Topic: Alfredo Barbini

[paradisetrader]

I bought this bowl some years ago.
Back then I didn't take much notice of designers etc but I have found in my records that this was "attributed" to Alfredo Barbini.

Now when I hear Barbini I think of bright colors and bullicante ....this has neither. It's a very subtle piece with a very light scattering og gold dust all over the inside of the bowl. I was not very impressed with it when it arrived and it has been hidden away until a few of months ago.
Now I have developed a special affection for this understated charms.
My appreciation seems to be undergoing a full about turn !

Are Barbini the man and Barbini the firm so different in style ?
Is this indeed by him ?
How can one tell ? ....by previously known / labelled ? works ?
Which firm might he have been working with at the time he made it ?
Does that even matter, if indeed this piece is by the esteemed maestro  ?
Thank you
Peter

(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b306/Glassmessages/studio015.jpg)

[svazzo]

Hi Peter!
YUP! It is Barbini.
I actually collect this shape They are pictured in the Barbini catalogue for Weil Ceramics & Glass. The catalogue I have is from the 60's.
Javier

[chuggy]

Yep definitely Alfredo Barbini and becoming increasingly difficult to find, I reckon Javier must be hoovering them all up.
Paul

[paradisetrader]

Thank you Javier & Chuggy
Well I am surprised to have such an easy ID !!!
Seems I did something right (by mistake) in my early collecting career ....hmmm all of about 3 years ago now !!!

If the 60s then it would have long after he left Cenedese to form Vetreria Alfredo Barbini (1950) and it would seem that the company made items for more of an Art market as well as for the tourist / gift trade.

Do Weill have a reputation for dealing in higher end Art Glass or did they also cover the whole spectrum ?

A facinating viewpoint from the Maestro himself
http://www.olnickspanu.com/About/Barbini1.html

[svazzo]

Yep definitely Alfredo Barbini and becoming increasingly difficult to find, I reckon Javier must be hoovering them all up.
Paul

LOL, well not ALL of them but a few, hehe.
I have about 8 with matching lighters, and 4 "extra" ones. I am always looking to match up the pieces like they are in the catalogue just something I like doing specially since thats how they were originally pictured.

As far as Weil Ceramics and Glass selling "high end" pieces or "tourist" stuff, I would say they did everything. I have some very nice pieces with the label, but also the ashtray sets and small dishes that are very common.
They also sold the "svazzo" figures that are amazing to me. So yea I would say that was high end too!
Javier