Simone Cenedese

Born into glassmaking

• Simone inherited the glassworks from his father
• The furnace specialises in chandeliers and artistic glass objects
• Simone’s works are characterised by tradition, art and research

The Simone Cenedese furnace was established in Murano in the 1970s by Simone’s father, Giovanni. Simone belongs to the youngest generation of Murano masters who stand out for their renewed interest in the Venetian glass tradition. His creative work is testament to his strong personality and his ability to be open to external suggestions, influenced not only by the contemporary art world but also by the artists with whom he collaborates. Simone is able to apply a modern style and design to an ancient material, creating dynamic pieces destined to leave their mark on the design world.

Interview

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©All rights reserved

Is glassmaking a family tradition?

I come from a family of glassblowers. Besides being a shoemaker, my grandfather also had a small furnace where he made vials and syringes for the pharmacy. My father started working for some important names like Venini, and then in the late 1960s he opened a small company.

When did you start working in the furnace?

Glass is something so obvious to me that I cannot say exactly when I started. It is like walking, talking, eating. It’s a family thing, in which I was born. As a good craftsman, my father immediately made me 'live' the furnace, as I did with my children. As I say, I first learned to work glass, then to walk.

Did you learn from other master artisans, apart from your father?

I was lucky enough to learn in the family business, where we could call upon skilled masters specialised in certain techniques. In my 20s, I met Pino Signoretto, one of the great Murano masters, and I spent my free time watching him work in his furnace, which was a great schooling.

How long did it take to master your craft?

I will tell you when I have! To this day, if I have to work with artists I'm never relaxed. It’s a profession that you never stop learning. The moment you think you are capable, you realise that the unexpected is always around the corner.

Simone Cenedese is a master artisan: he began his career in 1988 and he started teaching in 2000

Works

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©All rights reserved

©All rights reserved

Where

Experiences

Visit a Murano furnace

45 Mins

200 EUR per group