Venetian Lamps
Venetian wire glass hanging lamps are made by blowing glass in a metal frame. The glass is mostly clear or matted. All lamps are fitted out with a chain, which can be shortened easily.
Forging metal was already common practice in ancient times. In every aspect of life, a blacksmith was essential. For example, for the forging of weaponry and tools. The art of forging was deemed a venerable one, with a shroud of secrecy around the smith, who was busy keeping the fire going, wielding tongs, hammers and iron, from which sparks would fly. The Romans even created a god, Vulcan, especially for this purpose. The iron is struck while it's hot! In the fire of the smithy, metal objects are heated to temperatures of over 1000 degrees Celsius in order to forge them.
Glass is a popular material with a rich history. As early as the days of the Roman Empire the art of glassblowing became important. Venetian glass, in particular, is especially famous and inspired by original techniques, used in the days of yore. At the end of the 13th century, the island of Murano was at the heart of this industry. Because of the risk of fire, it was prohibited to do any glassblowing in the centre. It also was a way of keeping the process of designing and manufacturing a secret.
Experienced glassblowers blow the glass with great technical control. The artist attaches a blob of molten glass to the end of a blowpipe and blows air into it. While turning it constantly, the glass is blown into a shape. The shaped glass objects have a temperature of around 600 degrees Celsius, which has to be reduced to room temperature. This gradual cooling down is done in the so-called "cooling ovens".
In the manufacturing of Venetian lamps, two very ancient skills are used. The artistic smith forges the iron into exceptional shapes, and finally, the artistic glassblower blows the glass, so that it fits into the wrought iron shape. The mystery is complete! With Venetian lamps as a result! This type of lighting can be seen in abundance all over the artistic city of Venice. The antique style webstore offers the chance to order these lamps online. And... all of them are in store.
