Aldo Londi Folk Art
Master Italian ceramist Aldo Londi created a range of decorative objects in the latter half of the 20th century for the manufacturer Bitossi. In addition to the small-scale animal sculptures for which he is best known, Londi designed a variety of ceramics for the famed company that includes vases, bowls and desk accessories. Collectors know that vintage Aldo Londi pottery is marked by deep attention to detail and an integration of rich, alluring hues typically associated with the Mediterranean.
Londi was born in Montelupo Fiorentino, just outside of Florence, an area that has been known for its pottery since the Renaissance. Londi showed an early interest in the craft, apprenticing at the Fratelli Fanciullacci ceramic workshop when he was only 11 years old. He worked at the company until he left to fight in World War II. After returning to Montelupo Fiorentino in 1946, Londi became the creative director at Bitossi — a position he held for more than 50 years.
Londi's fresh and unique style breathed new life into Bitossi. He prioritized the production of high-quality and handmade decorative objects and created many of Bitossi's pottery lines himself. The most famous of Londi's Bitossi collections is the Rimini Blu line of animals and vases, which debuted in 1955. The collection is characterized by geometric and whimsical patterns and is recognizable for its marvelous blue color.
Londi's fame and popularity extended outside of Italy with the help of Raymor. The American import and distribution company introduced many esteemed Italian manufacturers such as Bitossi to boutiques and department stores in the United States. After Raymor founder Irving Richards hired Ettore Sottsass to design ceramics, Richards connected his new recruit to Londi. Decades before he founded a legendary postmodern design collective in Milan called the Memphis Group, Sottsass used the Bitossi kilns to create timeless works that manifest both primitive forms and modern geometries.
In 2021, Bitossi opened the Bitossi Archive Museum at its Montelupo Fiorentino headquarters. Many of the works designed by the company's most esteemed contributor and artistic director, Aldo Londi, are proudly displayed.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Aldo Londi serveware, lighting, decorative objects and more.
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aldo Londi Folk Art
Ceramic, Pottery
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aldo Londi Folk Art
Ceramic, Pottery
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aldo Londi Folk Art
Ceramic, Pottery
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Aldo Londi Folk Art
Stoneware
1960s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Aldo Londi Folk Art
Clay, Stoneware
2010s Italian Modern Aldo Londi Folk Art
Ceramic
1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aldo Londi Folk Art
Plaster
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Aldo Londi Folk Art
Ceramic
1960s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aldo Londi Folk Art
Pottery
2010s Italian Modern Aldo Londi Folk Art
Ceramic
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Aldo Londi Folk Art
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Aldo Londi Folk Art
Ceramic
19th Century American Antique Aldo Londi Folk Art
Pottery
Early 1900s English Chinese Export Antique Aldo Londi Folk Art
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Aldo Londi Folk Art
Stoneware, Pottery
Mid-19th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Aldo Londi Folk Art
Ceramic
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aldo Londi Folk Art
Ceramic, Pottery
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aldo Londi Folk Art
Ceramic
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aldo Londi Folk Art
Stoneware
