Ill wind blowing for glassmakers of Murano

[fossilfly]

Another article on the difficulties the island of Murano is facing from foreign competition and the labor market. I hadnt known that the population of glassblowers had declined almost 80% from approximately 6,000 in the the early 2000's to 1,000 today, a short span of only 12 years. At which point does it become unsustainable and knowledge becomes lost? Surprising to me is the fact that even some of the shops on the island purchase foreign glass and market it as Murano, you would think that since their livelihood is so inextricably tied to the island this is something that would never be considered.

IT'S like watching a choreographed ballet,'' says Francesco da Mosto, a Venetian architect who also works as a TV presenter. ''There is poetry and beauty in the way they work and in their supreme craftsmanship, which has been fine-tuned over the centuries and down through the generations.'' Da Mosto is describing the master glassmakers of Murano, an island in the Venetian lagoon. These workers are heirs to a tradition now in danger.
Since 1990, the size of the workforce has shrunk from about 6000 to less than 1000. Last December about 70 per cent took part in a half-day strike to demand that their employers make changes.



Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/world/ill-wind-blowing-for-glassmakers-of-murano-20120131-1qrb5.html#ixzz1lFhjuoMx

[Duquephart]

The maestro in the photo, in case anyone is interested, is Francesco Ragazzi of Eugenio Ferro, Ferro & Lazzarini, etc. The attached is a vase of his we picked up while in Italy.

[Duquephart]

A better pic:

[fossilfly]

Very niece piece, two layers of sommerso is typical, but three or more can be breathtaking. Excellent purchase!

[Duquephart]

Bringing something back from Murano was on our "bucket list" for that trip. We had no idea what it would be but, as my wife said, "I'll know it when I see it."

[TxSilver]

Charlie, I've been surprised that the honest glass makers have not dealt with the problems that are killing the Venetian glass market. This includes foreign glass and knock-offs of classics that are being churned out on the island itself. This dishonesty, along with the economic woes of the country and loss of support from the government and banks, are doing great harm to their international market place.

Some companies seem to be thriving, however. The ones that are doing well work with distributors in different countries. I believe you import from a couple of the companies. :)

[mablewill]

From the colourful houses on Burano to the glass-making on Murano, there's plenty to look when island hopping in Venice.

It's early but already tourists are pouring in to check out the knick-knack shops along the canals and enjoy gelatos with a different view of Venice. Beware though, as even on Murano many are selling fake glassware.

[fossilfly]

Charlie, I've been surprised that the honest glass makers have not dealt with the problems that are killing the Venetian glass market. This includes foreign glass and knock-offs of classics that are being churned out on the island itself. This dishonesty, along with the economic woes of the country and loss of support from the government and banks, are doing great harm to their international market place.

Some companies seem to be thriving, however. The ones that are doing well work with distributors in different countries. I believe you import from a couple of the companies. :)

Ive bee thinking about this issue quite a bit really, you have to wonder if its slipping past the point of no return. Companies are closing, Maestro's are retiring, with fewer and fewer apprentices replacing them, and the market is flooded with cheap fakes willingly sold to tourists. The latest insult is now knock-offs of vintage glass made on the island itself. The craft economy that has been around since the 1200's has seen many difficulties, but I wonder if many of these combined forces will lead to a death of a 1,000 cuts. I certainly hope not. :mad: