Barbini Glass Identification Guide

Alfredo Barbini began learning the art of glass making in 1912, aged ten, at Abate Zanetti, the design school attached to the Murano Glass museum. He then went on to work for Ferro Toso, Cristalleria Murano, Zecchin-Martinuzzi, Seguso Vetri'dArte and Vetri Artistici Muranesi Societa Anonima. In 1946 he became a partner at Cenedese, and then began Barbini Glassworks in 1950. Some financial assistance for setting up the factory was provided by Salviati. In exchange, Barbini supplied Salviati with some of the glassware they produced. This explains why some known Barbini designs can be found with Salviati labels. Barbini has become renowned for his heavy, thick sculptural forms which have won him many awards. In 1952 Alfredo's daugher Oceania Barbini-Moretti joined the glassworks and became the company's sales manager. His son Flavio became a designer for the firm in 1968.

Sources: 20th Century Factory Glass by Lesley Jackson.

Barbini Marks & Labels

Alfredo Barbini Murano glass foil label.

"Alfredo Barbini, Murano" blue & silver circular foil label. Used during the 1950's.

"Venetian, Made by Alfredo Barbini For Weil Ceramics & Glass, Murano, Italy" gold & red oval scalloped foil label. Circa 1960's.

Stock label found on Barbini glass. Circa 1950's/60's.

"Barbini, Made in Italy" black & clear rectangular plastic label. Used from the late 1970's.

"Barbini, Murano" black & white rectangular paper label. Age unknown but style matches plastic label from 1980's or later.

"Barbini, Murano" black & clear rectangular plastic label. Used from 1980's or 1990's to present.

"Barbini, Murano" white & clear rectangular plastic label. Used from 1980's or 1990's to present.

"Barbini Murano" signature. In use since the 1970's.

"A. Barbini" signature. In use during the 1980's.

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