Bruno Romanelli is a distinguished glass artist based in London, renowned for his mastery of the lost-wax glass casting technique. Born in Yorkshire, UK, in 1968, Romanelli has dedicated over 30 years to the art of glassmaking, evolving from creating figurative sculptures to producing abstract forms that explore themes of geometry, nature, light, symmetry, and color.

Education and Early Career

Romanelli’s formal education in glass design began at Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, where he earned a BA (Hons) in Glass Design from 1988 to 1991. He further honed his skills at the Royal College of Art in London, completing an MA in Glass from 1993 to 1995.

Artistic Approach and Themes

Romanelli’s work is characterized by its intricate balance of form, color, and light. He often begins with the fundamental shape of a circle, symbolizing wholeness and unity, and transforms it into complex, multi-part sculptures. His pieces are noted for their precision, symmetry, and harmony, with a strong emphasis on the interplay of light and color through the material qualities of opacity, transparency, and translucency.

Notable Works and Commissions

Romanelli has a well-appointed foundry in South London, where he creates his pieces and takes on commissioned work. One of his most notable commissions is the ‘Rising Star’ glass trophy for the BAFTA’s televised award ceremony, a project he has been involved with for over a decade. He also collaborates with Wrightson & Platt and Peter Layton on various unique projects.

Awards and Recognitions

Romanelli’s excellence in glass art has been recognized through numerous awards and commendations, including:

• 2012: European Prize for Applied Arts – Special Commendation
• 2008: Bombay Sapphire Prize for Glass, Short-listed
• 2007: Glass Sellers Prize, Short-listed
• 1996: Crafts Council Setting Up Grant
• 1995: ‘Glass Of ‘95’ First Prize Winner
• 1994: BBC Design Awards, Short-listed
• 1991: British Artists in Glass, Student Prize Winner
  
  

Exhibitions and Collections

Romanelli’s work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally, and he has pieces in several prestigious public collections, including:

• Victoria and Albert Museum, London
• Broadfield House Glass Museum, Stourbridge
• Contemporary Art Society, London
• Crafts Council, London
• National Museum Cardiff, Wales
• Nottingham Castle Museum, Nottingham
• Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear
• The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
• The McManus, Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum, Dundee
• Glasmuseum, Die Ernsting Stiftung Alter Hof Herding, Coesfeld, Germany
• Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
• Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts, Racine, Wisconsin, USA
• Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
• Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
• RPG Foundation, New Delhi, India
  
  

Conclusion

Bruno Romanelli’s contributions to the field of glass art are marked by his innovative use of the lost-wax casting technique and his ability to blend form, color, and light into harmonious sculptures. His work continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary glass art.