Glass art in Bolsena.
Bolsena has many nice shops. The glass workshop at the corso Cavour of my friends Diego and Andrea is next to a shop, the craft workshop where they both work.
I have written it before. Bolsena is a special town. A town that you must feel and experience. How do I explain a good feeling? It’s nice, even super nice, to be in Bolsena. Authentic, but it’s also a town with innovation. A town where people can be themselves.
Where you can do your thing. Can carry out your passion and the residents are happy to think and work with you. Amazing!
I had already heard from a good friend that there would come a glass art studio in Bolsena. I was very curious.
On a balmy summer evening in July 2019, I am with Volg de Rode Schoentjes at a housewarming party in Bolsena of Norwegian friends. Wine here, snack there and I end up on the sofa next to Diego Tolomelli and his friend Andrea. Both visual glass artists and, you guessed it, the enterprising men of the glass art studio.
How nice was this.
Stained glass course Bolsena Stained glass course Bolsena Stained glass course Bolsena
We soon made an appointment to see what we can do for each other. Wonderful evening with a joint Italian meal and divine Italian wines.
Diego Tolomelli is a famous glass artist and he teaches stained glass courses and glass painting classes all over the world. He is currently working in Japan. His students also come to Bolsena from all over the world. Awesome.
Stained glass
Stained glass immediately reminded me of the beautiful windows in particular churches and old mansions. But the origins of stained glass go back a bit further.
The history of stained glass started in Rome
Residents of the metropolis Rome needed protection from the weather during the Roman Empire. Small pieces of glass were placed in wooden or iron frames. Large pieces of glass could not be made at the time. These small pieces of glass created a special light in the buildings.
Middle Ages
Quite a few years later during the Middle Ages, stained glass is given a clear place in the designs of cathedrals and churches. But also in expensive mansions or other important buildings. The possibility of manufacturing larger glass pieces is now available and colored glass also became an option. Religious stories were depicted and stained glass became an important art form. The visitor to the church was enchanted by its magical light.
The birth of stained glass art styles
In the 19th century, the popularity of stained glass returned. After a long period of destruction and aversion to the church and faith. The industrial revolution enabled commercial production of stained glass. The wealthy were given the opportunity to buy and use stained glass in their homes.
Different art styles came to life in the above period. Including naturalism, neo-gothic, geometric patterns and the arts and Grafts movement.
Stained glass is currently immensely popular and is frequently used in new buildings and homes. Windows in churches and buildings are being restored
It also artfully connects old with new architecture. Various new techniques and materials have been added, but the way of working is still medieval.
Stained glass course in Bolsena
You can learn this old craft during a course of Diego Tolomelli in collaboration with Volg de Rode Schoentjes. The glass studio is on Corso Cavour in Bolsena and this is also the studio where the course will take place. Information about this craft course at this link: Volg de Rode Schoentjes.