
Pietro Chiesa (1892 – 1948) was an Italian furniture, glassware, and lighting designer born in Milan. His contributions to the field, especially through his association with Fontana Arte alongside designers Gio Ponti and Max Ingrand, continue to inspire contemporary designers and enthusiasts of modernist aesthetics.
Early Life and Education
Born in Milan, Chiesa’s artistic journey began with studies in Grenoble and Turin. His early exposure to diverse cultural and artistic milieus laid the groundwork for his future innovations. He apprenticed under Giovanni Battista Gianotti, a multifaceted artist known for painting, furniture design, and decoration. This apprenticeship honed Chiesa’s skills and fostered his appreciation for craftsmanship and artistic detail.
The Birth of Bottega di Pietro Chiesa
In 1921, Chiesa opened the Bottega di Pietro Chiesa in Milan, a studio hub for creative experimentation and high-quality craftsmanship. His involvement in founding Il Labirinto in 1927, alongside prominent figures like Gio Ponti, Michele Marelli, Tomaso Buzzi, Emilio Lancia, and Paolo Venini, marked a significant step in his career. Il Labirinto was renowned for producing exquisite glassware that combined traditional techniques with modernist aesthetics.

Fontana Arte and Artistic Innovation
Chiesa’s collaboration with Gio Ponti and Luigi Fontana led to the founding of Fontana Arte in 1933. This partnership transformed Fontana Arte into a leading name in artistic glass production. As artistic director, Chiesa was instrumental in developing innovative designs that pushed the boundaries of glass as a material. His work at Fontana Arte included creating iconic pieces like the 1936 Luminator floor lamp, a polished brass masterpiece known for its simplicity and elegance.
Exhibitions and Recognition
Throughout his career, Chiesa’s work was showcased in numerous prestigious exhibitions, including the Esposizione Triennale delle Arti Decorative e Industriali Moderne (Biennali di Monza) and the Biennale di Venezia. His participation in the 1925 Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes and the 1929-30 Exposicion Internacional de Barcelona further cemented his reputation as a leading designer.
Legacy and Influence
His enduring fascination with glass best encapsulates Chiesa’s legacy. His mastery in crafting glass furnishings and lighting fixtures left an indelible mark on the design world. In a tribute article by Gio Ponti in Domus magazine, Ponti lauded Chiesa’s relentless pursuit of perfection and quality. Chiesa’s ability to blend the inherent qualities of glass with modernist design principles created functional and aesthetically striking pieces.
Fontana Arte’s “Pietro Chiesa” table lamp, characterized by coloured convex mirrored glass and brass, exemplifies his innovative approach. His creations, such as the Fontana table made from a single band of bent clear glass, the Cartoccio vase, and the lacquered brass Luminator floor lamp, continue to be celebrated for their modernity and timeless elegance.
Conclusion
Pietro Chiesa’s contribution to the decorative arts transcends mere aesthetics; his work represents a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. His legacy lives on through Fontana Arte’s continued influence in the design world and the enduring appeal of his masterpieces.
Sources
Byars, M. (1994). The Design Encyclopedia. United Kingdom: Wiley.
Deboni, F. (2013). Fontana arte. Gio Ponti, Pietro Chiesa, Max Ingrand. Ediz. multilingue. Italy: Allemandi.
John Baptist Gianotti. (August 22, 2021). Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia . Taken on December 31, 2022, 04:37 from //it.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Giovanni_Battista_Gianotti&oldid=122596764.
Ricke, H., Schmitt, E. (1997). Italian glass, Murano, Milan, 1930-1970: the collection of the Steinberg Foundation. Germany: Prestel.