Over the course of thirty years, the American collector Carl Bellavia devoted his attention to the glass produced on the island of Murano between 1900 and 1960 and in so doing came to understand the complex field of Italian glass. While initially focused on the work of Vittorio Zecchin for both Cappellin and Venini, Bellavia encountered and appreciated works by lesser-known designers and makers. We are pleased to revisit this collection (first featured in 2020) and celebrate the trove of pre-war glass along with stellar examples from the 1950s and beyond. With an eye for both beauty and quality, the Bellavia collection demonstrates the power of collecting with an open mind.
Archimede Seguso 1909–1999
During his long life Archimede Seguso worked in many of Murano’s most important glasshouses, but he would ultimately become famous for establishing and operating his own.
At a young age Seguso became an apprentice at the Vetreria Artistica Barovier where his father was a partner. In 1933 he became a founding member and principal master blower of the Barovier Seguso Ferro firm, which would become Seguso Vetri d’Arte in 1937. Here he collaborated extensively with the young designer Flavio Poli and earned a reputation as one of the greatest master blowers on the island.
In 1946 he established his own workshop, Veteria Archimede Seguso, where he served as both designer and master blower, personally executing almost every piece produced there for more than 40 years. During this time he developed many innovative glass designs that employed complex ancient techniques, such as Filigrana and successfully re-imagined them to suit post-war tastes.
Auction Results Archimede Seguso
