Murano Glass Transforms St Mark’s Square
At the recent Venice Glass Week, a dazzling exhibition called Murano Illumina il Mondo showcased the collaborative genius of top contemporary designers with Murano’s master glassmakers. Among the stunning displays, twelve distinctive chandeliers lit up the historic Procuratie Vecchie in St Mark’s Square, remaining on view until November 1.
Revolutionary Design by Lord Norman Foster
Renowned architect Lord Norman Foster collaborated with Salviati to create The Hydra Chandelier. Breaking with traditional Venetian designs, this chandelier features 20 arms casting light upwards, enveloping the portico in a soft red glow. Using the Rigadin technique’s frosted glass, Foster emphasized continuity and simplicity, avoiding ornate arms or floral motifs.
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Foster remarked on the unique challenge of supporting expansive arms that redefine the chandelier’s structure. Salviati, pivotal in reviving Murano glassmaking since the 1850s, aligned their expertise with the Norman Foster Foundation for innovative research. The resulting combination of delicate fragility and formidable strength in glass is both inspiring and educational.
Venice Glass Week Highlights
Inspiration from the East: Bethan Laura Wood’s Taiko
Designer Bethan Laura Wood joined forces with glass maestro Matteo Tagliapietra of Gambaro & Tagliapietra to create the Taiko chandelier. Drawing inspiration from Japanese drums, Wood’s design employs Murano’s filigree techniques, showcasing patterns within clear glass. Her fascination lies in the unpredictability of glass art, blending solidity with fluidity.
The Ongoing Legacy of Murano Glass
The participating architects and designers, including Lord Foster, continue their collaborations with Murano artisans to produce commercial versions of their groundbreaking chandeliers, each exemplifying the “perfection of imperfection.”
Murano, with its robust glassmaking tradition, hosts over 160 manufacturers contributing approximately €180 million in revenues. Despite a challenging energy market, Murano’s glass furnaces remain aglow, serving as a testament to the endless possibilities of modern creativity and classic craftsmanship.
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In the words of Venice’s Mayor, Simone Venturini, “Glass continues to be a living part of its present and future, melding together art and work, culture and enterprise, tradition and innovation.” theveniceglassweek.com is on view until November 1 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Murano Illumina il Mondo?
Murano Illumina il Mondo is a dazzling exhibition showcased at the Venice Glass Week, featuring the collaborative designs of top contemporary designers and Murano’s master glassmakers with twelve distinctive chandeliers.
Who collaborated with Salviati to create The Hydra Chandelier?
Renowned architect Lord Norman Foster collaborated with Salviati to create The Hydra Chandelier, which features 20 upward-casting arms and uses the Rigadin technique’s frosted glass.
What inspired Bethan Laura Wood’s Taiko chandelier design?
Bethan Laura Wood drew inspiration from Japanese drums for her Taiko chandelier design, using Murano’s filigree techniques to showcase patterns within clear glass.