History of Fontanini

The family patriarch and company founder, Emanuel Fontanini, embarked on his career of figurine crafting in 1893 as a talented 13-year-old apprentice to an artist in Bagni di Lcca, an area of Tuscany known for its great arts and crafts. Fontanini expanded his knowledge and skill in art through travels to European cities. He returned to Bagni di Lucca to launch his company in 1908, using money earned from the sale of his wares throughout the continent.

Working with the finest painters and sculptors in Tuscany, Fontanini began crafting figures and decorations of heirloom quality in a single room shop. In time, Fontanini gained recognition and acclaim for its work and Emanuele Fontanini’s sons Ugo, Mario and Aldo joined him in the business. As the family earned acclaim for fine masterpieces, the Fontaninis expanded into creating a broader selection of fine nativities and Mario took on the leadership role at Fontanini in 1936. Later, Mario’s sons Ugo, Mariano and Piero became the third generation to head up the rapidly growing enterprise. Founder and family patriarch Emanuele died in 1977 at the age of 97 with Fontanini well established and ready for continued growth. Although no longer housed in the cherished room used by Emanuele in the early 1900’s, Fontanini continues to operate in the village of its founding. Today, the namesake of his great grandfather, Emanuele, along with his brother, Stefano, have assumed the leadership roles in the family business.

It was fitting that Fontanini would distinguish itself as the premier designer and maker of heirloom quality nativities and figures; for it was in another Italian village, hundreds of years earlier, that St. Francis of Assisi introduced the celebration of Christ’s birth with a living nativity. It is also the custom of Italian families to sculpt figures of people from all walks of life as they pay homage to the newborn King. Fontanini focuses on this illustrious heritage and devotes both talent and skill to the production of their collection.