Aldo Londi Tables
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.
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Aldo Londi Tables
Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Aldo Londi Tables
Wrought Iron
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aldo Londi Tables
Iron
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Aldo Londi Tables
Wrought Iron
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aldo Londi Tables
Chrome
20th Century English Victorian Aldo Londi Tables
Hardwood
Early 20th Century French Arts and Crafts Aldo Londi Tables
Wrought Iron
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aldo Londi Tables
Brass
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aldo Londi Tables
Ceramic, Walnut
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aldo Londi Tables
Formica, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary European Art Nouveau Aldo Londi Tables
Marble, Iron
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Aldo Londi Tables
Metal
1870s French Aesthetic Movement Antique Aldo Londi Tables
Mahogany
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aldo Londi Tables
Goatskin, Mahogany, Walnut
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aldo Londi Tables
Ceramic
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aldo Londi Tables
Iron
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aldo Londi Tables
Ceramic, Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Aldo Londi Tables
Iron
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aldo Londi Tables
Ceramic, Wood
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aldo Londi Tables
Iron
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aldo Londi Tables
Ceramic
