In 1933, a department specialized in modern furnishings was created, named FontanaArte. Initially directed by Ponti, leadership soon passed to Pietro Chiesa at Ponti’s suggestion. Chiesa skillfully guided it to the top of the global industry until his untimely death in 1948. A wide variety of items were created: furniture, plates, boxes, picture holders, frames, mirrors, sculptures, stained glass, often designed by the most famous artists. But it was especially in lighting fixtures that FontanaArte proved to be extraordinarily avant-garde, with models of pure rationalism, masterfully executed by making the best use of all the crystal-working techniques most suited to it.

FontanaArte has a strong presence at the Triennale exhibition, featuring objects by Ponti and Chiesa

For the first time, the FontanaArte brand brings to the Triennale a collection of objects designed by Ponti and Chiesa. In particular, Chiesa challenges traditional aesthetic canons by presenting a series of modular table lamps with opaline tubes framed by a metal structure. In the emerging design scene of Milan, the bond between the company and the city grows stronger, with Milan increasingly viewing FontanaArte as an ambassador of new creative ideas.