Book Description

"Venini. Catalogue Raisonne 1921-1986" offers an in-depth account of the involving company history of the glassworks set up by Paolo Venini in 1921 and carried forward by members of the Venini family up until 1986, the year in which the business was sold off. Alongside the comprehensive catalogue containing some 250 descriptions detailing each item produced in over six decades of activity, the book's curator Anna Venini Diaz de Santillana has traced the history of the 'Vetrerie Venini' glasshouse through each successive master craftsman's term as art director: Napoleone Martinuzzi, Carlo Scarpa, Paolo Venini himself, Tomaso Buzzi, Fulvio Bianconi, and Ludovico Diaz de Santillana. The careful analysis underlying each critical essay and the breadth of topics covered make this book an invaluable reference work on the creative enterprise and outstanding achievements of Venini & C., long acknowledged as an international hallmark of quality in the applied arts. With its rich array of illustrations and catalogue of the firm's key production items, and an extensive reference section comprising glossary, bibliography, and list of exhibitions, this book is the most exhaustive directory of the Venini glasshouse's production. In addition to the renowned "Catalogo verde" and "Catalogo rosso," the curator has included the legendary "Catalogo blue," and essential reference source for historians, collectors, dealers, and connoisseurs of art. Anna Venini Diaz de Santillana Daughter of Paolo Venini and Ginette Gignous, Anna acquired extensive experience on the workshop floor, first alongside her father, then beside her husband the architect Ludovico Diaz de Santillana, who took over themanagement of the works in 1959. An expert in the art of glassmaking, Anna has organised exhibitions around the world. Today, her children Laura and Alessandro continue the family's distinguished tradition as independent masters of the glassmaker's art. Rosa Barovier Mentasti One of the world's leading scholars of the history of glassmaking on Murano; has numerous publications to her name, and has curated various collections. Maria Novella Benzoni Graduated in the History of Art, with a specialisation in modern glass at the University of Udine; presently a consultant of the Fondazione Giorgio Cini in Venice. Victoria Milne Writer, exhibition curator, and graphic artist specialising in design and architecture; from 1992 to 1995 she was editor-in-chief of the American periodical "Glass Magazine." Helmut Ricke Eminent specialist in the applied arts, particularly glass and European sculpture; director of the Kunstmuseum in Dusseldorf, which houses one of the most complete collections of glass artefacts in Europe. Valerio Terraroli Lecturer in the History of Art Criticism at the University of Pavia, and analyst of trends in modern style, particular of Art Deco.