text Virginia Mammoli
Born amidst crystal
Matteo Locchi, the fourth generation of the Oltrarno’s historic glassmaking family
The lesson you’ve learned from your grandmother and your mother, the two pillars, along with you, of the workshop?
The love of this job, attention to customers and feeling privileged for being able to devote myself to an age-old craft which my family has been carrying on for so many years.
The most fascinating processing stage?
In our workshop, everything is done just like one hundred years ago. I’m very much intrigued by the customization stage. I personally enjoy engraving a monogram, a date, words, something that ties the object to a special occasion.
Your most iconic creations?
Among the items which we are famous for- in our own small way- are the Andalusa olive oil cruets and the Medicee collections, a chalice for Pope John Paul II and the Volpi Cup for the Venice Film Festival. Personally, I am very fond of the items which I myself created over time, such as crystal home diffusers and sushi sets.
As for restoration, what works have you been particularly impressed by?
We have done many and significant restoration works over time, such as some reliquaries for the Vatican Museums, the inside of a salt shaker which belonged to Pauline Bonaparte and a whisky bottle with wooden support which belonged to Buffalo Bill.
Where do you enjoy going in Florence to relax and find inspiration?
On the long balcony below the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte, near Piazzale Michelangelo.
Florence in three adjectives
Direct, touchy, wonderful.
Instagram: @molerialocchi
