The story of Appiani begins in Treviso in 1873 and spans over a century and a half of Italian manufacturing heritage. From Graziano Appiani’s original kiln to contemporary mosaics, the brand reflects the evolution of ceramic materials, colour and production technology.
1873. A kiln and a vision
Graziano Appiani founded a business in Treviso initially producing bricks, roof tiles and architectural terracotta. Its quality brought prestigious recognition, including a gold medal at the 1900 Paris Universal Exposition, documented in the Mater Ceramica heritage archive.
1881–1906. International recognition
By the late nineteenth century, Appiani was already participating in major industrial exhibitions. After Milan in 1881 came a gold medal at the 1884 Turin exhibition, recognition in Chicago in 1893, a gold medal at the 1900 Paris Universal Exposition, and further awards at the 1906 Milan International Exhibition. Surviving diplomas and advertisements document the company’s reach far beyond the Treviso area.
1910. Colour and the culture of work
Production of coloured ceramic tiles began in 1910. Around the same period, the Eden workers’ village was established, with housing and services for factory workers. It remains a significant testimony to the relationship between industry and the social history of the Treviso area.
From red stoneware to Monopressocottura
After the Second World War, Appiani developed its red stoneware, also used in public architecture. In 1975 the Appiani 2 plant opened in Oderzo, with an innovative Monopressocottura production system: a major step in the brand’s technological evolution.
Mosaics as a specialisation
Appiani joined the Bardelli Group through ICR in 1992. Ceramic mosaic production developed from 1994, and by 2003 the business had focused on this specialisation. The mosaic tile became part of a system of tesserae, colour and compositions suited to architectural design.
A heritage to be shared
Catalogues, photographs, patents and architectural projects document a legacy that goes beyond the product. Historical collections and company records will be preserved as cultural heritage, distinct from contemporary ranges and technical sheets.
Art, design and social memory
Appiani’s heritage also belongs to the history of Italian design. From the early 1960s, the company collaborated with designers including Gio Ponti and Pompeo Pianezzola. In 1982 it took part in the experimental work of Studio Alchimia, including the Camera di Desdemona installation — an example of the dialogue between ceramics, architecture and the avant-garde.
In 1987, Appiani and Appiani 2 merged to form I.C.R. Industrie Ceramiche Riunite. In 2000 the production system was renewed, while the exhibition Appiani, vita di un'azienda 1860–2000 at Ca' Foscolo in Oderzo presented the company's heritage. Around this period Appiani also supported the restoration of the historic Teatro Eden.
These stories show that Appiani’s history is also about places, people and cultural experimentation.
Key dates
- 1873Graziano Appiani establishes the business in Treviso.
- 1900Gold medal at the Paris Universal Exposition.
- 1910Coloured ceramic tiles and development of the Eden workers' village.
- 1975Appiani 2 factory in Oderzo and Monopressocottura.
- 1992Appiani joins the Bardelli Group.
- 1994Development of ceramic mosaic production.
- 2003The production business specialises in ceramic mosaics.
Archive notes
Sources: Gruppo Bardelli’s official company history and the industrial heritage archive Mater Ceramica — Appiani.
