The renowned Italian glass artist Lino Tagliapietra has been awarded the 42nd Phoenix Award: ‘Glass Person of the Year’.

According to the Committee, Mr Tagliapietra (pictured) has earned this distinguished award for his contribution to the glass industry in the field of art.

Born and raised on the famous Venetian glass blowing island of Murano, he started to learn the art of blowing glass from the age of 11. By the time he was 21, he had achieved the status of ‘Maestro Vetraio’. From then, he worked with many of the top Muranese Glass producers until 1989 when he began his career as an independent artist.

Mr Tagliapietra joins the long list of distinguished recipients of the Phoenix Award and in particular his compatriot and fellow artist Dale Chihuly, who received the same award in 1998.