The history of vitrosearch
vitrosearch is a scientific database created as a joint initiative of the Vitrocentre and the Vitromusée
Romont.
The Vitrocentre Romont is dedicated to research in stained glass, reverse glass painting and glass
objects. Many book publications have resulted from this research, much of which has been conducted in
association with the Corpus Vitrearum. This international research organization has played a pioneering
role in the creation of inventories and the systematic publication of works and sources related to glass
art. The Vitrocentre Romont was therefore quick to apply the Corpus Vitrearum’s research approach to its
own projects and has subsequently developed a large number of databases (created with FileMaker) that
are used for internal purposes.
For its part, the Vitromusée Romont aims, on the one hand, to preserve historical and contemporary glass
art by collecting works that exemplify the history and diversity of this art form, and on the other, to
draw attention to its importance through exhibitions.
The idea behind vitrosearch was to make documentation from the Vitrocentre and the Vitromusée Romont
widely accessible by putting it online, thereby reflecting the mandates of these complementary
institutions.
The idea became more concrete in 2013, as implementation of the database began to be planned in
detail.
The project is also important from the point of view of the preservation of glass as a cultural asset, in
that it aims to systematically digitize graphic works (maquettes and preparatory drawings) that are kept
in the archives. This ensures not only that these graphic works can be shown to their best advantage,
but that they are preserved in the long term and protected from over-handling.
The first objects that became accessible online at the end of 2017 reflect the richness and diversity of
glass art. New collections and individual works will be added to the database on an ongoing basis.
Aims
The main aim of vitrosearch is the promotion of Swiss glass art. The platform serves as a tool for
publishing research and for showcasing objects.
This aim is realized by providing access to a web-based database. vitrosearch is an open-access database
structured in a way that facilitates continual modification and updating. The platform serves as an
ideal vehicle for presenting works that have been the subject of scientific research by the Vitrocentre
as well as new collections acquired by the Vitromusée.
One advantage of vitrosearch is that it allows connections to be made between individual entries, not
only between the works themselves (for example linking a work in a church to its counterpart in a
museum, or a glass object to graphic works or preparatory drawings), but also between a work and the
place it is stored, or the artist or workshop that produced it.
Content
Objects are continuously entered into the vitrosearch database on the basis of priorities and ongoing
Vitrocentre and Vitromusée projects. Several inventory strategies are being pursued in parallel, such as
the topographical inventorying of stained glass and glass objects in a particular canton or region,
which is carried out in collaboration with cantonal institutions (for example museums) and according to
precise mandates. At the same time, objects from the Vitromusée’s collections are described
systematically and the details entered into the database.
The long-term aim is to include in the database glass art works that can be deemed works of Swiss
cultural heritage, or that are connected to Switzerland, and thereby to provide a resource for the
research community. This comprehensive approach means that vitrosearch will span an extensive
chronological period (from the Middle Ages to the present day) and will incorporate a wide variety of
object types. The database includes stained glass, dalles de verre, reverse glass painting and glass
objects – as well as graphic works and preparatory drawings from workshops or individual artists. The
database will eventually also incorporate entries on glass-making tools.
Further development of the project
The vitrosearch project is not concluded upon activation of the online platform, but will develop
continuously: on the one hand with the ongoing addition of new digitized collections, and on the other,
with the integration of new functionality and standards aimed at improving search performance and the
visualization of research data.
Scientific partners and financial support
The vitrosearch platform is an internal project of the Swiss Centre of Glass Art (Vitrocentre and
Vitromusée Romont). Various partners have provided advice and assistance during the implementation of
the project:
For questions regarding the concept and content of vitrosearch, please contact:
info@vitrosearch.ch
The database was created with generous financial support from the following public institutions and
private foundations:
Institutions that supported specific projects are listed on the project description page.
We rely on additional funding for maintaining vitrosearch and for further development of the project. Any
financial support or donations are highly appreciated. Please contact us if you would like to support
vitrosearch or wish to inquire about funding a particular project
(info@vitrosearch.ch).
The project could not have been accomplished without reproduction rights being granted by those holding
the copyright for works included in the database, for which we would like to take this opportunity to
offer our heartfelt thanks.
Rights and citation guidelines
Copyright of images
The images in vitrosearch are protected by copyright. The Vitrocentre and the Vitromusée make every
effort to locate and obtain reproduction rights from the corresponding copyright holders. We wish to
thank all the artists and copyright holders who have granted reproduction rights for images. Despite our
endeavours, it is not always possible to contact those holding the copyright for specific images. In
such cases, we are grateful if the individuals concerned contact us in order to clarify the legal
situation.
vitrosearch users may not use images from the database without prior permission. Each database entry
includes an order form that can be used to apply for permission to use the image(s) associated with that
entry. For images that are protected by copyright, additional authorization must be obtained from the
copyright holder. The Vitrocentre and the Vitromusée are in no way responsible for the use of images by
third parties.
Citation guidelines
The object entries are subject to copyright protection. The use of data for private or academic purposes
is governed by conventions of academic probity. The entries may be cited in the same manner as articles.
The publication (online or offline) of unmodified entries from vitrosearch and any commercial use of
such entries requires the express permission of the Vitrocentre or the Vitromusée Romont. Please contact
us in advance should you wish to copy text from vitrosearch for anything other than personal use
(info@vitrosearch.ch).
Links to vitrosearch or to specific database entries are permitted and encouraged.
Entries should be cited as follows:
Author(s) of the entries (year of publication or date when last updated). Title of the entry (title of
work, name of artist, name of workshop, name of building). In vitrosearch. Accessible at: URL of
vitrosearch entry
Example:
Sauterel, V. (2008). Vision de Constantin. In vitrosearch. Accessible at:
http://vitrosearch.ch/fr/objects/2209132
Noverraz, C. (2015). Pillard-Verneuil, Maurice. In vitrosearch. Accessible at:
http://vitrosearch.ch/fr/artists/2259453
Hasler, R., Keller, S. und Bergmann, U. (2016). Wappenscheibe Johann (Hans) Anton II. Tillier. In
vitrosearch. Accessible at:
http://vitrosearch.ch/fr/objects/2246241
Privacy Policy
Scope of Application
This privacy policy applies to the vitrosearch.ch website. vitrosearch.ch is operated by Vitrocentre
Romont. You can find more information about the Vitrocentre Romont on the website:
vitrocentre.ch
By using the vitrosearch.ch website, you consent to the processing of your personal data as set out in
this privacy policy.
Cookies
Cookies are files that your browser automatically stores on your device when you visit our website.
Cookies contain a unique, randomly selected identification number (an ID) that can be used to
distinguish individual visitors from others, but without identifying them.
You have the option of preventing the cookie from being stored on your device by adjusting the
settings in your browser.
When visiting vitrosearch.ch, cookies are only used in the context of Google Analytics to collect usage
statistics.
Google Analytics
The vitrosearch.ch website uses the service “Google Analytics 4” to collect statistics on how the site
is used. This service uses cookies.
You can find more information on the handling of user data with Google Analytics in the
data protection declaration and in the
information on the use of cookies
by Google.
Use and Disclosure of Personal Data
The personal data you provide in the image order form will be used by Vitrocentre Romont
exclusively for processing the order and for statistical purposes. Correspondence relating to the
order will be archived for internal reference. The data will not be used for purposes other than those
listed here, and the data will not be shared with third parties.
Right to Information
You have the right to obtain free information about your stored data and the purpose of data
processing. You also have the right to have your personal data corrected and deleted. You can send
these requests to: info@vitrosearch.ch.
Responsibilities and Contact
You can send any concerns about data protection and requests for information, correction or
deletion of your personal data to the address below. We may require a written request and proof of
identity of the applicant.
info@vitrosearch.ch
or
Vitrocentre Romont
Rue du Château 108b
Case postale 225
1680 Romont
