HISTORY - Crystal San Carlos Official Website | 1949 - 2017

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SAN CARLOS

Gestation

The Department Las Colonias, located in the heart of the province of Santa Fe, housed much of an immigration wave that, from various European regions, came to Argentina. Thus, interesting testimonies and descendants of those pioneers, realize how their roots contributed to enlarge the designs of the Nation.

After the Second World War, the European scene presented itself uncertain, messy , particularly for many young people who desire a positive change in their lives. Altare, a small town of the Italian Liguria, did not escape the impact of the uncertain context.

Between 1947 and 1950 the province of Santa Fe hosted a large number of foreigners , including fourteen young people who made up the group called TOVA ( Altare Technical Glass Workers ) whose expertise is focused on craft production of glass, were ancient tradition was enriched by his Italian ancestors.

Altare was a real center of radiation of the glass production , ancient heritage of Phoenician civilization that left the region of Liguria, which over time projection reached the rest of the continent , but with artistic features that differed from Venice, who still has worldwide recognition in the field.

On September 8, 1947, in the city of Genoa, those fourteen young boarded the ship "Mendoza" of Argentinian flag to face a brighter future than the one envisioned in the old continent. On the 24th of that month, arrived at the port of Buenos Aires, where they moved directly to the Santa Fe area of San Jorge to found the glassware they called SAICA (Artistic Crystal Industry SA).

The Foundation

Gaminara Anselmo, the youngest of the group, showed skills for designing glassware. In 1949, along with other Ligurian craftsmen who had come with him, he founded the San Carlos Glassworks in its namesake city. From that moment begins to weave a tradition, reflecting the spirit of his predecessors, he will also make known Argentina by their crystals.

Arguably the town of San Carlos Centro, whose productive identity source was agricultural, positively assimilated establishing a glassware adopting it as new labor source to offer its people the possibility to reach other occupational choice without relying solely on the weather. Gradually man field was opening incorporating knowledge and talents to this new craft. The glass masters, men who guided apprentices with time and much dedication, became officials and later specialized chiefs, thus conforming a core of highly skilled craftsmen. The pieces produced by these craftsmens enjoy international prestige, making the town has transcended through the years, with its own identity.

The results of the first manufacturing experiences were not as positive as expected. On the one hand, the system used was not compatible with the raw material acquired and, second, the energy available not responded to the high consumption demand required. To this must be added the economic difficulties besetting the company following debts incurred.

The formulas for a crystal of higher quality were improved and also able to obtain superior raw materials that allowed an increase in production that resulted in a significant increase in sales.
The period between the years 1954 - 1979 can be seen as a glorious cycle for glassware. This was reflected in the 186 carving workshops turning the city into a major center of the glass industry.

The economic recession that affected Argentina in the early 90s, also hit the glass industry who had to face serious economic difficulties and unfortunate consequences.

Today, holding the spirit of the founders, new generations continue to defend this identity that crown when finally the June 5, 2013 San Carlos Centro becomes the National Capital of Crystal Handcrafted.