UNA LUCE PER L’EMILIA ROMAGNA THE CHANDELIERS OF SANT’AGOSTINO THE RESTORATION
AIM AND PURPOSES THE BOOK COLLATERAL EVENTS PARTNERS PRESS REVIEW
The exhibition, which is curated by the Teatro La Fenice, revolves around the magnificent crystal amber and gold chandelier almost 5 meters high by 4 floors, with a circumference of about 3 meters, built in the mid twenty of the twentieth century, modeled on the great Venetian tradition of the eighteenth century chandeliers, like those preserved at the Museo di Palazzo Mocenigo or Ca ‘Rezzonico – Museum of eighteenth century Venetian.
Initially thought to illuminate the Hall of the Estense Castle in Ferrara Games, this huge artifact was transferred at the end of 1933, in the large communal residence hall of St. Augustine, often used, from mid-nineteenth century until after World War II, as party room. A common voice, which has not certain references in official documents, says that the large chandelier move was ordered by Italo Balbo, in the hall of the palace, designed by engineer Antonio Giordani, used to go dance with his lover.
Next to it, the three smaller chandeliers also restored during the last years, which were in the same room.
Accompanying the exhibition, a book (Baraldi Publisher) edited by writer and journalist Alberto Toso Fei that traces the history of St. Augustine chandeliers and of restoration activities.
“A Light for Emilia Romagna – says the president of the Consortium Promovetro, Luciano Gambaro – is a project born from the heart, as a gesture of solidarity towards Emilian friends so badly affected by the earthquake and with the intent at the same time to salvage a part of our history “.
“The restoration – continues Luciano Gambaro – has been a long and challenging teamwork involving many companies of the Consortium and many glass masters, with one goal: give the chandeliers a new life. The large Sant Agostino chandelier from Murano today represents the symbol of the will to go on, of our rebirth: nothing is lost if there is good will and love for our work, our traditions and our history ” .
During these three years the project A light for the Emilia Romagna has developed in several stages, first the recover of the 4 Murano glass chandeliers from the town hall of St. Augustine, then demolished because of serious structural problems, then to contact the technicians and glassblowers experts to study the mode of action and in particular to coordinate the work of the companies in the consortium specialized in lighting and mirrors, in order to proceed with the restoration.