Vitrealspecchi: a story that began long ago.
Vitrealspecchi was founded in Italy in 1939 by a family group that had been involved in industrial glass processing since the beginning of the century. Then as now, the company is based in Lombardy, in the heart of the country’s most productive district, specialising in furniture manufacturing and design.
1939-1960 LEADING MIRROR MAKERS.
For the first twenty years, the business focused on the production of mirrors, hence the name of the company, which was one of the first in Italy to equip itself with an automatic plant for the industrial production of large sheets.
1965: Vitrealspecchi produces the first industrial satin-finished flat glass.
With the economic boom, interior design styles changed, mirrors became a mass-produced commodity, and the craftsmanship required for unique pieces was no longer needed. Vitrealspecchi abandoned mirrors in favour of a project that would have unimaginable developments: the transformation of an ancient craft technique – chemical glass etching – into industrial production.
In 1965 it patented the first process for satin-finishing and other etching operations on float glass plates. It was a little big revolution for the building and furnishing industries: satin-finish glass, with its beauty, practicality and, competitive cost, has completely replaced the traditionally sandblasted product.
1968: Madras® glass is born.
In 1968, the Madras® brand was born, which still distinguishes Vitrealspecchi’s production today.
The first models are characterised by their highly decorative nature and unique tactile texture. The depth of the engraving creates brilliant ripples in the glass, reminiscent of a type of Indian silk called madras. Hence the name chosen for the brand.
For many years, the primary and most important area of application was glass doors, because the Madras® range of decorations offered – and still offers – a higher quality alternative to traditional printed glass.
Since the 1990s, research and creativity have opened up new avenues.
Over time, research and creativity have led to the discovery of new potential in chemical processing: Madras® glass, a component of excellence for decorative purposes, has also become a functional component for new applications that require certified performance: floors, stairs, shower screens, furniture, railings, and facades. The company’s scope has expanded worldwide.
Today, it is very likely that the home you live in, the office where you work, the most high-tech store or fashion boutique features Madras® glass, produced in Italy by Vitrealspecchi.
