Rev. Anthony R. Brausch, PhL, Vice Rector Mount St. Mary’s of the West Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio
Massimo Mellini’s life in stained glass began at an early age. He remembers little else as he would come to the studio with his father from the time that he was a small child.
His father suddenly passed away in 1978 when Massimo was 16 but the studio remained in operation while Massimo pursued his course of study. Within three years, he was able to work in the studio alongside more experienced artisans. At that time, the world of stained glass in Italy and elsewhere went through a difficult period as interest in the ancient craft waned and a certain industrial or functional perspective prevailed in the world of architecture. Fortunately, over time this has been changing as people realized anew the value of well-made work that is pleasing to the eye and will also stand the test of time.
Today, the studio is engaged with commissions in stained glass and mosaics, not only in Italy but also in the United States, throughout Europe, Japan, and many other countries. In 2014, Mellini moved the mosaic operations into a 5,000 s.f. facility in Pietrasanta, Italy.
With a staff of 20, the majority with at least 40 years of experience, Mellini has positioned itself as the premier studio for both stained glass and mosaics throughout Italy if not the world.