Paola Matterazzo, Vitra

A world of light and colour

When you cross the threshold of Vitra, light and colour immediately catch your eye. The glass surfaces reflect the light, the transparent elements overlap, and the different shades create plays of light that enhance every single object.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the creations is precisely their ability to change appearance with the light, while retaining their identity. A plate that appears dark blue in the morning can take on purplish hues in the afternoon, revealing a different side of the same object depending on where it is placed and how the light passes through it.

Behind the objects on display lies a long process of craftsmanship, which begins with the selection of materials and colours and continues through various stages until the finished product is created.

Glassworking

The owner of the shop is Paola Matterazzo, who, together with her family, continues to carry on this artistic project that combines creativity and technical expertise. Much of her work is based on glass fusing, a technique that allows her to transform various fragments of coloured glass into a single object: the pieces are cut, placed together and then fused in a kiln, creating compositions in which shapes and colours come together.

In addition to glass fusing, Paola also uses cold decoration and experiments with combining glass with other materials, such as wood and metal.

The result is creations characterised by simple lines and vibrant colours, in which the contrasts between surfaces and materials help to give the objects a distinctive style.

Creations between art and craft

In the shop, you can find decorative plates, frames, lamps, glass paintings, artistic jewellery, ornamental panels and many other creations. The variety of items on offer demonstrates the versatility of the material, which lends itself to the creation of small pieces of jewellery, decorative elements to enhance interiors and much more besides.

A significant part of the production is dedicated to Siena and the world of the Contrade. The items on display in the shop convey the connection with the city, whose traditions become a source of inspiration and are recounted and celebrated through glass.

For visitors to Siena, choosing one of these pieces means taking home a memento of the city that is different from more traditional souvenirs – something original that combines the value of craftsmanship with the appeal of Sienese traditions. At the same time, these pieces are also appreciated by the Sienese themselves, who buy them to pay tribute to their city or their own Contrada.

Commissioned creations

In addition to the creations available in the shop, Paola also makes pieces to commission, crafting objects that meet customers’ specific requirements.

With plates, lamps, jewellery and decorations dedicated to the Contrade, Vitra thus showcases a craft that finds in glass a material through which to convey a piece of Siena’s identity destined to last over time.