The name Lino Tagliapietra is synonymous with the very spirit of the studio glass movement, a movement defined by artistic innovation, technical mastery, and the elevation of glass from craft to fine art.
Born in Murano, Italy, Tagliapietra was immersed in the island’s centuries-old tradition of glassmaking from a young age. He qualified as a maestro vetraio (master glassmaker) in his early twenties, an extraordinary achievement, and went on to spend more than 30 years working with the leading Murano glass manufacturers, including Venini, Effetre International, and others.
In the late 1970s, Tagliapietra began to pursue a more personal, expressive path as a studio glass artist. Stepping away from the production-focused ateliers of Murano, he embraced a new ethos that celebrated experimentation, individual creativity, and the sculptural potential of glass.
Tagliapietra’s influence extends far beyond Italy. He played a pivotal role in the international exchange of glassblowing techniques, most notably fostering close ties with the burgeoning American studio glass movement. His collaboration with American artist Dale Chihuly was particularly significant. The two met in the late 1960s, and their creative partnership helped bridge the gap between traditional Venetian craftsmanship and contemporary American innovation. Chihuly has famously referred to Tagliapietra as “the greatest glassblower in the world”.
Together, Tagliapietra and Chihuly shared techniques, developed groundbreaking forms, and inspired a generation of artists working in hot glass. Their mutual respect and ongoing dialogue helped transform glass into a respected medium within the wider field of contemporary art.
Today, works by both Lino Tagliapietra and Dale Chihuly are held in major public and private collections around the world. Chihuly’s monumental rotunda chandelier at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London remains one of the most iconic contemporary glass installations in the UK, while Tagliapietra’s intricate vessels and sculptural forms continue to be celebrated for their elegance, complexity, and emotional resonance.
