Flânerie in the design backstage: Dreaming in glass

Given that glass needs to be burned at an approximate temperature of 1300 degrees celsius there is a likelihood that these beginnings went slightly differently. Nonetheless, the researches conducted prove that the art of glass was born and refined to an art in this region before it was adopted in Egypt, Greece, Rome, etc.  The technique evolved over hundreds of centuries and today glass can be moulded, blown, cast, and pressed. If you vary the temperature or the composition you will get opaque, transparent, translucent, or colored glass.

My first encounter with the marvellous qualities of glass was in a furnace on the isle of Murano where my parents had brought me as a child. I was taken aback by the transformation of this liquid substance happening before my eyes through the sheer force of the Maestro’s breath. The blown glass technique consists in blowing in the liquid through a cane in order to give it the desired shape that can vary from a simple form in a mould to the most intricate sculptures. It dates back to its Syrian beginnings but was developed by the Romans and quickly spread around their immense empire. It is a crucial turning point as it allows quicker and sharper production. 

Since the 13th-century glass is at home in Venice where safely placed on the isle of Murano, the Maestri perfected the blowing technique to an art.

After two years he returned to his native Oklahoma never to work with glass again. His glassworks are therefore rare and full of poetry like my favorite pieceCappello del Doge(the Doge’s hat) inspired by the eponymous hat worn by thechief magistrates of Venice. They exist in a variety of colors and are impressive by their candor despite using complex techniques for the contrast between opacity and translucent glass as well as the asymmetrical shape.

It seems fascinating to me that looking at the history of glass involves taking a dive into the history of art but also architecture, economy, science, and even politics. The triumph of glass is as discreet as it is ubiquitous. ‘Glass is, in general, the enemy of secrets’ said Walter Benjamin about the ambivalence of the material. Indeed, through these objects, one can perceive how glass, transparent and particularly difficult to master, has challenged and inspired the most creative minds. 

Next time you raise your glass or look through the window, think about the Phoenician sailors.