Tourist breaks Swarovski armchair in Verona-artwork saved!

Tourist breaks Swarovski armchair in Verona-artwork saved!

Palazzo Maffei, Verona, Italien - On June 14, 2025, an accident occurred in the Italian city of Verona, which made the art scene listen. In the Palazzo Maffei, a work of art by the renowned artist Nicola Bolla, an armchair decorated with Swarovski crystals, collapsed under the weight of a big tourist. According to Vienna.at The incident was documented by a video and shows two visitors that waited in the room until the security personnel left the area. After the incident, the responsible tourists left the place unnoticed.

The damage to the artwork was considerable and the director of the museum, Vanessa Carlon, initially skeptically expressed itself about the possibilities of restoration. Thanks to skillful restorers, however, the work was saved, and the museum is now striving to promote awareness of the respectful use of art and cultural heritage. The museum filed a complaint against the incident, and the police initiated the identification of the tourists concerned.

The artist Nicola Bolla

Nicola Bolla, who comes from Saluzzo and lives in Turin, is known for his extravagant and imaginative sculptures. Like artslife.com reports, Bolla cooperated with Swarovski to create impressive works that are decorated with crystals such as pests and tools. In 1995 and 2009 he exhibited at the Venice Biennale, which strengthened his international reputation. Bolla's work is characterized by a kitschy, but at the same time creative approach, and he is also known as collectors of objects that stand for his chaotic art grip.

The use of Swarovski crystals in his sculptures is particularly striking and reflects Bollas creative vision to combine tradition and modernity.

role of the restorers

The restoration of the damaged armchair illustrates the important role that restorers play in the art world. The bachelor's degree on the restoration and preservation of art and cultural assets, as it is offered at the TH Köln To train restorers comprehensively. Students learn to grasp and preserve the material inventory of historical objects and to work with art historians and scientists. This interdisciplinary orientation is crucial to protect art -historical heritage and to avoid improper interventions that could lead to falsification or destruction.

The ability to analyze problems in the restoration according to scientific approaches, and the associated planning of necessary practical measures are fundamental components of this training. In this way, the responsibility for the preservation of irreplaceable originals is conveyed and the importance of salon culture and respect for works of work is emphasized.