Rare Postwar Italian Ceramics Showcased in Albuquerque

Clay + Coda gallery in Old Town features iconic Rimini Blu pieces and Venetian glass from the 1950s-1970s.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 3:08pm

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A new exhibition at The Sagrada by Clay + Coda in Albuquerque's Old Town neighborhood is offering a rare look at postwar Italian ceramics, including iconic Rimini Blu pieces designed by Aldo Londi. The show also features Venetian glassworks from the same era, providing a comprehensive overview of mid-century Italian design.

Why it matters

New Mexico is renowned for its own rich ceramic heritage, so opportunities to see great ceramic design from other parts of the world are relatively limited. This exhibition at Clay + Coda gives local art and design enthusiasts a chance to appreciate the artistry and innovation of postwar Italian ceramics, which had a major influence on global design trends.

The details

The exhibition, titled 'Italia: Postwar Ceramics', features a selection of pieces designed by Aldo Londi for the Tuscan manufacturer Bitossi, including his famous Rimini Blu collection known for its distinctive turquoise-ultramarine glazes and textured surfaces. Londi's ceramic sculptures, inspired by African, Etruscan and cubist art, are displayed alongside Venetian glassworks from the same era, providing a comprehensive look at mid-century Italian design.

  • The exhibition is on view from February 22 to April 11, 2026.
  • Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

The players

Aldo Londi

An Italian ceramicist known for his raw, modern forms inspired by African, Etruscan and cubist art. He created the iconic Rimini Blu collection for Tuscan manufacturer Bitossi starting in 1955.

Clay + Coda

A vintage design gallery in Albuquerque's Old Town neighborhood that is hosting the 'Italia: Postwar Ceramics' exhibition.

Luca Londi

The son of Aldo Londi, who has written a biography about his father's fascinating life and artistic career.

Archimede Seguso

A Murano glass maestro whose sensual clam shell paperweight is included in the exhibition alongside the Londi ceramics.

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What they’re saying

“There was no end to fights with the Raphaelesque artists, the ones who painted even the tiniest details with their fine-tipped paintbrushes.”

— Luca Londi, Son of Aldo Londi

What’s next

The exhibition at The Sagrada by Clay + Coda will be on view through April 11, 2026.

The takeaway

This exhibition provides a rare opportunity for Albuquerque art and design enthusiasts to appreciate the innovation and artistry of postwar Italian ceramics, which had a significant influence on global design trends but are often overshadowed by the region's rich local ceramic heritage.