A know-how from elsewhere…
Murano’s reputation as a centre of glassware was born during the Republic of Venice. In 1291, fearing the fire and the destruction of the city, the “Sérenissime” ordered the destruction of all foundries. The glass industry is exiled on the island of Murano. This decision protects Venice but also protects the precious manufacturing secrets of the artisans glassmakers…
At first, the glass makers were inspired by the Byzantine artisans who played an important role in the development of Venetian glass. In the middle of the 15th century, the Murano glass took off thanks to the discovery of a complex purification technique by the Venetian master glassmaker Angelo Barovier. This technique, which allows discolour the material and make it of an absolute transparency – the famous glass “Cristallo” – will be the beginning of a long list of techniques that the glassmakers will develop over the centuries : enamel, ornaments with gold thread, multicoloured glasses, milk glass (bianco latte or lattimo)…
At its peak, the productions of Murano are known throughout Europe and up to Constantinople. Today the island of Murano employs about five thousand people in its glassworks.
The production remains manual and very active. Artisans still use these centuries-old techniques. They make, among other things, beautiful lights and mirrors. We wanted to highlight them because 2022 is the International Year of Glass.
If you want more information on the possible Murano glass projects, we will put you in touch with experts of this glass and of this ancestral know-how. They will help you to create your own light, your own mirror or bespoke decorative objects. They are also able to restore your light, your mirror or any other object in Murano glass to return to its original appearance.
To have more information or advice