One of World’s Last Stained Glass Factories Is in Rio de Janeiro

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The beautiful glass combinations of colors and shapes have fascinated mankind for almost 1000 years. And this true art, although found all around the world, is made by increasingly fewer people. However, if its survival were to depend on a studio in the North Zone of the city of Rio de Janeiro, then it will continue to live, shine and sparkle.

Luidi and Gonçalves Vitrais, located at 275 João Torquato Street, in the Bonsucesso neighborhood, is run by two partners – who have trained over 30 employees to produce works that are shipped all over the world.

“I started working with stained glass in Petrópolis, with Alberto Magini, an Italian pioneer of stained glass in Brazil. I set up my studio in 1974, and have been working ever since”, says Luidi Nunes, one of the partners of Luidi and Gonçalves Vitrais.

And there are many works. Among the restorations are the Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro, the Confeitaria Colombo, the Laranjeiras and Pedro Ernesto Palaces, the Fiscal Island, and many others, in Brazil and abroad.

The studio also creates design. All the stained glass in the Universal Churches around the world are on Luidi and Gonçalves’ list of achievements, including that of King Solomon’s temple.

“I jokingly say that the Temple belongs to Solomon, but the work was mammoth”, says Luidi.

The glass comes from abroad, and inside the plant it takes the required form for each work. The design details are made by fire, at very high temperatures, through a special enameling.

Those who believe that only more classical forms are reflected in the stained glass panes are mistaken. Luidi says that many works with modern concepts are also in demand. As a result, he believes that his art is eternal.

“This technique of making stained glass has been around for over 900 years. People have tried to do it differently, but it didn’t work. So, I believe we will continue producing these works the same way and for a long time to come,” he stresses.