Alfredo Barbini, born in 1912 in Venice, started working in glassmaking at a very young age and after a short apprenticeship, he came to work side by side with the sculptor Napoleone Martinuzzi at the Zecchin-Martinuzzi glasshouse.

The young Alfredo quickly showed an aptitude for glassblowing and above all a talent for modeled figures. He will later himself say that he felt his hand guided by an inner force in the execution of the objects. The collaboration with Martinuzzi lasted until 1936 and is crucial to his artistic education, and it was here that he had the privilege of participating in the work on the design of the first hot glass mass sculptures designed by Martinuzzi.

Alfredo's strong personality does not lend itself well to working under someone else's direction, so he opens his own glass booth and presents his own designs at the 1950 Biennale di Venezia. With curiosity and creativity, he continues his innovative exploration of plastic effects with glass and new techniques. Over time, he tends to prefer increasingly pure forms and materials.

As the true glass sculptor that he is, throughout his highly productive career he continues to explore new materials and techniques, his contribution to the art of glass cannot be overstated. Some of the awards he has received include the "Osella d'Oro" from Venice's Associazione degli Industriale and Alfredo Barbini was named Venetian of the Year in 1989.

After his death in 2007, Alfredo Barbini's Murano glass and sculptures continue to influence artists and designers worldwide.