Teeling Whiskey Distillery in the heart of the Dublin Liberties is where the oldest traditions of distilling meet the newest technologies, creating a fascinating and educational visitor experience. This was the theme adopted by award winning artist Bianca Divito, in conceptualising, designing and creating a stunning stained glass window, titled ‘New Dawn’. The 2 metre diameter, vibrant, back-lit window is a twist on the traditional, brought to life by the most skilled craftspeople, making it a feature that is very much at home in Teeling Whiskey Distillery.
‘New Dawn’ was inspired by numerous aspects of the Teeling tale; the phoenix which recalls resurrection from the whiskey fire of 1871, the maturation process of whiskey and the sense of movement of whiskey as it pours and fills. Several very sophisticated techniques were required to create the nearly 2 metre diameter piece, including glass slumping, airbrushing glass enamels and traditional glass painting, before a total of 7 separate firings in a large glass kiln to achieve the final results.
Bianca Divito said: “Working with Teeling Whiskey has been such a harmonious collaboration; much like me, they focus on their craft, rooted in tradition but doing things differently. As a glass artist with vast experience in conservation, I honed my trade working with pieces of historic importance, but now in my creative practice I bring vibrant contemporary flair to each work. This piece, ‘New Dawn’ embodies that - inspired by Teeling’s story, with the sense of movement evoking the splashes of whiskey being poured, and the layers of colour reminiscent of its layers of texture and character.”
Lisa Jameson, Teeling Whiskey Brand Home General Manager (left, pictured with Ruth Dunne - Teeling Whiskey Marketing Manager), said “It has been an absolute pleasure working with Bianca on this wonderfully exciting project. This creative collaboration really illustrates how traditional craft, much like the art of whiskey making, can evolve using innovative and unusual techniques. Bianca has produced something so vibrant, full of movement and depth which is in tune with our own Teeling Whiskey journey in reviving the art of whiskey distillation in Dublin City Centre.
The depth of flavour in our whiskey is captured through the use of vibrant colours and its character is evident in the layered effect. This artistic piece is a welcome addition to the visitor experience which has undergone much enhancement over the past 12 months and will continue to advance well into the future. We have had a fantastic year here at the Distillery and are on track to exceed 120,000 visitors by the year end with visitors really engaged in the different experiences and whiskey tastings on offer., It certainly is a “New Dawn” for all here at Teeling Whiskey Distillery.”
To find out more information on the Teeling Whiskey Distillery, tastings and the online distillery shop where you can buy Distillery Exclusive offerings, visit www.teelingdistillery.com
About the artist:
Bianca Divito is an award-winning stained glass designer and conservator, with studios based in North County Wexford. Following a degree in Architectural Glass in Wales followed by the coveted Award of Excellence afforded by The Worshipful Company of Glaziers and Painters of Glass in London, Bianca’s early career focused on gaining experience in the conservation process. Having worked on the conservation of priceless stained glass windows at York Minister, Canterbury Cathedral and other top studios across the UK and throughout Europe, her deep understanding of her craft led her to experiment with outdoor installations, as well as innovative techniques and materials—including airbrushing, Swarovski crystals and gold leaf in commissions for public art, and private homes.
Bianca met her husband, landscape garden designer Damien Keane, through collaborating on a unique idea for stained glass as a garden feature. This brought them to collaborate on an award-winning exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, London in 2012. Bianca regularly exhibits at art exhibitions and Divito Studios produces a range of hanging pieces for retail and corporate gifting. While conservation honed her skill and understanding of stained glass, Bianca now concentrates on public art and private commissions which allow her creativity to flourish.
Some notable national and international work includes the conservation and restoration of stained glass in St. Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin- Tower Restoration Project and The Lady Chapel Restoration Project and collaborative work on a contemporary window scheme in the Guest Palace in Omanbiancadivito.com
Slán go fóill.