Seguso is a Murano glass manufacturer that has operated in Venice since May 3, 1397. It is considered one of the most prestigious glass manufacturers in Venice.Ferren, Andrew. (October 17, 2014). “Murano Still Sparkling After 700 Years.”, The New York Times They also own one of the largest glass furnaces in Murano, which has a few, homonymous furnaces.“Murano Glass.”, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 8 May 2015. Web. 10 June 2015. Their works can be found in over 75 museums worldwide, such as MoMA in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.“Seguso Vetri d’Arte 1932-1973” Venezia.net, retrieved June 10, 2015 Today, Seguso is known for its high-end Venetian glass objects, lighting, accessories and custom installations. Seguso glass has been made for the Pope, royalty and numerous luxury interiors throughout the world.Athineos, Doris. (February 2011). “Venetian Magic.” Traditional Home, p. 60.
Family tradition The Seguso family today is able to trace its uninterrupted lineage of glassmakers back over six centuries“Venice Reclaimed”, by Rocky Casale, T Magazine blog New York Times, May 11, 2011, retrieved June 10, 2015. to 1397, based on documents in the archives of Venice. In 1605, the family was added to the Libro d’Oro (Golden Book) of Murano,Zanetti, Vicenzo (2001) . Il Libro d’Oro di Murano. Venice: Fontana. p. 73. which included the most important glassmaking families and offered them privileges of nobility.Buckley, Jonathan (2013) The Rough Guide to Venice and the Veneto. London: Rough Guides. p. 178. The Seguso glassmakers were especially successful between the mid 16th and 17th centuries when they created an extensive commercial network for their products that reached as far as the newly discovered Americas.Mentasti, Rosa Barovier (2001) La Ragnatela. Venice: Nos EditoreSpecial Edition, p. 47. ASIN B000K3I46Y. During this successful period the Seguso family crest was imprinted on the osella coin of Venice by the Doge in 1792.Heiremans, Marc (2014) Seguso Vetri d’Arte Glass Objects from Murano (1932–1973). Stuttgart: Arnoldsche. P. 381
However, it was not until the 19th century that they produced their best work and became one of the leading glassmakers on the island of Murano, as well as internationally. Antonio Seguso (b.1829) singularly revived forgotten, sophisticated techniques to play a crucial role in the glass renaissance of the mid-19th century, when Murano glassmaking was recovering from its most difficult period of crisis after the fall of the Venetian Republic.Mentasti, Rosa Barovier (2001) La Ragnatela. Venice: Nos Editore Special Edition. p. 47. ASIN B000K3I46Y.
His son, Giovanni (b. 1853) was an eccentric and equally talented glassmaker, who for a time worked with Paolo Venini. Venini often used to tell visitors, “Nane Patare (nickname of Giovanni Seguso) taught me everything about glass.”Mentasti, Rosa Barovier (2001) La Ragnatela. Venice: Nos Editore Special Edition. p. 53. ASIN B000K3I46Y.
Antonio Seguso (b. 1888), the son of Giovanni, was also a talented glassmaker and along with Napoleone Barovier and Luigi Ferro, founded Artistica Vetreria e Soffieria Barovier, Seguso and Ferro in 1933, this company would eventually become Seguso Vetri d’Arte, employing all five sons of Antonio Seguso in various roles, including Archimede Seguso for a period of time, the father of Giampaolo Seguso, and grandfather to the current generation guiding the Seguso company today, Gianluca, Pierpaolo and Gianandrea Seguso.Heiremans, Marc (2014) Seguso Vetri d’Arte Glass Objects from Murano (1932–1973). Stuttgart: Arnoldsche. P. 12 The brand, trademark, designs and archives of Seguso Vetri d’Arte are today in the hands of the family and sold throughout the world.Heiremans, Marc (2014) Seguso Vetri d’Arte Glass Objects from Murano (1932–1973). Stuttgart: Arnoldsche. P. 393
Family Lineage
14th Century Antonio Filius Seguxi (1397) 15th Century Francesco (di Antonio) (1465) Vincenzo 16th Century Giovanni - Zuanne (1533/1613) Vincenzo (1564) Giacomo (1602) 17th Century Benedetto (1626) Andrea (1665) Benedetto (1694) 18th Century Giovanni - Zuanne (1722) Benedetto Rosega (1746) Giovanni (1770/1858) 19th Century Luigi (1804) Antonio (1829) Giovanni - Nane Patare (1853/1931) Antonio - Toni Patare (1888/1965) Founder of Seguso Vetri d’Arte 20th Century (Sons of Antonio-b.1888) Ernesto (1904/1986) Archimede - Moro Patare (1909–1999) Bruno (1915–2001) Isidoro (1918/1981) Angelo (1921/2005) Current Giampaolo Seguso (1942) Gianluca (1971) – CEO of Seguso Pierpaolo (1974) – Creative Director of Seguso GianAndrea (1976) – Sales and Business Development MariaGiulia (1981) Zecchin, Luigi (1990) Vetro e Vetrai di Murano volume III. Venice: Arsenale Editrice. P. 95
The Brands and Collections of Seguso
Seguso Vetri d’Arte Seguso Vetri d’Arte founded in 1933, quickly became one of the most important glass furnaces in Murano and the center of creative energy and technical innovation on the island during the mid twentieth century.Signoretti, Laura. (May 2013). “Siderale e Sommerso l’Arte di Seguso.” Antiquariato, p. 100. After the Seguso Vetri d’Arte brand was sold by the Seguso family in 1974, current Seguso CEO, Gianluca Seguso was able to bring the brand, along with its rich trove of archives back into the hands of the Seguso family in 2007.Stavis, Amy (August/September 2008). “Family Reunion.” Tableware Today, p. 100-104. Today Seguso still manufacturers and sells the iconic and timeless designs of Seguso Vetri d’Arte, under its historical name.
Seguso Interiors Seguso Interiors is an innovative collection of lighting, furniture, and architectural elements created by Pierpaolo Seguso. The division is dedicated to the decoration and lighting of interiors projects, in a continuous challenge to go beyond the boundaries of production capabilities. Architects and Interior Designers find in Seguso Interiors a reality in which each project is conceived as a tailored suit.Athineos, Doris. (February 2011). “Venetian Magic.” Traditional Home, p. 62. Its unique furniture design is the result of a patent received by Seguso Creative Director, Pierpaolo Seguso.“Seguso Interiors Launch.”, Seguso.com. April 6, 2010. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
Seguso Viro Seguso Viro is known for its line of contemporary glassware.Rao, Sonali. (April 2003). “The Art of Venetian Cooking.” Food & Wine, p. 124. Started in 1993 with the idea of Giampaolo Seguso for putting the individual at the center (from the Latin vir or mankind) and doing so with the intention of a production based on profound technical research rooted in tradition.Heiremans, Marc (2014) Seguso Vetri d’Arte Glass Objects from Murano (1932–1973). Stuttgart: Arnoldsche. P. 384 Today, glass from the Seguso Viro collections, 101 Limited and Collezioni, is sold by Seguso.Mentasti, Rosa Barovier (2001) La Ragnatela. Venice: Nos Editore Special Edition. p. 39. ASIN B000K3I46Y.
Seguso Experience In 2012 Seguso became one of the first furnaces to open their doors to visitors through a program called the Seguso Experience.Bozzato, Fabio. (September 12, 2012).“Forbici e soffi per creare il vetro Seguso apre la fornace di notte.”, Corriere del Veneto. With the intent to emotionally move the audience, visitors experience the flavors, colors and atmosphere passed down from each Seguso generation. Gianluca and Pierpaolo Seguso's spoke of the inspiration for this type of visit: his desire to deliver a unique experience to visitors that demonstrates the character of Murano. He imagined it as an alternative way to experience Murano glass art distinct from the commercial and touristic influences that exist throughout the island.“Notte in Fornace The Seguso Experience.”, Seguso.com. August 27, 2012. Retrieved June 11, 2015. The Seguso Experience has been listed on Trip Advisor as a recommended activity on the island of Murano.“Seguso Experience.”, Tripadvisor.com. Retrieved June 11, 2005.
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