Biography
On August 10, 1934, Murano, Italy welcomed Lino Tagliapietra, into the world.
Eleven short years later in 1945, Lino was on his way to becoming the Maestro of Murano when he began working at the Archimede Seguso glass factory. He remained working there for 10 years.
In 1955, he followed his brother, Silvano, to the Galliano Ferro Glassworks. During his time at Ferro, he rose through the hierarchical ranks, which is typical in Murano furnaces. In less than a year, he became assistant master and eventually became first master in 1957.
In 1966, Lino left Archimede to work at Venini Glassworks. He left in 1968 to pursue other opportunities.
In that same year, Lino received the Borsella d’Oro award, an acknowledgment given by the people of Murano to the master who stands out in the excellence of glass processing.
By 1972, his creations were being recognized around Europe. A lamp of his design and execution produced by La Murrina, The Anteater, was awarded the Grand Prix at the 1972 Barcelona Art Fair.
A short four years later, along with his brother Silvano and other glass expects, they created the first course for the artists at the International Glass School. The aim of these courses was to combine the ancient techniques of Murano Glass Art with the new ideas of Italian and foreign artists; thus, merging the uniqueness of the technique with the novelties of design. For the first time, the pieces created were presented to the public signed by both the artists and the master executors of the works.
In 1977 Lino began his collaboration with Effetre International, in the dual role of Maestro and Director Technical Artist.
At the invitation of Benjamin Moore in 1979, the Maestro traveled to the United States for the first time to teach a course at Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington.
In 1981, while instructing at the International Glass School, he met the Dutch artist A.D. Copier. This led to a long and fruitful collaboration from which a deep friendship was born and has been maintained for many years.
In the summer of 1987, the Maestro was invited to the Haystack Mountain School of Craft in Maine. All of these experiences led to more creations and collaborations.
In 1988, he hosted his first major personal exhibition at Museo Boymans, Van Beuningen in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. That same year, he began to collaborate with artist. Dale Chihuly creating the Venetian Series.
By 1989, Lino became an independent artist, opening his own studio in Murano.
