17th century, some other countries, such as England, France, and especially Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic), caught up in glassmaking, and Bohemia became extremely popular among the high society of that time.
Danish King Frederick IV
In the 18th century, it seemed that things were once again heading in the right direction when the city of Venice gifted a collection of glass to Danish King Frederick IV, who created a special room for it. This revived the prestige of Murano glass. Unfortunately, in 1797, after Napoleon conquered Venice, all Venetian guilds were abolished, which caused the Murano glassmakers, including the Barovier family, to fall behind. This situation called for the family to find a new path.
logo Barovier&Toso
Due to the new challenges, the three separate Barovier workshops—known as Angel, Star, and Bell, which still represent the company’s emblem today—were merged into one under the name Artisti Barovier. At the same time, another Murano glassmaking family was also seeking its way back into the glassmaking elite. In 1854, six brothers of the Toso family opened a glass company that revived forgotten Renaissance glassmaking techniques, including those of the Barovier family.
During this period, the Barovier family focused primarily on design, and in 1880, they opened their doors to all artists, sculptors, architects… these collaborations remain a hallmark of the company to this day.
Ercole Barovier
The focus on design and new techniques became particularly evident in 1919 when brothers Ercole and Nicolo Barovier took over their father’s glassworks, which was then renamed ‘Vetreria Artistica Barovier.’ The following year, Ercole became the general director, allowing him to introduce new designs. Ercole was an tireless creator who constantly refined his craft, especially in the technique of glass coloring and the search for new styles.
Barovier & Toso tray, 1940
After the financial crisis of 1929, Murano suffered several closures of key glassworks, and in order to survive, many of them formed groups, including Artistica Soffiera e Vetreria – Barovier, Seguso & Ferro Toso (artistic glassblowers and glassmakers). While the Seguso glassworks later continued on its path, the Toso and Barovier families further combined their forces in 1936, officially renaming themselves Barovier & Toso just six years later, a name they still operate under today. With their combined strength, they weathered the difficult times of World War II and emerged even stronger after its end.
Having long been accustomed to adapting with the times, from Baroque to Art Deco, they quickly found their artistic path in the minimalist preferences that emerged in the mid-20th century. Due to their exceptional craftsmanship and mastery of glass design, they regained popularity among the elite. Their works are now desired in hotels like the Ritz-Carlton, Bulgari, and in prestigious stores such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Dolce & Gabbana.
Queen Elizabeth
In 1962, their reputation was further elevated by a visit from Queen Elizabeth II, which sparked even more popularity for their works. Throughout this time, Ercole Barovier remained the artistic director of the company until 1972, during which he created many acclaimed and cherished designs that the company still produces today, such as the Venezia 1295 chandelier. Ercole is thus regarded as a legend and one of the most successful Baroviers in all the centuries of their creation.
chandelier Venezia 1295
After Ercole’s era, his son Angelo took over, continuing the work of his ancestors. His most famous creation is the Taif chandelier, which was made for the King of Saudi Arabia and his new palace.
Despite the centuries that have passed for this family business, not much has changed in their work. Everything is still done by hand, and skilled artisans still spend countless hours by the blazing furnaces, transforming sand and fire into incredible glass masterpieces. Even today, in the 21st century, Barovier&Toso remains synonymous with unique works of Murano glassblowing, and they continue to uphold ancient traditions, with their works still reflecting their commitment to preserving the heritage of their ancestors.
Bring tradition, sophistication, and prestige into your home with Barovier&Toso products. Follow the link below and choose your piece!
Barovier&Toso products in the online antique store Raro antiques.