Antonio Ferro

Antonio Ferro was an influential figure in the Murano glass industry, founding the furnace Arte Vetraria Muranese (A.Ve.M.) in 1932. He established this furnace along with his sons, Egidio and Ottone Ferro, as well as Galliano Ferro and Emilio Nason. The new furnace emerged after the liquidation of the previous glassmaking company, Successori Andrea Rioda. A.Ve.M. became known for its innovative glassware designs, which were often characterized by their lightness and purity of form, especially in its early production years.

The company gained recognition with contributions from artists such as Vittorio Zecchin, who designed many of its first pieces. Giulio Radi, who joined as art director in 1939, played a significant role in pushing the technical boundaries of Murano glass, experimenting with the use of metal oxides, gold, and silver powders. The company's artistic peak was from the 1940s to the 1960s, and it was well-represented at prestigious exhibitions like the Venice Biennale.

Antonio's legacy continued through his sons and other partners, shaping A.Ve.M. into a significant player in the Murano glass scene, known for works such as the "Bizantino" series and other distinctive pieces that utilized techniques like pulegoso glass, which was characterized by its bubbled texture and thick materials, creating a unique aesthetic.