Cover photo: Historic Archive, Barovier&Toso, ph. Riccardo Petrillo
Founded in 1295 on the island of Murano, where it is still based today, Barovier & Toso is the oldest glassworks in the world. This centuries-old tradition stems from the revolutionary formula created by Angelo Barovier, which can produce highly transparent and brilliant material. Through its collections of light designs, unique objects, special editions, and bespoke projects, the brand continues the rich heritage of luxury lighting while embracing a contemporary, forward-thinking approach. Andrea Signoroni, CEO of Barovier & Toso, explains how this legacy shapes its innovation.
From 1295 to 2025, Barovier & Toso celebrates over 700 years of history. What is your relationship with tradition, and how do you innovate while honoring it?
«Barovier & Toso has a profound connection with tradition, a bond shaped by over 700 years of Murano glassmaking heritage. This legacy has never been seen as a limitation but as a foundation for continuous innovation. The company has consistently blended ancient knowledge with a modern outlook, introducing advanced techniques that enhance quality without compromising the essence of craftsmanship.
One essential aspect of this evolution is the ability to engage with contemporary design. By collaborating with renowned designers, Barovier & Toso reinterprets blown glass in original ways, creating collections that retain the charm of tradition while speaking a modern language. Innovation also means experimenting with new shapes, colors, and materials—always to advance Murano’s extraordinary glass artistry in sophisticated and unexpected ways. Our strength lies in this balance between past and future: a company that never forgets its roots while continuously reinventing itself without losing its identity».
What role does the historical archive play today?
«The historical archive of Barovier & Toso is an invaluable heritage. It is not just a collection of sketches, models, and documents but an endless source of inspiration for the present and future. Each piece reflects the evolution of taste, techniques, and experimentation that made the brand an icon of design. Today, this archive is not merely something to preserve—it is a living tool constantly consulted by designers who reinterpret tradition through a contemporary lens. Each new collection draws inspiration from historical forms, colors, and details to craft and details to craft designs that are both timely deeply relevant, and relevant—while still honoring the brand’s identity and elegance. This balance between heritage and innovation allows Barovier & Toso to carry Murano’s glassmaking tradition forward into the future».
How has luxury lighting—and the way it’s crafted—changed over time?
«From a conceptual standpoint, luxury lighting has remained fundamentally unchanged. The goal has always been to create beautiful, refined, exclusive objects that elevate and enrich spaces, regardless of era or style. While design and trends have evolved, the desire to own a unique piece crafted with artisanal mastery remains constant. Production techniques haven’t undergone radical changes either. Murano glass is still shaped by hand, relying on skills passed down through generations, using tools that have remained virtually the same for centuries. What has changed is the increased focus on quality, craftsmanship, and evolving regulations regarding workplace safety and sustainability.
Today, Barovier & Toso carry on this tradition with the same spirit, blending reverence for ancient art with a contemporary sensibility. Beauty, elegance, and exclusivity remain core values—proof that, beyond passing trends, true luxury never goes out of style».
What’s the company’s approach to environmental and technological challenges in design?
«We approach environmental and technological challenges with tangible commitment. In collaboration with the Stazione Sperimentale del Vetro di Murano and a hydrogen gas supplier, we are testing the first hydrogen-powered furnace, reducing environmental impact in the sector. We’ve already achieved significant milestones: pollutant emissions have been reduced by 99.8% thanks to new filtration systems, while a water purification and recovery system prevents polluting discharge into the lagoon. We also prioritize local raw materials and reusing production waste to reduce energy consumption. We invest in energy-efficient solutions, such as heat recovery from furnaces, and use recycled, recyclable packaging. This concrete commitment proves that luxury lighting remains authentic and exclusively sustainable without losing its essence».
How has the historic Fornace changed?
«The historic Fornace has changed very little over the centuries. The historic Fornace has changed very little over the centuries. The glassmaking process and artisan techniques remain almost untouched and have been passed down to preserve Murano’s exceptional tradition. The skill of our master glassmakers—their gestures, precision, and attention to detail—is still the heart of production. What has evolved is the organization of work and the furnace technology. Today, production is scheduled using advanced software for improved efficiency and control. Furnaces that once burned wood or coal now run on methane gas, offering a more stable and controlled process. Despite these updates, the soul of the Fornace remains: a place where fire meets craftsmanship to create timeless pieces».
What are the biggest challenges luxury lighting faces in the coming years?
«Luxury lighting must remain relevant in a rapidly evolving world, where the true concept of luxury is increasingly tied to personalization and experience. Clients no longer seek only beautiful objects—they want one-of-a-kind pieces that tell a story and blend seamlessly with their environments. This means design must become more bespoke, with greater attention to detail and lighting quality. Barovier & Toso’s challenge will be to retain our leadership in the sector while innovating without compromising our identity and artisanal heritage. As tastes and trends evolve, we’ll continue our efforts in research and experimentation to create new collections that surprise and captivate. Expanding into new markets and connecting with different cultures will offer exciting opportunities—and require us to adapt while staying true to a brand that has symbolized excellence in Murano glass for over 700 years.
In this context, the appointment of Luca Nichetto and his Studio as the company’s artistic directors also comes into play. This decision marks a significant milestone in the history of Barovier&Toso and is part of its strategic renewal journey».
