Renato Toso

RENATO TOSO (Murano, 1940) for Leucos.
Pendant lamp "Melania", 1968.
Glass, black outside, white inside.
Measurements: 20 cm. x 65 cm. x 65 cm. x 65 cm.

This Melaina ceiling lamp was designed by Renato Toso and produced by Leucos in 1968. It has a thick conical glass shade, with a glossy black exterior, white interior and a transparent border around the end. This combination of colors gives a special, screened illumination. It is possible to adjust the angle of the lamp with the steel rod.

Italian designer and architect Renato Toso is known for his mid-century modern Murano glass pendant lights and sconces. His designs have a retro chic appeal characterized by soft curves and a natural elegance. He founded the design firm Toso, Massari & Associates, with his wife, designer Giovanna Noti Massari. He was born in 1940 in Murano, Italy. Murano is a Venetian island with a long glassmaking tradition. Both Toso and Massari studied architecture in Venice and founded Toso, Massari & Associati in 1966. The studio has designed collections for the historic lighting manufacturer Vistosi, one of Murano's most prominent glassmakers. The studio has won first place in several design competitions and exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale, the XII Milan Triennale and the Trieste National Design Competition. Its work has been exhibited at the Louvre in Paris, the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Palazzo Grassi in Venice.