Venini at Sebastian + Barquet
Shell, Carlo Scarpa by Venini, iridised blown crystal, 1946
A selection of glass by Italian manufacturer Venini goes on show at London’s Sebastian + Barquet gallery until 26 August
Venini was set up on the Venetian glass-making island paradise Murano by Paolo Venini and Venetian antiques dealer Giamcomo Cappellin in 1921. From the start the two were determined to establish a name for high-quality designs and hired the painter Vittorio Zechin as their first art director. When in 1925 Venini and Cappellin went their separate ways, Venini continued the policy of working with fine artists as well as head-hunting some of the leading designers of the day. Two of his most famous recruits were Gio Ponti and Carlo Scarpa who introduced modernism into their glass designs, moving away from traditional forms to create a clean, contemporary look using simple shapes and striking colours. When he died in 1959 Venini’s successors continued this policy of working with leading designers in order to keep the output fresh and up-to-date.
Sebastian + Barquet specialises in modernist design and so it’s not surprising that the current show features a good selection of modernist glass. The exhibits span the period from the 1930s through to the ‘70s, with highlights including a rare crystal shell by Carlo Scarpa, as well as pieces designed by Ponti.
www.sebastianbarquetlondon.com
