Continuing along the trail of Italian design history's most influential personages, a name which surely stands out, especially in the field of glass design is that of the late Roberto Sambonet, who died recently. An eclectic individual, Sambonet was before all else, an artist. His portraits and other works are featured in exhibits which cover half the world. An accomplished graphic and industrial designer, as well as painter, Sambonet personally and professionally contributed much to many.

Education and Evolution

Having completed architectural studies in Milano, Sambonet was part of the first post-war group of Milanese avant-gardists calling themselves "Picassians". After ten years' experience in Brazil, he returned to open a studio in Italy where he met Alvar Aalto, with whom he formed a life-long friendship and professional collaboration.

Jewels for Tiffany's

In addition to intensive cultural involvement, Sambonet worked as a consultant for large retail operations such as La Rinascente, Italy's largest department store, going on to design glass and chrystal for Baccarat, Seguso, Murano and Sambonet Spa, jewels for Tiffany, and porcelain for Bing & Grondhal as well as for Richard Ginori. He served as graphic consultant for many prominent companies like Pirelli, Alfa Romeo, Renault, Touring Club Italiano, and Tokyo's huge department store chain, Tobu.

SAMBONET, a biography of the prominent 20th-century designer, published by Federico Motta Editore, Milano,1994, features passages of Sambonet's own thoughts on his life and works.