“I imagined it. Then, it was there!” Carlotta Gabbiani tells me, her eyes lighting up as she recounts the story of seeing her first design in Murano glass actually made. Though she works surrounded by lovely Murano glass interior design pieces designed by Marina Gabbiani, her mother, and herself, Carlotta is still amazed at the miracle of seeing their ideas taking on the physical forms of their pieces.
 Design for Murano Glass Chandelier |  Murano Glass Chandelier by Gabbiani |
Marina Gabbiani, who has been designing pieces in Murano glass since the 1970's, tells of both the challenges and rewards of being among the first female designers to work with the then entirely, and still mostly today, male glass masters on Murano. She had to become an expert in their processes and techniques to realize her dream of designing works of Murano glass. Both designers, perhaps even the whole family, share a wonderful attitude of pride without vanity. They are delighted to see their designs for beautiful things realized, and truly happy that others also appreciate their work. It is a rare pleasure to spend time with people who are so very talented, and yet also so modest.
Carlotta & Marina Gabbiani in their offices in Palazzo Bragadin
In Palazzo Bragadin: A Murano Glass Design Studio
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In the entry way of the Gabbiani offices, great attention has been paid not only to the works of Murnao glass, but the entire environment where they have been displayed from the sumptuous wall coverings to the delightfully detailed lampshades and the perfectly complimentary placement of paintings and mirrors.
Entering the Gabbiani offices in Palazzo Bragadin feels very much like entering an elegant and yet joyful home. It's impossible not to feel joyful when surrounded by such a wealth of color and texture; Their Murano glass vases, lamps, chandeliers and tables accented by deeply textured lampshades and the family collection of paintings, mirrors and handmade frames. Yet, while it is all wonderfully luxurious, closer inspection reveals hundreds of tiny details – bubbles, squiggles, blossoms – that bring a smile to one's face.
This delightfully bright Murano glass chandelier by Gabbiani just begged us to smile and think about spring!
Nevertheless, it quickly becomes clear that this is a busy workplace. In one room, there is a large drafting table with rolls of paper and sketches scattered across it. In another, dozens of handmade lampshades in all shapes and styles. On these shelves is a collection of antique and vintage picture frames. Behind that door, whimsical accent tables with Murano glass pedestals are assembled. Meanwhile, there is the constant coming and going of spritely people who never fail to flash a smile as they go along their creative way to whatever the task is at hand.
Marina & Carlotta Gabbiani are Murano Glass Designers, This is Some of What they Do:
In a drafting room at the Gabbiani offices, there are dozens of vintage and antique paintings and frames. These are a homage to their family's long history of working in the arts and also an inspiration for their work today.
From ambitious yet humble beginnings in the 1960's – One of Marina's two original designs can be seen in a windowed cabinet in the sitting room. – Marina and Carlotta now design entire interior design collections in Murano glass. From purely decorative sculptural pieces, to tables, vases, lamps and chandeliers, from their imaginations and senses of style spring forth entire environments accented with lively yet elegant colors and forms of Murano glass.
The Gabbiani's have a huge range of design capabilities. Look at the wonderful texture and shading of colors on this elegant vase!
It does sound wonderfully romantic to have ones imaginings brought to life in such a way. But, theirs is also a job that demands significant expertise. Not only must one be blessed with a constant supply of artistic inspiration to think up new designs – One wonders if Marina or Carlotta ever suffers from designer's block as one can suffer from writer's block from time to time? - one must also draw the design with great specification.
To bring the pieces into being, the glass masters need more than an “idea”. Designs must include the designers' desired dimensions, the specific colors, the thickness of the glass, the placement of any accents on the pieces, and requests that the masters use specific techniques of glass working in the execution of each piece. In other words, a design is a plan so complete that the piece could almost be touched before has ever been made.
Design for a modern Murano glass vase by Gabbiani.
Successfully designing pieces to be made with Murano glass requires a deep understanding of the materials and, most importantly, the glass working techniques developed by the Murano glass masters over the centuries and still used by them today. Marina, the Venetian daughter of the painter Carlo Ravagnan, has had a lifelong interest in Murano glass arts. The success of her designs results from of the combination of her creativity with her wide knowledge of Murano glass working techniques. Ask about any piece by Gabbiani, or any other work of Murano glass, and Marina will tell you each and every technique involved in its production.
There is a very wide array of Murano glass working techniques behind the realization of these pieces designed by Gabbiani. The layer of white glass within that vase, the perfectly dispersed bubbles of gold, the delicate pink roses... None of that is accidental. Each of those effects is achieved by hand in a different way by the masters who work the glass.
Breathlessly Elegant, Delightfully Quirky & Wonderfully Warm: Some More Designs by Gabbiani
The sheer breadth of designs - lovely designs - created by the Gabbiani's is remarkable. A dignified, shaded, chandelier in a deep burgandy tone, or a vase of lavender glass ever so slightly accented with gold? How about a vintage side table with swirly Murano glass legs? Though very diverse in their forms, these are just a few more of my favorites pieces by Gabbiani:
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Visit Gabbiani in Venice:
| The Gabbiani shop, on the ground floor of Palazzo Bragadin, is only a few moments walk from Rialto. Yet, a visit there is an excursion into an uplifting, elegant and creative Venice, a world away from the chotsky shops that seem to be inundating the main streets of the city. The shop itself houses a small collection of Gabbiani designs including tables, lamps, vases and chandeliers. It's a wonderful place for those looking for one or two special pieces of Murano glass for themselves or as gifts. Meanwhile, those with larger interior design projects in mind should consider contacting Carlotta or Marina directly to arrange a personal meeting. |
Contact Gabbiani Venezia
Website: www.gabbiani-venezia.it
Address: 6036 Castello, Venezia 30122
Address: 6036 Castello, Venezia 30122
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