Since the XVI Century, an engraved monogram and coat of arms on a crystal piece have been a sign of distinction for many aristocratic families. I create them just like in the past. Following the same careful techniques and with my expertise I endeavour to satisfy the customer’s needs. Roughly speaking, a coat of arms can be described as a graphic design that can immediately and precisely bring to mind a person, a social group, or a piece of land. In-depth and careful research of several archetypal items has given me such a high degree of expertise that allows me to reproduce both heraldic elements as well as commercial trademarks. The ever-increasing use of logos has highlighted the importance of the visual impact that such designs have, especially when compared to written words or names.
The wheel engraving process of glassware and crystals is the most difficult part in the production of such materials. Its fundamental principles which go back to 1st Century A.D. have not changed since then and still require highly manual expertise, in-depth knowledge of glassware and crystals as well as abrasion. Wheels made of various materials (ceramic stone for example), different hardness degrees or grains, are used just as wheels made of copper, with different abrasive mixtures, ideal for obtaining different depths and translucent cut effects. These wheels are constructed using traditional methods and are suitable for all kinds of superficial or deep engraving. My works have preserved an antique tradition common to Ireland, Germany and Bohemia, even if little known in Italy.
The wheel engraving process of glassware and crystals is the most difficult part in the production of such materials. Its fundamental principles which go back to 1st Century A.D.
I exclusively use hand-blown crystal and glassworks which are engraved with all types of subjects like human figures, landscapes, flowers, commemorative decorations, customized decors and monograms. Art Crystal glass covers a range of unique, inimitable as well as multiple articles (manufactured following the customer’s requests).
I work in Altare, a place with a thousand-year tradition in glassware production. Altare is one of the most representative glassware centers in Europe whose importance was documented as early as the XIII Century. Glass making in Altare was at its highest in 1495, when the Guild (University) of the Glassmakers of Altare was recognised by a Royal Decree and the first charters regulating glassmakers’ rights and duties were issued. For some centuries, Altare and Murano were the most important centers for glassmaking. The decline started with the onset of internal fights and the difficult relationships with other activities in the glass sector. The Manifesto Reale (Royal Decree) of 1823 ratified the end of the Guild.
The Società Artistico Vetraria (Society of the Art of Glass) was founded in 1856. It was the first example of a collaboration between capital and labour in Italy. It ceased its activities in 1978, but during its 122 years of existence, it was a source of employment for generations of people in Altare who specialised in many fields thus becoming among the most praised glass experts in the World. Today some of the most important table glassware factories (Bormioli, Saint Gobain Glass) are located in Altare. The Museum of the Glass of Altare was established in 1984 to safeguard the old tradition of the Art of Glass. In 2005, new premises were open and they now host a unique collection of antique, modern and extremely valuable objects displayed in 12 rooms on two floors.