Kitengela Glass & Croze’s Hot Glass
Kitengela Glass & Croze’s hot glass-blowing factories in Nairobi. Witness the transformation of recycled glass into stunning kitchenware and decorative items.
Kitengela Glass & Croze’s Hot Glass blowing factories are located some 10 km in the Kitengela plains. It is south-west of Nairobi city, and across the Nairobi National Park
Take a Kitengela Glass & Croze’s hot glass studio tour. It’s a fun thing to go and see how glass recycling can be turned into beautiful kitchenware or decorative items for homes and hotels.
The Kitengela glass & Anselm hot glass factory tours start from Nairobi in the morning or afternoon. Mornings are better, as you can see the glass being modelled. The furnaces are mostly turned on during the morning hours.
The Kitengela hot glass & melt glass factory specializes in making recycled glass mosaics. Including uniquely designed and colourful bejewelled chandeliers and murals. Mosaic windowpanes, glass furniture, and many other decorative and uniquely shaped glass animals.
Kitengela Glass & Anselm’s Glass Studio has made some of the known large glass masterpieces. Examples include the 12-metre-high mosaic wall at the Laico Regency Hotel in Nairobi. Also, the 4 m x 5 m high glass wall at the Nairobi National Museum.
The Furnaces
They have a large red-brick dome built by Anselm Croze, which houses several furnaces used to melt recycled glass. The glass is later blown and made into uniquely designed chandeliers. Also decorated mirror frames and glass lampshades. Similarly, there are glass windchimes, exquisite beadwork, and kitchen glassware. Dalle de Verre furniture, panels, and sculptures, among other things made here.
The Kitengela Glass Tour also features a lodge tour to Masai Lodge. This is through a swaying suspension bridge over a deep gorge into Silole Sanctuary. For the heart-stopping experience of crossing the bridge, you are rewarded with a cool refreshment, meals, and drinks at the Maasai Lodge on the other side of the ravine.
Kitengela Glass Information
Kitengela Glass, a long-time neighbour of Nairobi National Park, is a hidden gem. Before entering the main gate, be prepared for the myriad of sculptures and glass art. A variety of animals line the rough and wildly entertaining road to “Nani’s” Kitengela Glass.
Upon arrival, feel the magic of Kitengela by following the secret mosaic pathways leading to the niches of busy artisans. They are transforming recycled glass, scrap metal, and an assortment of other materials into beautiful artwork. Beautiful jewellery and home décor. Undoubtedly a treasure trove for all to behold!
Kitengela Glass was founded in 1981 by Nani Croze. It provides a lively training centre for over fifty artisans. They receive ongoing training and/or employment in various artistic disciplines. In addition to helping individuals make a living through their artistic abilities, Nani is committed to maintaining the natural landscape by planting trees, promoting renewable energy sources, and limiting waste.
Additionally, Nani and her husband, Eric, are strong supporters of access to education for all individuals. This involves funding and promoting grant programmes for children’s school fees, as well as providing space. They also provide guidance for adults in need of literacy training.
At Kitengela Glass Art, you will also find recreational activities to brighten up your weekend. It offers a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Activities include horseback riding classes, swimming, glass mosaic classes, and felting.
Beginning:
Kitengela glass has developed over the last 34 years. It started with stained glass, which Nani, who used to be a muralist, learned at Goddard and Gibbs Glass Studios, London, in 1979. After some years, she developed this craft here in Kenya. Then, discovering that importing coloured glass is very costly, she thought of making recycled glass here – lots of broken window glass and even more unused bottles are used to make new glass. With the help of Finnish glass artist Mikko Merikallio, she and her son Anselm started the first furnace and trained the first Kenyan glass blowers.
Now, anything from vessels to coloured glass and glass blocks (Dalle de Verre, faceted glass) is made by the Kitengela Glass Studios.
Many Kenyans have learned and worked here, making anything from church windows to hotels, government ministries, embassies, and private houses.
Options are, of course, many and varied, and in many cases, we can be flexible about the itinerary for accommodation facilities and the extension of the safari destinations.
