Tracy Chevalier with her book ‘The Glassmaker’
Best-selling author Tracy Chevalier entertained 65 guests at The Design Gallery in November and opened a museum-quality exhibition of antique Venetian and Bohemian trade beads.
I had the pleasure of photographing the event which started with an insightful talk by Tracy and culminated with a book signing.
Read on to find out more.
Tracy telling the story and the historical research involved to write the book ‘The Glassmaker’ to an audience of 65 guests.
An exclusive Indie Edition of books depicting a Venetian scene on the inside and back covers with sprayed edges was available to purchase on the day from Helen from The East Grinstead Bookshop.
The writer of “Girl with a Pearl Earring” (which became an Oscar-nominated film about the painter Vermeer) tells the story of a Muranese family in her new book “The Glassmaker” (The Borough Press). By spinning stones across the lagoon, Chevalier masterfully spans centuries of Venetian history through the eyes of her heroine, Orsola Rosso.
Beginning in the15th century, the story describes the working lives of women, a popular theme in Chevalier’s books. It is the hand-crafted ‘lampwork’ beads that Orsola makes at the kitchen table, with a lamp fuelled by stinking tallow (animal fat), that keeps the glassmaking family fed through the plague and afloat through revolutions and even Covid.
The Venetian bead industry has a long and fascinating history. Chevron, millefiori, seed and fancy beads were exported worldwide and became culturally important in Africa, where the Muranese glass adornments were exchanged for gold, palm oil and even slaves.
In 1292, all of the Venetian glass factories were relocated to Murano to avoid the risk of fires from the 24 hour furnaces. In 1491, glassmakers were forbidden to leave the island, or to reveal their hotly-guarded secrets, on penalty of death. The law was to last 50 years.
Tracy showing a glass bead during her talk and explaining the making process.
A glass bead necklace given the name ’Chevalier’ in honour of Tracy, has been exclusively created by Ercole Moretti for her latest novel, The Glassmaker.
This collectible piece celebrates the story of Orsola Rosso, the bold protagonist who defies convention in the 15th century to become a master glassmaker in Murano.
Ercole Moretti were established in 1911 - the quality of their millefiori beads at that time and since has made their work highly sought after. The Chevalier necklace (at first they designed a chevalier bead) now this wonderful necklace which is currently sold out.
The exhibition features until 30th November two private collections of Venetian beads, along with over 100 unique necklaces for sale. “These pieces are remarkably varied and have a powerful presence when worn. We specialise in Art Deco and, interestingly, the 1920s were the heyday of Venetian and Czech bead creativity and craftsmanship. Who knows, perhaps one was gifted by Casanova to one of his many conquests…,” curator Chrissie Masters explained.
Unique pieces on display and for sale at The Design Gallery.
A selection of intricately made colourful glass beads were shown during the talk.
Left to right – John and Chrissie Masters from The Design Gallery, Tracy Chevalier author and Helen Scott from The East Grinstead Bookshop.
A selection of these exquisite bead necklaces are always available at The Design Gallery, which is open Wednesdays to Saturdays 10am-5pm.
The Design Gallery, Starborough Farm, Starborough Road, Marsh Green, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5RB www.thedesigngallery.com
01959 561234
E: chrissie@thedesigngallery.com
A fascinating and educational morning and a pleasure to photograph. Books can be purchased via The East Grinstead Bookshop here.
Thanks for reading
