The visit starts with an introduction to the AAV Barbini company, an ancient firm whose origins are intertwined with the history of Venetian glass mirror making. The participants will then be shown all the different phases through which an authentic Venetian mirror is handcrafted: drawing, cutting, grinding, engraving, silvering and the final assembly of the finished piece. At the end of the process, visitors will discover the Showroom, where many types of finished Venetian mirrors are displayed together with various engraved artworks made by the Barbini family, such as paintings, vases and glasses.
A myriad of mirrorsAAV Barbini is the oldest company still operating in Murano that specialises in the art of glass engraving and the production of Venetian mirrors, as well as the restoration of antique pieces. The company’s origins can be traced back to an era that far precedes the date of its foundation by Nicolò Barbini, in 1927. In fact, the Barbini family history is intimately tied to that of Venetian glass mirror making, which has lived centuries of undisputed supremacy not only for its limpid, transparent and colourless qualities, but also for the sophisticated craftsmanship that has characterised production throughout the ages. To this day, all of the development phases take place exclusively in the Barbini workshop and are personally overseen by Nicolò’s heirs, Vincenzo and Giovanni, and by their respective sons, who constantly reinterpret this inestimable wealth of skill, techniques and secrets.