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History and Technology A delicate and meticulous artform tracing its origins to Roman artisans in the first century B.C., cameo glass demands great skill and craftsmanship. Over time and across many cultures it has evolved into an exacting process requiring a technique known as overlay. Drawing on methods developed by the Nineteenth century French artist, Emile Galle, Mr. Ramski begins with a hand blown glass core over which may be added one or more layers of coloured glass of varying thickness and texture. Using acids baths and hand tools, he then delicately etches away outlying surface areas to reveal a raised pattern. The piece is reheated to further draw colour from the glass and, depending on the complexity of the design, may be returned for additional etching. In the final stages, engraved details and occasionally enamels are added to complete the final design in shallow relief. Rich in colour and contrast, each piece is unique in its detail and bears the personal signature of the artist. The son of master glass decorators, Ryszard Ramski was, in effect, born into the metier of glass design. He began his career as an engraver to the "Julia" glassworks in Szklarska Poreba, Poland. As a young apprentice, he distinguished himself by being chosen to work on glass tablesets for such personages as Reza Pahlavi (then the Shah of Iran) and Charles de Gaulle. Mr. Ramski has also been commissioned on several occasions by the Polish government to create hand blown and engraved glass productions. He is the recipient of numerous awards for his work including the title af Master Artist awarded by the Ministry of Arts and Culture in 1982.Since 1987 his son-Marek , has been working together with Mr.Ramski. Mr. Ramski's creations have been internationally featured in individual and group exhibits. Permanent collections of his work are housed in the National Museum of Art in Warsaw and the Sobieski Museum in Vienna, Austria.

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