Travel Tips

Send Photo to a Friend

Masters of art

<FONT COLOR="#003366">The art of glass making in Venice is present from the beginning of Venetian history. There is proof that Venetians started working glass from the time that they settled in the islands of the lagoon to escape the barbarian invasions. They were able to create precious and unique glass pieces with their able hands, simple instruments and fire. The first artifacts of the 7th century were found in an archeological dig at Torcello, one of the first islands of the Venetian lagoon to be inhabited. The first document, which speaks of glass artisans, is of 982 AD signed by Dominicus Fiolarius, “fiola “ meaning a rounded bottle with a long neck. It is also found that in 1224 there is a guild of glass blowers and in 1271 there is a document Capitolare Fiolariis which regulates the production of glass.

Send Photo to a Friend

<FONT COLOR="#003366">The art of glass making was pasted down from father to son and then became a trade exclusively for those born in the island of Murano were all the factories were moved to in 1291 as a precaution for a fire hazard. Glass was regarded as an important item of export and the secrets of its making were jealously guarded. A glassmaker, during the Republic, that left the Venetian State was condemned to death as a traitor. The most important discoveries in making glass were made in Murano. Angelo Barovier discovered how to make crystal in 1450, which was then technically perfected by other schools such as Boema. The Murano School still remains the most important and inimitable.

Send Photo to a Friend

<FONT COLOR="#003366">Mario Gambaro and Bruno Poggi were born and raised in Murano. Since they were little they were around the glass factories were they started working and soon became distinguished for their ability. Their first jobs were with famous glass masters as Archimede Seguso and Alfredo Barbini and in important factories such as Seguso Vetri d’Arte, V.Nanson, and Barovier & Toso. In 1974 when both masters felt secure of their work and experience they decided to open their own glass factory, Vetreria Artistica Gambaro & Poggi. The factory becomes soon known for its high quality and refined glass pieces that were created using the traditional techniques but in new forms and shapes.<BR>
Gambaro e Poggi Snc
Calle Vivarini, 6
30141 Murano
Venezia Italy