Martino Gamper
Cuttings
Cuttings is a family of mouth-blown, hand-cut crystal barware designed by Martino Gamper and produced by J. Hill’s Standard in Waterford, Ireland. Defined by bold, intuitive gestures, each piece features strong marks confidently hewn out of the surface of lead crystal, less applied decoration than sculptural expression.
For this collection, Gamper worked directly with the crystal, carving in a motion that echoes the rhythm of the turf cutter—the traditional Irish craft of slicing peat with a sléan, the two-sided spade. Each cut carries that same assured movement: long, clean strokes with sharply defined, angular edges. The result is a series of tactile, rugged forms, glass surfaces that feel both primitive and precise. Fingers naturally trace the smooth hollows and crisp ridges of each cut, finding comfort in their rhythm and depth.
The Cuttings Family comprises three interrelated collections: Bog, Dew, and Furrow. Evoking the physicality of the earth and the ritual of the hearth, Cuttings connects contemporary design with Ireland’s material traditions.
Furrow Collection
Bog Collection
Dew Collection
About the designer
Martino Gamper
Martino Gamper OBE (b. 1971) is an Italian designer based in London whose practice moves fluidly between art, craft, and industrial design. Originally trained as a furniture maker in Merano, he later studied sculpture under Michelangelo Pistoletto in Vienna before completing a Master’s at the Royal College of Art under Ron Arad. This diverse foundation informs a body of work that resists categorization, spanning one-off objects, interiors, exhibitions, and industrial production.
Gamper is internationally recognized for his intuitive, experimental approach to form and function and his work reflects a deep curiosity about materials, context, and the social role of design. He has exhibited at leading institutions including the Serpentine Galleries, Palais de Tokyo, and the V&A, and collaborates widely across design, fashion, and contemporary art.
In 2023, Gamper was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to design. Through a practice that balances playfulness with precision, he continues to shape contemporary design discourse on a global scale.