A stunning Art Studio-Kitengela Glass Nairobi
- Christabel Ododa
- Aug 13, 2020
- 2 min read
Historically rich, a vibrant city and home to beautiful national parks and wildlife, Nairobi is always going to be a holiday favorite but the city is filled with beautiful places that don't get to bask in the spotlight. Anselms Kitengela Hot Glass Studio is one such superb spot, an enchanting wonderland of everything glass.
It is not the easiest place to get to I must warn you. Wending your way down a dilapidated scrubby terrain of a road, you will easily be tempted to make a turn for the heels.
A little tolerance though and the panoramic view of the distant city space and the span across the Nairobi National park soon graces your eyesight.
The reward of this bumpy drive you may ask? The un-missable rather odd planetarium dome, standing tall right on the edge of the Park. Smack in the middle of nothing lies this brilliant gallery, set in quirky, colorful grounds, Anselm’s Kitengela Hot Glass Studio, an art lover's wonderland.
It is in the studio that all the magic happens in a fascinating 8 to 10 min’s process that ends in an assortment of mosaic artworks, delightful murals, enchanting chandeliers, lovely vases, stained glasses, exquisite bead works, and glass lampshades, all made from recycled glass.
The hot glass blowing process starts with an overnight melting of the recycled glass in a kilt running on temperatures as high as 1,200 degrees. A professional blower then collects the red hot glass and holding it onto wet newspaper begins to roll the soft glass so it doesn’t fall as he shapes and blows it out. There’s a back and forth to the kilt every time the glass cools off until such a time that the desired size is achieved. This is soon followed up by the opening up and shaping of the glass into the desired design. It is an interesting glass blowing process and regular demonstrations are available to visitors as are the beautiful handmade,recycled glass items.
But the discovery does not end here, exploring the neighborhood you’ll come across this precarious bridge swaying frighteningly above a deep river valley. Brave the suspension bridge and enjoy a stroll around.
Tips
The studio opens Monday to Sunday from 8.00 am to 4.30 pm
Glass blowing demonstrations are available to the public at no cost.
Groups of more than five people however should book in advance and might attract a fee.
Contact office@kitengela.com for bespoke artworks - made to fit any space - inside or outside, home or office, private or corporate. (Lead time 6 - 8 weeks)
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