Born in Florence in 1915, Marcello Fantoni began his artistic journey in 1927 at the Porta Romana Art Institute. He then joined the Ceramic Art course taught by the artistic director of the Cantagalli factory, Carlo Guerrini.

After graduating in 1934, he started working at a factory in Perugia before settling in Florence and establishing his own ceramic workshop. His production of both series and unique pieces found success as early as 1937 during the Decorative Arts Exhibition in Florence, earning him recognition throughout Italy and beyond.

After World War II, during which the artist had joined the resistance, he resumed his creative activities with fervor, significantly expanding the output of his workshop and fostering numerous collaborations. His success grew in the 1960s and 1970s: his unique sculptures were grounded in contemporary aesthetics, combined with an innovative approach to materials, colors, and enamel, while drawing inspiration from antiquity, such as Etruscan ceramics.

In 1970, Fantoni founded a Ceramic Art School in Florence, where he taught and produced until his passing in 2011.