Venice’s Last Glass Factory Makes Mosaics for Dolce & Gabbana and The Emir of Dubai | Still Standing

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

Japan has a policy of declaring artisans of ancient art and artifacts to be cultural treasures. They are given support, recognition and apprentices so the art is not lost. That should’ve done everywhere.

[@Teauma]

Definitely, it is similar to dedicating budget and passing laws to preserve monuments. Unfortunately many governments are simply too corrupt, unstable or capitalistic to do so.

[@anupdev5845]

Why not let the free market decide what it wants? It's stupid to keep a tradition or product alive with tax payer's money when there is no demand for it.

[@LundeSite]

@@anupdev5845 Yes, should be like any other company. If anyone is willing to pay for it, that's fine. But keeping an - for obvious reasons, non-profitable business on life-support because of "tradition" sounds incredibly stupid.

[@magical11]

@@anupdev5845 Because the free market isn't magic. Unless you think letting a fifth of the population die if they can't afford healthcare/food as ideal.

[@grammaticus2800]

If you want to dedicate your own personal budget to keeping various traditions alive and well, you are free to do so, but you are not free to tell that I have to dedicate my budget to maintain what you think ought to be maintained. The government has no money except yours and mine. And to be clear, I personally think that this mosaic work is among the most beautiful things that has ever existed.

[@kind.geese99]

People who do not work as craftsmen or artists don't understand that it is not simply a lack of interest from young people that makes it hard to find apprentices for the next generation. Jobs like these more often than not don't pay a living wage and cant afford to because there is no larger financial support system for the arts in many different countries. I know so many artists and craftsmen that dream of apprenticeships like these (including myself) but they cannot afford them. Work like this is also extraordinarily hard on the body and often can have long term impacts on your health. It's hard to justify putting yourself through that when you cant even put food on the table even if you do love what you do.

[@Diamondsnake0]

Hit the nail on the head! I'd abandon my STEM major in a heartbeat if I could spend my whole life learning an ancient craft with enough money to put food on the table... but sadly that's just not the case

[@anupdev5845]

Couldn't agree more. I hate desk jobs and would love to do such just jobs that involve crafting stuff but putting my body through that level of hard work and getting paid peanuts just won't cut it.

[@ugosmith7529]

Sadly we are a society that will gladly pay thousands of dollars for mass produced electronics made by underpaid worker (huge profit margins) yet we refuse to help sustain traditional skills like glass making, woodworking, etc. People balk at the thought of paying 2k for a table that contains 50 hours of work but will buy a 2k iphone that took 3 minutes to build

[@RovexHD]

Where I live, high level qualifications available for stone masonry or wood carving are limited to one single school. Compare that with 10’s of universities offering XYZ degree in the social sciences and sciences.

[@hayi8957]

​@@ugosmith7529 Bit of a flawed logic with the same price thing. If another person builds the exact same table in 40 hours, does it mean we should be inclined to pay less? What about 30, or 20 hours?

[@DippedInInk]

As an artist I’m very hurt watching this cuz certain art techniques if not passed on to the newer generations will die out. We must preserve this type of skill set.

[@denysesieders9035]

You tube is so gracious with instructions and information...No...?... my generation was closed..meaning..mentally of..l payed to learn this...I will not share. HOWEVER, KNOWLEDGE...is meant to share...

[@DippedInInk]

@@denysesieders9035 this type of style is meant to live forever. Sad ppl have closed minds.

[@thedistinguished5255]

​@@DippedInInkread some of the other comments, every college age young adult is lamenting they cant do this because they couldnt afford to rent a house, and that they had to switch to a STEM major. If it payed, there would be hoardes of artist kids eager to learn and work at these jobs. Life is alot more expensive than it used to be

[@DippedInInk]

@@thedistinguished5255 As an artist myself I see the beauty of it. I know we all need money but I appreciate this level of artistic expression

[@fkim003]

The gov should subsidize the salaries and expenses so people can make a living wage while preserving art and culture

[@AimAssistonGeo]

I am from Venice and I find incredible how many people love the glass made in Venice.. It makes me so proud :)

[@GrahamWalters]

I visited Murano a few years back and watched some glassmakers at work, such brilliant skills, it was an incredible experience.

[@shable1436]

Most Mediterranean countries love it, I went to Portugal, and everything was either tiled or built using hand made mason techniques. Even the curbs of the roads, and road signs were tiled up, it was crazy coming from the US where everything is slapped together so cheaply and don't care about ascetics

[@missg.5940]

‘

[@vincentcolavin]

My grandfather was a student at a mosaic school in Friûl (Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli), which is not too far from Venice. For work, he was a tile layer, which is kind of like big mosaics if you think about it! Now in retirement he has returned to mosaic, and makes his art from stones he collects from the Tagliamento river.

[@kittymervine6115]

Your grandfather sounds like an amazing man.

[@prawnstar9213]

That’s an awesome story! Have him teach you.. this stuff is all dying art.. replaced by cheap schmooze.. but the love and need for it remains! Take the time to learn from him.. you won’t regret it! You will regret it if you don’t

[@Automedon2]

I am so grateful that I have lived in a time where such craftsmen exist. They will leave behind timeless treasures that will be adored by people hundreds of years from now. In the scheme of things, government assistance to the glass makers of Murano would be a small investment in a national treasure.

[@michaellorenzen8200]

as a retired finish carpenter (35 years) I look at everything I encounter made out of wood especially in OLDER homes and commercial buildings and am always in awe what long dead craftspeople were able to accomplish without the aid of modern machines ! truly amazing craftsmanship 👍

[@nottheone582]

assistance would only last so long, they have bigger systemic issue of not enough young people going into trades/creative arts because they can't meet the high cost of living on those wages.

[@gaia7240]

I'm from there, glasswork is too expensive to learn and live in the city at the same time, that Is why there are almost no venetians left living in the city, I am young and I made some stained glass work on my own, It was my dream to do that job but it's impossible now

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

Go talk to them, maybe working with them part time first

[@JoiskiMe]

Maybe you can live in the workshop?

[@jackthedripper5620]

Perchè dici che è impossibile lavorare in questo mondo?

[@racheeerach]

The idea that they are struggling to find people who want and are capable of learning this skill is wild to me. If only I had been born Italian and heard of this fifteen years ago. 😭

[@asandei4185]

I think that they have difficulties finding people because the average salary is stupidly low, we are talking about a difficult job that have an average salary of 1.2 to 1.8k USD based on experience

[@EinfachFredhaftGaming]

​@@asandei4185+ it sure isn't cheap living in/near Venice

[@bricaaron3978]

@@asandei4185 That explains nothing. What is the unemployment rate in the region?

[@BaloonBleu]

just try paying people better, in italy there's a lot of complaints because of young people don't want to do these kind of jobs, but they always forget to tell you that the salary is just miserable.

[@asandei4185]

@@bricaaron3978 that explains a lot in my opinion. It's an area where the cost of living is pretty high and that's just not enough.

[@justinbennett4922]

This video reminds me of what it takes to operate a shoe repair shop. Crazy how these old crafts are thriving but still facing similar challenges. Insider Business should do a story about shoe repair in USA like they did for this glass video.

[@thebassassin5507]

There’s a CO-OP in the city I live in for glassblowers to cut and share costs. It’s literally the only way you can afford to keep going. They need to come together and start one over there if they haven’t already. This art can’t die.

[@ellypeach]

I would LOVE to work in the glass mosaics factory in Venice. I have the weird patience to sit, for days and work colours. As i've aged i wondered what would call to me, I think i may have found it!

[@annwilliams6438]

Have a look at doing lampwork at home. It is a way to work with molten glass that is cheap enough to set up as an individual while allowing your patience and creativity to be wonderfully rewarded. ;)

[@mcf-662]

Maybe you should go there and learn

[@asasdevidro]

Ive never had any ideia of how precious and super delicate this work with glass were,its just...wow ,knowing now the true dedication and complexity of this works make me proud of knowing now

[@MicaFarrierRheayan]

I love Dolce & Gabanna. This artisanal's touch and seasonal demand makes the technique preserved and one of a good effort to expose it further for crowds to indulge in this art!

[@abididubidi7815]

There's lots of stuff not to love about D&G though, it can be researched

[@largol33t12]

I actually have visited Murano in Venice and they still make the glass the traditional way. At least in Murano, the entire thing is a family business, the sons are apprentices and they learned the skills from their fathers, who learned it from the grandfathers and so on. They had a massive showroom and said they can ship anywhere in the world. It was gorgeous but also quite expensive too.

[@prawnstar9213]

If I could do this for a living I would never work.. it’s a dream. To me, mosaics are the coolest most beautiful pieces of art humans have created. Every time a mosaic is uncovered by an archeologist I screenshot it and draw it. I put mosaics in every bathroom and over the stove but I don’t want to get too nuts.. I mean I could do every floor in the house and adore it.. I want to build a courtyard.. please lord don’t let this die.

[@petertwining5729]

Business lnsider that was a seriously awesome video. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it and seeing the Orsoni Masters at work. Thankyou so much. 😊

[@rosa97509]

as a kid i went to venice on a school trip and fell in love with the glassmaking process, its still a job that i would love to do

[@CarrieJamesWestphalNewsBre-p4b]

I sit and watch and as I do I cant help but wonder how much of this world takes products for granted and I think anyone who has that mindset should watch this video.

[@erikad0511]

Even tho times are tough and the work can be painstaking, I'm betting they all love what they do... the end result is so beautiful and such a challenge to complete, they must be so proud when they step back and look at the finished product

[@MOXstudiotv]

Fascinating and beautiful. The Italians are the greatest artists in the world. One small error at 8:23 Russia did not restrict gas supplies. The price of gas surged because Russian Gas was the subject of western sanctions. The international markets and domestic suppliers then leveraged the price and made vastly increased profits at the expense of ordinary people.

[@rachelread1346]

I remember visiting a glass maker when I was in Venice as a kid.... There were loads of glass makers then in the 90s 😢

[@gaia7240]

I think half of them closed now

[@rachelread1346]

@@gaia7240 such a shame

[@AdamMociak]

As an artist I’m very hurt watching this cuz certain art techniques if not passed on to the newer generations will die out. We must preserve this type of skill set.

[@k.y.6148]

Since fine glass is so much a part of the identity and history of Italy, the government should help the glass companies stay in business.

[@PatSmith-wi1kz]

Those corrupt useless bastards only care about their own stipends

[@fan2jnrc]

Communism doesn't work.

[@mcf-662]

Italian craftsmanship is just unparalleled. Truly outstanding 👏

[@marenwilliams2787]

I was there this spring & saw Juantonio in action! He made a glass horse in about 5 minutes- it was amazing! I got one of my favorite souvenirs there- a hand blown art necklace

[@airbrushken5339]

That is so sad... I was a Fine Art Teacher and before that I was a custom painter... gold leaf, pint strip, signage. I was just asked by the local Tech School if I could do video on reverse Gold leaf signage with art work using gelatin to float the image as it was done in Australia in the 1920's... I'm 75 years old and have worked on restoration of old Pub signs as they used the same techniques...an original 3' X 4' 5mil plate glass sign from that time frame is worth over $30,000 in good shape... Few people realize vinyl at best last 7 years in sun light ... wrapping a commercial vehicle in printed Vinyl will last even less as the paints are dye based (Usually vegetable dyes) not ground pigments like lettering enamels. I'm pretty sure most of these trades will be lost in time.

[@flymetomatteo]

This is too awesome to put in words. I was completely captivated!

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

Look up their episodes on leather tannery in Fez, Morocco

[@Kumomi]

This is so wholesome and interesting, feels like I learn with peace! I wonder why only 10 min? This could be easily a 45 or 2 hours documentary, I mean don’t get me wrong this is just fantastic, I remember when I put Discovery Channel on the Tv and watch for this kind of documentaries fr I can’t get enough from your documentaries, they are so amazing! Thanks!

[@tanja6233]

Thank you Business Insider for the time of Global Information... Much appreciated for the GLASS MAKERS/ DECORATORS/ CRAFTSMAN'S.. Beautiful work 👏🏼

[@CordeliaWagner]

Much appreciation for money from Muslims.

[@jaquelinedemelo]

Che si mantengano vivi gli antichi mestieri d'arte patrimonio immateriali dell'umanità ❤

[@BradenDiaz-p8y]

11:46 The detail! :O. This is SO satisfying.

[@_hunter_hunter1048]

These old crafts should be preserved and continiously taught

[@mandybling]

This job looks cool af. These folks are amazing!

[@mosaicsbyangel]

As an Italian-American mosaic artist, I have half a mind to drop everything, relocate to Venice and offer up my services.

[@FlipTheBard]

Honestly, seems like an interesting craft.Specially if you're either the one dealing with the molten glass or the one sit in concentration dealing with the smaller pieces. It has everything for everyone.

[@NhuNguyen-m1s]

This is an truly art. Not just the product but the process.

[@kittymervine6115]

how nice to see so many young people. working there!!

[@demetrapetrou8527]

When there is a will there is a way‼️ And when there is talent there is a blessing ‼️ Thank you 🐝

[@John-c4r1o]

Russia didn't limit supply of gas to Italy, the US took out gas pipelines and trade sanctions were imposed on Russia.

[@jjsmith7707]

I went to Venice and we went to a glass factory, maybe this one, which if i recal right plays a role in the gondolas as well. I cannot even attempt to describe how amazing it was, they took a bubble of glass and in minutes was a beautiful amazing Glass Horse Statue. Its amazing what they can do.

[@joycehilkey7238]

I did an art class assignment by doing a “ glass tile” pic of a Mexican leaning against a tree taking a siesta. My glass came from my Mom’s dish cupboard …I broke pieces to shape from saucer, cup, glass , plate….each color I needed. Fortunately for me, I got a very high grade and displaying….my forgave me😂❤️

[@PhilipRanson-d5t]

The beauty of glass has to be promoted and preserved continuously to be in people’s minds,incredible work by brilliant artists,thanks for sharing.

[@jeremynewell9903]

My friend and I were both offered jobs at Orsoni in 1999 when we were backpacking Europe.

[@steelman86]

And don't forget to include the indoor swimming pool at Californias Hearst Castle where all of the designs are done this way! There were literally barrels of these tiny mosaic tiles on site and kept for unforeseen repairs should they be needed in the future!

[@philosoraptor777]

6:35 I respect the art SO much, but PLEASE if you are watching this - I can drastically improve this lady's working conditions with a simple redesign of her workspace.

[@audreyh6628]

Yes truly that was painful to watch as its so easy to fix. You can do traditional techniques on an elevated work platform!

[@shaikhahaldhanhani9961]

Although I know it can be confusing I just wanted to point out that it’s the Sheikh of Dubai not Emir. Emir is also a title but it’s used in the Saudi Arabia meaning prince as Saudi Arabia is a kingdom.

[@ladysteel6019]

Awesome hopefully young people catches more interest in this amazing art.

[@RobertaFierro-mc1ub]

What a priviledge it must be just to.stand around and take it all in! Such a beautiful art form..

[@asmrdazzle]

The molten glass looks so chewable

[@MrHeraldx]

Thank you Insider Business for making excellent documentaries.

[@xetothex]

what a hunk constantino is! 😍

[@KristH.-sw9tj]

This is amazing,the workers are doing vary important work❤❤❤

[@flutterbree]

Something about watching a master craftsman do his thing while rocking a Jack Skellington tattoo makes me really happy. Makes me feel like me, a chronically online person who likes childish things, can also have great potential + share it with others.. A nugget of hope I needed.

[@SithMami]

Nothing is as beautiful as Murano glass. Or as rich in color, and history. Italy should have kept this in mind and footed the gas bills of all the companies which had to fold. It makes me sad that there are so few of these artisans left.

[@lucbeau6343]

Sadly people do not appreciate this art and refuse to pay the prices!! These people are a cultural heritage of Italy!

[@ChristosAnesti33]

Are you kidding??? Take me on as an apprentice! This is a 1000x times better than working in a cubicle

[@AzerPaul]

Very interesting. Thank you, e grazie, Orsoni.

[@MsChambria]

I was there! ...and left a part of my heart. ❤

[@jjforcebreaker]

Absolutely fascinating. Thanks for shedding some light on their work! Such a shame many places had to close down.

[@I_am_Lauren]

Amazing that they are the last in Venice!!!? That's mind-blowing considering the arts and craftsmanship history that is in that city.

[@roger0929]

They aren't the last. That's just the typical "fake news" that Business Insider does for views.

[@Morcap]

Antonella should receive a hefty offer from the codebreaker outfits like NSA, etc; her job relies in ''seeing'' patterns that don't exist yet. Very inspiring.

[@IbrahimYounes]

No one mentioned Bisazza!

[@melodyparra2960]

Ooo so many different colors and shades shapes and shine

[@shanac5536]

The Corning Glass Center in New York is a great place to visit if you are ever here! They are always having artists blowing glass and different things to do!

[@oliverfalco7060]

Am I the only one that thought for a second that the guy in the thumbnail was Michael Scott with mustache 😂

[@kop5626]

What a joy to watch this !

[@Mani-tg4kq]

as materials and methods become obsolete we eventually don't need them anymore. but I think the knowledge of these manufacturing crafts & arts must be kept alive through books.

[@sargassum8548]

It has always been a childhood dream of mine to be working / pursuing a career in the arts. Maybe, in my next lifetime, when I'm born in a country that values the arts more, and have a richer (more like carefully preserved) culture and tradition. But still, being an art / library curator is still my topmost what-if career path :

[@TheRafaelRamos]

Man, I wish I could work with them. Love this craft!

[@ProjectMathesar]

I got to visit this place earlier this year. They had some amazing pieces on display!

[@chrismaggio7879]

If I were a young man and knew about this I would absolutely try to become an apprentice! At my age, by the time I learned the trade I will have passed away. I hope someone steps up and carries on the tradition.

[@dragonluvver975]

This art form is beautiful!

[@omarchammaa4555]

Hi for everyone working . This working it's not easy and very take long time to came good and fine . I am like't so much . Good luck with best wishes . From my country Lebanon best regards.👏👏👏👏

[@ArtisansLight]

I really feel those emotions they have towards their craft as i also come from the traditional craftsman background ...i also worried sometimes what happens if youths are not craftaware the traditional craft and techniques lost

[@evgenipronenko927]

Fingers crossed. Hoping for the best

[@DieKupfnerbergerSteiger]

11:46 The detail! :O

[@namelessgrace6319]

There's something very poetic and beautiful about this craft. Wish i could learn!

[@mohamadsami7131]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@D4NC3Rable]

Love that guy who said making colored glass is like making a potion. He's so cool for that.

[@ItsMe-yv9jd]

I am guessing the pay is terrible and THAT is why young people avoid such hard laborious work, (the horrific factory working conditions don't help either.)

[@losingmyfavoritegame8752]

This has to be a very satisfying and rewarding field of work!

[@KodakRose]

30-40 degree heat, hunched over doing a repetitive task all day with the pain that comes with it and likely not for amazing pay with few transferable skills, sounds brutal.

[@PaulShivery]

Excellent work on the tile graphics and sounds for the cuts and transitions, Insider editors

[@timmeh87]

Coud you please provide some extra footage of the glass cooling and turning from red to blue? that seems like the best part

[@estrellabrillante4340]

❤💙🤍me encantan los mosaicos ...saludos desde Republica Dominicana.🤍💙❤

[@MicaRayan]

I am artisan and yes...somebody say the wage is under comfortable living line. I'm in carpentry, just a note there

[@annmeacham5643]

Thank you for sharing this with us. I’m curious about the Venetian glass beads, too.👏🥰

[@piplup10203854]

6:45 That color is absolutely beautiful! I'd love to have something like that ☺ so pretty!

[@martinquesada8185]

please hire me. I'd like to continue this beautiful artistic tradition that must be protected and continued at all cost.

[@ThirdAlt]

The Amir of Dubai portrait is insanely good

[@UgolinoV42346]

Holy shit, I wish I could do glass mosaics. Thank you for showing me this.

[@winonesoon9771]

The government needs to step in and help keep some of this alive......

[@HKim0072]

I regret not buying a mosaic when I was traveling in Florence. Was probably a bit overpriced for tourists, but just slipped my mind a bit. Thought I could just buy it later.

[@srbrant5391]

I’m surprised people still live in Venice - the rent must be insane!

[@vermillionchrome5466]

I would love to start mosaic art as a hobby

[@EricaGamet]

I did almost two years ago and I am obsessed! I've even bought some of the Orsoni smalti (though haven't used it for a project yet). It's easy to get started!

[@sutats]

The mosaic crafting aspect reminded me of Zellige tiles.

[@carolined5923]

The government must adopt this factory and protect it as a national trust concern. Its shocking that it has just been left, The UK has the national lottery to fund such cultural treasures, Italy can do the same

[@jonibarger3147]

Actually the glass blowers moved to the island of Murano due tovall the fires starting in Venice. The glass blowers in murano have been there for hundreds of years

[@mariaelenavasquezgarcia5225]

Stunning work, truly amazing

[@trippysanders420]

Maaaaan! I’m 43 this year and I wonder if they’d take me on as an apprentice? Maybe when my kids turn 18 I’ll go and see if I can get a job there. Can prolly still run my business remote as well. That saddens me to hear it’s hard to find a new generation of glass workers to pass this beautiful art style too. Do art styles go extinct ??

[@gaia7240]

There are almost no people left in the city that Is why

[@lilhedgehog8576]

Can we get a video on the family making the golden sheets now I wanna see what those ancient techniques are. Obviously, they would have to permit it though.