Marcello Fantoni: Tips for picking up Mid Century ceramics in Florence, Italy?  

With Italy I always had the impression design was/is an export product. It seemed to me there is little to be found in the country it self.

But I could be wrong of course!

You could be right, I believe Raymor was the biggest exporter of Marcello Fantoni ceramics, transporting wares to America as early as the 1950s. In fact some of his most daring cubist sculptural works could be bought from Macy's, the mainstream department store in New York, of all places!

I was hoping there would be a specialist dealer or studio outlet I might have missed...

I think the north would me more easy to find these pieces, for instance Milan.

These regions are more industrial and richer in economy.

I would visit Firenze or Florence certainly as it's a beautiful city, but would recommend widening your search to neighboring regions.

When I travelled Italy, I did stumble upon a lot of antique murano chandeliers, beautiful simple designs in

blown glass. I think lighting is easier to score.

Good luck!