Family buys historic Venini glassworks in Venice

(AGI) Milan, Jan 20 - Venini, one of the world's most famous glassworks in Venice, is to be bought by the Damiani family who are to acquire a majority stake. It was founded in 1921 and is synonymous with Italian production in the artistic processing of glass. It has been a leading manufacturer in Venice's Murano glass production district, contributing to the renewal and the restoration of the centuries old activity of glass making. Group president Guido Damiani said: "Venini is a one-off worldwide, boasting a tradition of excellence, creativity, Italian-made craftsmanship and uniqueness. These are the key values that have always guided the company along with a deep passion for art. Since its foundation Venini has benefited from the on-site availability of Murano's unique and ancient know-how. These are the same strengths that have always characterised the Damiani group and family, combined with a deep passion for the goldsmith's art, handed down from father to son." Giancarlo Chimento, president and shareholder of Venini said: "The Damiani family is the right partner: shared values, knowledge of the world of luxury and of how to be an ambassador to the world for the best of Italy's goldsmith tradition will ensure the safe development and growth of the company at an international level." The Chimento and Tabacchi family, which acquired the company in 2001, will retain a 40 percent stake, and the Chimento family will play a part in the operational management of the company assisting Damiani in growth strategies. The acquisition fits into the Damiani brothers' strategy of investing in and developing luxury and historical brands, such as Damiani, Salvini, Rocca, Calderoni and Pomellato. Venini Spa has about 80 employees and is distributed in around the world, especially in Europe, Asia and North America. The Venini museum displays 45,000 drawings, 6,000 vintage photos and 4,000 works of art. Venini's products are unique in terms of their importance in glass making, are found in many books and are exhibited in art museums around the world, including the Cartier Foundation in Paris, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Metropolitan Museum and the MOMA in New York and the Milan Triennale. Scenes from the James Bond film Moonraker (1979) were shot in the Venini shop on Piazza San Marco in Venice and in the Murano kiln.. .