Specialists of Design: The DDB takes you from New York to Italy (Part 2)

Yesterday, Design Professional of the Design & Decoration Building Jason Lowe began sharing some of his favorite pieces of history behind Italy's Murano glass. Here's more from Jason about some of Italy's finest products.

By Jason Lowe

If you have never seen the process of Murano glass being made--you are missing out (and check out this video for a little tease)! Watching the glass makers who must apprentice for over 15 years before becoming a Maestro will give you a sense of the time, effort, skill and craftsmanship that is required to create the final product.

Each piece becomes an individual work of art, with no two pieces ever being exactly the same and the colors of the glass are, to this day, still hand mixed using powders and recipes handed down for centuries. Seeing the process in action really gives you a sense of the deep connection between each piece and the makers and the need to preserve this ancient craft.

From the beginning of the 20th century, new, modern designs began to emerge from Murano in stark contrast to the classic traditional designs. Today at the DDB, Murano glass really makes its mark in many showrooms in the building and allows even the most ardent modernist to bring these special products into their space. Adding a beautiful, minimal glass piece to a modern room can give it just the bit of shimmer and shine that each room needs. Or use one of the traditional, botanical, octopus-like Venetian chandeliers to make a modern room more eclectic and interesting. However you use it in your interiors, Murano glass brings a touch of the old-world, a sense of history and tradition, and the value of hand crafted artisanal pieces to your work.

There are a number of sources for Murano glass in the DDB. In your travels around the building, don’t forget to check out La Murrina, Holland & Sherry, Baroncelli, Donghia and Agostino Antiques for a great selection of pieces.

You can contact Jason for help with where to find Murano glass in the DDB. Stay tuned to GoDesignGo to hear from DDB Design Professional, Kate Bergeron.