Our history

1956

Renato Bisazza

In 1956 Renato Bisazza established his mosaic manufacturing business in Alte (Vicenza) and called it Vetricolor, also the name of the first standard production tile manufactured during that time – a tiny square of colored glass (measuring 20x20mm) that went on to become legendary for the company. This visionary approach led the founder to create a new product for interior and exterior decoration, utilizing industrial manufacturing systems, while maintaining the artistic workmanship typical of the mosaic tradition. During the 1960s, glass mosaic proved to be the perfect material for cladding the exterior of
buildings, thanks to the extremely high degree of weatherproofing it offers. Some of the most high-profile jobs included cladding the facades of public, residential and
commercial buildings in Italy and France.

1970

Innovation

Ongoing technical research goes hand-in-hand with an increase in the company’s production capacity. Continuous electric furnaces, able to operate 24 hours a day, became available in the 1970s and were brought in to replace the company’s methane gas batch furnaces. This innovative move was a major landmark in the company’s progress toward industrial production; with it came extensive expansion into Europe and the Far East.

1980

New markets

The 1980s usher in a significant diffusion of mosaics on an international scale. Markets in Africa and the Middle East are growing rapidly and it is precisely from here that the largest orders arrive. The domes of mosques are decorated with gold mosaic tiles and friezes, crafted in the traditional opus tessellatum artistic technique. The first Bisazza branch opens in Hong Kong.

1989

Bisazza Spa

In 1989 the company officially changes its name from Vetricolor to Bisazza S.p.A. It is during the 1990s that Bisazza mosaics break into the field of private and public interior decor. Detailed focus on product quality, design research and ongoing expansion of its collections turn Bisazza products into increasingly sophisticated decorative items, capable of revolutionizing the world of interior design. A period of formidable expansion begins in the American market with the opening of a branch in the United States, and is followed by the opening of a branch in India.

1995

Alessandro Mendini

From 1995 to 1999 Alessandro Mendini serves as the company’s Art Director. Under his direction, mosaics gain immense visibility. Mendini uses them in architectural projects, in public spaces and in venues with a cultural focus, like the Groninger Museum in Holland, the Louisiana Museum in Denmark, the Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain in Paris, the Casino in Arosa (Switzerland), the Maghetti District in Lugano, and the subway stations in Naples (2001-2004).During his tenure, Alessandro Mendini also puts his signature on Bisazza’s first showroom in Milan (Casa Bisazza) and later in New York. In 1996 he curates the Artinmosaico show in Naples, for which mosaic works and objects by a roster of famous artists were commissioned: Michael Graves, Isao Hosoe, Javier Mariscal and Oscar Tusquets. In 1997 he designs the first pieces for Mobili per Uomo (Furniture for Man), a collection of nine oversized sculptures completely covered with 24 k gold mosaic tiles, that later become part of the FONDAZIONE BISAZZA permanent collection.

2000

The 2000's

In 2000, Piero Bisazza is named CEO of Bisazza S.p.A. During this period sales branches are opened in France, Great Britain, Spain, the Philippines, Australia, Germany and Russia. From 2000 to 2003 the position of Art Director is entrusted to Fabio Novembre. For the first time, Bisazza mosaics blaze the trail into new territory. Novembre designs shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels, installations of striking visual impact and mosaic decor in a modern and innovative style that express his unique, remarkable creative inspiration.

2002

Flagship Stores Opening Collaboration with Designers

The company’s decision to implement direct distribution leads to the opening of monobrand stores in the major design cities around the world: Milano (2002) New York (2003) Berlin (2003) London (2005), Paris and Barcelona (2006), Los Angeles and Miami (2009). Following Fabio Novembre’s art direction, the company decides to engage big names from the fields of architecture and design who take their turn working with mosaics: Tord Boontje, Aldo Cibic, Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel, Sandro Chia, Carlo Dal Bianco, Tom Dixon, Romeo Gigli, Michael Graves, Jaime Hayon, Alessandro Mendini, Paola Navone, Nendo, India Mahdavi, Fabio Novembre, Fabrizio Plessi, Andrée Putman, Ettore Sottsass, Studio Job, Patricia Urquiola, Edward Van Vliet and Marcel Wanders.

2005

Mini Wears Bisazza

In 2005 at the Salone Satellite (Salone del Mobile furniture show) the “Mini wears Bisazza” project is unveiled, an eye-catching partnership between MINI and Bisazza: five cars “dressed” with the most iconic mosaic patterns from the Bisazza collection. After the show, the project benefited from strong international media coverage as it toured with a roadshow that stopped in the hottest international design capitals.

2006

Bisazza home

In 2006, the company debuts its new Bisazza Home line, a collection of furniture and home accessories created by renowned designers: Andrée Putman, Marcel Wanders, Patricia Urquiola, Jaime Hayon, J. Mayer and Carlo Dal Bianco. Once again, thanks to their great potential for expression and their artisan properties, mosaics find a new application in these partnerships.

2011

Brand extension

In-keeping with Bisazza’s new vision to extend the brand, BISAZZA BAGNO - a new collection signed by Jaime Hayon, Marcel Wanders and Nendo, dedicated to the production and distribution of bathroom furnishing for private homes and hotels – is launched. Thanks to its luxury positioning, Bisazza mosaics are sought after by internationally-known architects who design spas, suites and swimming pools for the world’s most luxurious hotels.

2012

Fondazione Bisazza

In June of 2012 the Fondazione Bisazza is inaugurated, a new cultural space dedicated to contemporary design and architecture. In addition to a Permanent Collection of works and installations created by internationally celebrated designers for Bisazza, the Fondazione halls also host a series of temporary exhibitions from renowned institutions around the world.

2014

Bisazza wears Emilio Pucci

In 2014 the “Bisazza wears Emilio Pucci” collection makes its debut. The line includes digital patterns and limited edition artistic mosaic decorative panels inspired by historic prints from legendary fashion house EMILIO PUCCI.

2015

Cementiles

In 2015 the company further diversifies its product line, launching the Bisazza Cementiles collection, a new line featuring a contemporary, sophisticated interpretation of traditional cement tiles typically used in the palaces and mansions of nobility and the privileged classes during the second half of the 1800s and early 1900s

2016

Wood

In 2016 Bisazza has launched Wood, its first collection of decorated parquet in oak designed by Studio Job, Kiki van Eijk and Edward van Vliet.

2017

Marmo

The Bisazza flooring range now includes the new Marmo collection. With its unrivalled heritage of design and decoration, Bisazza offers a series of patterns inspired by the tradition of an eclectic use of colours for stone flooring, with a contemporary feel.

2018

The Mahdavi Collection

In 2018 Bisazza has launched a new bathroom concept by acclaimed French designer India Mahdavi as part of the BISAZZA BAGNO series. The overtly pop aesthetic, the rounded shapes and the bold use of color– pistachio, strawberry and blueberry– lend a sophisticated yet contemporary vibe to this collection.