SALIR – STUDIO ARS ET LABOR INDUSTRIE RIUNITE: CONTEMPORARY DECORATING ON MURANO 1923–1993

This book is a welcome addition to the growing list of Marc Heiremans’ publications on Murano glass factories. However, this one examines a decorating business rather than a glass producer.

The structure follows a similar framework to his other projects with an informative, detailed essay on the history of the company, and a description of the existing archival material and the decorating techniques used by the firm, such as a smalto (painting with enamel), graffito oro (engraving on gold foil), inciso (engraving and grinding) and sabbiato (sandblasting). The bulk of the book is the catalogue, over 220 pages filled with drawings for, and historic and contemporary photographs of, SALIR decorated glass. These are arranged chronologically by technique and then form, with detailed captions and an introduction to each section. The quantity of previously unpublished images makes Heiremans’ books indispensable research tools along with the detailed histories of the firms.

Although the catalogue focuses on the period 1923–93, Heiremans outlines a near 50-year prologue to the company, which came into being in 1923; his essay highlights the complexity and frequent changes of ownership of Murano glass businesses, as well as their interconnectedness due to family members’ involvement with different firms. The prologue also introduces two important figures in glass decoration, the graphic artist Guido Balsamo Stella (1882–1941) and the German engraver Franz Pelzel (1900–74).

Later, the company executed designs from freelance artists and architects. It also continued to exhibit at the Venice Biennales.

This book immerses us in another aspect of Murano glass production, decoration, and the most important decorating firm on Murano in the 20th century.

SALIR – STUDIO ARS ET LABOR INDUSTRIE RIUNITE: CONTEMPORARY DECORATING ON MURANO 1923–1993

Marc Heiremans, Arnoldsche, 2024, hb £108

Condensed from a review by Sarah Nichols in DAS Newsletter No. 132