A Brief History of Terrazzo

Terrazzo descended directly from simplified forms of centuries-old styles of marble mosaics that were used in Venice by the mid-16th century. Today’s highly evolved terrazzo is an environmentally friendly material that combines extraordinary design
potential, optimum durability, low maintenance. Terrazzo is the lowest cost flooring material available based on its life cycle. We cover the Glasgow and East Renfrewshire area. We can also clean terrazzo and repair damaged terrazzo.

Green from the beginning

Terrazzo was created when resourceful Venetian mosaic workers discovered a way to reuse marble remnants. With odd-size chips, they began to build terraces around their living quarters.

Techniques for leveling these surfaces progressed from rubbing with a stone by hand, to the development of long-handled, weighted grinding stone, called a galero. The first sealer for terrazzo was discovered when workers noticed that a coating of goat
milk brought out the rich colors and sheen of the marble.

The immigration of an industry

The terrazzo and mosaic industry in the 16th century Italy was practically the monopoly of craftsmen from the Friuli region. This industry has remained remarkably intact, held by the families from this area through many generations including the shifting of the entire industry to North America. The first terrazzo in the US was laid by Italian craftsmen in 1890 in the Vanderbilt residence on Fifth Avenue in New York. At that time, mosaics had also been recently introduced in the US and were generally preferred over terrazzo.

Later, between 1900 and 1915, three million Italians immigrated to the US. Terrazzo and mosaic workers were regarded as the aristocracy of the immigrant labour force because their work was so highly skilled and valued. The terazzeri, as these workers were called, were regarded as true artists. They jealously guarded the secrets of their craft, handing them down from father to son. These family businesses built a powerful network of firms that expanded the terrazzo trade and dominated the market across the US.

Terrazzo in the 1920s: Ready for prime time

In the post-World War I era, Terrazzo became a flooring of choice in the US, suddenly overtaking and replacing the use of marble mosaics, for several reasons. Architects were the first ones to recognize the vast design potential of terrazzo. Terrazzo happened to be the ideal medium for its ability to offer smooth, curvilinear art deco and modern styles. Furthermore, the invention of the electric grinder in 1924 brought about a finer finish, greater speed and accuracy at lowered costs, all contributing to the spread of terrazzo all over the US.

Many of the country's most noteworthy buildings of the day, stunning examples of classic design, craftsmanship and durability were built with terrazzo, including the State Building, Radio City Music Hall and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.

Also in 1924, Terrazzo and mosaic contractors from all over the US created the National Terrazzo and Mosaic Contractors Association, today known as the National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association, Inc.

For our expertise and unique craftsmanship, for new terrazzo steps entrances, terrazzo restoration and terrazzo repairs call Authentic Terrazzo, of Glasgow and East Renfrewshire:

0141 637 6266 or 07985 721 571
authenticterrazzo@gmail.com

We can clean terrazzo and repair damaged terrazzo

07985 721 571

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