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    The History 

    Prize Compasso d'Oro

The History

In 1859, a lawyer originally from Vicenza, Antonio Salviati, founded Salviati & C in Venice. This was a glass-making company that combined the production of glass and mosaics with the art of glass processing, thus beginning a story that has continued to the present day.

Salviati was fascinated by the mosaics on the walls of the Basilica of San Marco in Venice, and decided to combine this millennial tradition with Murano glass processing, a traditional activity then in total decay. In 1864 his company participated in the first Vetraia Exhibition with a monumental mosaic which won the first prize: this success enabled the company to move its production base to Murano’s Palazzo Da Mula.

Thanks to the first investors who supported the project, several of whom were British, in 1866 the Salviati & C was refounded as a joint stock company, with the support of Sir Austen Henry and Willia Drake.

Compasso d'Oro prize

The artistic splendour of the company’s processed glass products reached a peak of prestige in the Universal Exposition in Paris in 1867: Salviati had conquered international fame. In a history spanning a hundred and sixty years, this historic Venetian company has distinguished itself for the careful selection of raw materials, a deep bond with its land of origin, an unconditional love for tradition but also a far-sighted innovative vision.

Right from its foundation, Salviati has always been synonymous with an all-Italian expertise influencing contemporary design in every era. This is a story whose chapters include mosaic production, great pre- and post-war lighting, participation in the Venice Biennale exhibitions from 1958 to 1972 and the award of the Compasso d'Oro prize for the Marco vase, designed by the architect Sergio Asti.

Salviati is synonymous with elegance, precision and premium processing techniques, virtues which enhance all the prestigious creations that bear its trademark. High craftsmanship combines with the history of glassmaking in the Lagoon... an all-Italian story still influencing the narrative of international contemporary design. .