Smashing The Glass Ceiling: How Giberto Venezia Soars to New Heights

(Image courtesy of Giberto Venezia.)

Glass has the power to help people see the world and themselves. Glass's multi-dimensionality functions and usage mirrors the history of Western Europe. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, most Roman provinces fractured into feudal kingdoms and submerged into the Dark Ages. Yet, there was one place that refused to drown in the sea of barbarism, the city-state of Venice. Venice continued to adhere to republicanism and meritocracy as the city emerged as one of the shining beacons of Western European civilization.

(Image courtesy of Getty.)

Yet, how did Venice evolve from a backwater estuary to the envy of Europe? Roman Emperor Constantine moved the capital from Rome to Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) and began the Byzantine Empire. Venice's strategic location caused the city to develop into a vital trading link between Western and Eastern Europe. As the Byzantine Empire began to wane, Venice replaced Egypt and Syria as the new glassblowing hub. After some trials and errors, The Senate, governing body of the Venetian Republic, moved glasswork from the city's heart to the island of Murano. Since 1291, Murano Island has been a glassware oasis as it continues to lead the glasswork industry.

(Image courtesy of Andrea Avezzu'.)

When visitors venture to Venice, Murano Glass transfigured from mere objects to symbols of Venetian excellence. While there are many craftspeople that make class, Giberto Venezia understands the importance of Venetian artisanship. I recently had the chance to speak with one of Cecilia Beretta, Sales & Communication Coordinator to learn more about the company.

(Image courtesy of Giberto Venezia.)

1. What makes Giberto Venezia different from glassware companies?

Giberto Venezia is unique because the life of its designer is inextricably linked to Venice and his house, Palazzo Papadoli, now part of AMAN Venice, the family palace overlooking the Grand Canal. It’s a source of profound inspiration. Giberto can view all the nuances of the lagoon from his studio window at any time of day. His creator's innate taste gives that touch of elegance and modernity to all his sketches, which are then discussed with the Murano masters, who turn them into reality.

(Image courtesy of Andrea Avezzu'.)

2. Where does Giberto Venezia find inspiration during its design process?

Whenever we create a new product, we view the process as a voyage. Every voyage has been a source of new inspiration.

(Image courtesy of Andrea Avezzu'.)

“When I travel, I’m always attentive to details. Nobody, like the Russians for example, is able to mix rich materials such as silver, vermeil or precious stones with those of poor quality, such as wood or glass. The result is artistic objects of sublime beauty. Morocco and India also have been a constant source of new ideas.”- Giberto Arrivabene

(Image courtesy of Andrea Avezzu'.)

The creative element is always fun for Giberto – it’s a discovery. Despite the responsibilities that come with age and having a family, he still maintains a captivating sense of humor and a lightness that has the upper hand over his melancholic and nostalgic nature.

(Image courtesy of Giberto Venezia.)

“Venice is perfect for me. It suits my character. It’s the ideal place to live and to create.”- Giberto Arrivabene

(Image courtesy of Giberto Venezia.)

3. How does Giberto Venezia incorporate its mission and vision into its product offerings?

There’s not a single item among the objects created by Giberto Arrivabene that isn’t the result of skilled and meticulous craftsmanship. Each piece derives from a watercolor sketch made by Giberto on tracing paper:

(Image courtesy of Giberto Venezia.)

“When I see something that inspires me or an object that I like, I sketch and rework it – then move on to the realization of it.” - Giberto Arrivabene

(Image courtesy of Andrea Avezzu'.)

The glass, the main material in the collections, is worked exclusively in Murano. Each glass, each specific object, is blown by master glassmakers in the Venetian furnaces. Giberto takes his watercolors to discuss with them and refine the project, check its feasibility, and make eventual changes. Once the desired shape has been obtained, it’s time for the decorations.

(Image courtesy of Andrea Avezzu'.)

4. What is the future of the company?

In a world like the one in which we find ourselves living, it is not easy to predict what will happen. The world of art glass is as changeable as its material. Many furnaces have closed over the years, and many glass masters have no heirs. Unfortunately, the rising glass price is putting a strain on this centuries-old tradition, but we hope that new ways will soon be found to prevent such a special art from being lost.

(Image courtesy of Andrea Avezzu'.)