Welcome to the special “20th Anniversary” section of Top Yacht Design. Here, day by day, we present the best stories, yachts, and personalities we’ve covered over the past 20 years of Top Yacht Design, from 2006 to today.
Taken from Top Yacht Design no. 11/2017, pp. 128-132
Venini’s Glass Magic Lands
More than 100 years ago Paolo Venini revolutionised glass, turning it an art. Now this glass is featured on board Custom Line yachts.
The story begins far back in time, the result of the encounter between fire and sand. Its spellbinding appeal has fascinated designers, architects and artists. Their creative energy has given rise to new shapes that have given the material an artistic character. This is when the figure of Paolo Venini enters the picture. One hundred years ago he introduced the figure of the art director, a role then largely unknown, and one that is now filled by Marco Piva. With this move, Venini placed glass in the company of the most noble materials, contributing to the success and fame of one of the most well-loved Italian companies. Paolo Venini’s experimental approach, through which he first sought explore new areas of glass production, has had an influence that can still clearly be seen. A glance at the list of names that have shaped the company’s story shows the depth of his vision – Vico Magistretti, Franco Albini, Alessandro Mendini Ron Adan, Tadao Ando, Giò Ponti, Gaetano Pesce, Peter Marino, Carlo Scarpa and Ettore Sottsass are just a few of the over two hundred people who came to Venini and became fascinated by the sacred fire of his furnaces. Here, on the island of Murano, they all sought to give their own artistic interpretation to the glass, creating objects that are not simply manufactured objects but true works of art. The material’s intrinsic power lies in the almost countless interpretations in terms of form and colour that it lends itself to. Starting from the molten matrix that, once drawn out of the furnace, begins to take shape in the hands of the master glassmaker.
It’s true that creativity plays a crucial role, but technique is equally important. The skill of the artisan makes all the difference, using tools like the long metal pipe with which the master glassblower uses the strength of his lungs to expand the glowing “gather” of molten glass, or the shears that, guided by the glassmaker’s hands, enable him to decorate the glass with cuts that create unique colour and shapes while skilfully making sure the glass does not crack or shatter. There are no books or manuals that can provide knowledge of this craft. It all depends on the ability and sensitivity the glassblowers acquire over time. This heritage of expertise is handed down from generation to generation, reflecting a family’s distinctive style. Nothing is written down – it’s more like a kind of magic, or something that relies on instinct, transforming the master glassmaker into an alchemist and guiding his hand as he works the molten glass.
It all starts with silica sand, to which oxides and minerals are added to create the desired colour. And it is here where Venini fully reveals its mastery. Colour has become one of the company’s distinctive features, so much so that it has given rise to a jealously-guarded “recipe” book containing the secret formulae that over 1oo years of activity have enabled the company to produce 125 shades. Water is important to Venini, not only because the furnace is situated on the island of Murano but also because nowadays many of the creations in its catalogue have become elements in the interior design on many large yachts. Some years ago, in fact, the company forged a collaboration with Custom Line, a Ferretti Group brand This alchemical alliance takes the form of vases, lamps and all those objects made by Venini whose presence enriches the on-board experience with new sensations. It has been called the magic of glass. There’s an element of truth in that, given the extensive use made of it in yacht design. Reaffirming the link with the environment – that is the spirit that guides designers’ hands in in a task whose purpose is to bring the marine world into the heart of on-board life.
By Matteo Zaccagnino – Photo by Lucrezia Roda
