| Glass making developed as a trade in the 8th | | | | mirrors (they were called Magic Glass) were so |
| century in Venice. In those times Venice was a | | | | precious that the price of one mirror could |
| separate state located on the crossroads | | | | exceed the price of a Rafael's picture. However |
| between Europe and Middle East. Venetian | | | | neither French nor Austrian manufacturers never |
| merchants were famous not only for their trading | | | | got the secrets of colored glass making. |
| skills but also for their ability to get the secrets of | | | | Unfortunately, Venetian glassmaking traditions |
| craftsmen of the countries they visited and use | | | | started to decline in 17th century. European map |
| them in their own production. In medieval times | | | | had changed, new French, Czech, Austrian schools |
| glass making became one of the fastest growing | | | | created new fashion on crystal and glass, and |
| industries. By 13th century there were a lot of | | | | Murano craftsmen were not unique any more. |
| small shops making colored and clear glass in | | | | The real tragedy occurred in 1806, when |
| Venice. Due to the nature of the production the | | | | Napoleon ordered his troops to destroy all glass |
| shops caused frequent fires that severely | | | | shops in Murano. Then Venice became the part of |
| damaged the city, so it was decided to move all | | | | Austro-Hungarian Empire, and only in 19th century |
| the shops to the island of Murano - 1,5 km from | | | | brothers Toso opened the first glass shop after |
| Venice. This step also helped to keep the secrets | | | | almost 200 years of stagnation of glass making |
| of the glass making quite safe. The masters of | | | | industry in Italy. This glass manufacturer exists by |
| Murano glass received a lot of privileges from | | | | nowadays and is one of the most famous |
| Doge Tiepolo in 1291. The island of Murano was | | | | producers of Venetian glass in the world. Soon |
| declared a true and proper industrial area and | | | | Murano island saw the opening of many glass |
| soon became the capital of glass production in the | | | | shops that became legends nowadays: Barovier, |
| world. By 15th century the fame of Murano glass | | | | Francesco Ferro & Figlio, Venini. |
| is spreading all over Europe - kings, dukes, princes | | | | Nowadays we witness the resurrection of the |
| - all want to have the objects made by famous | | | | popularity of Murano glass in the world. The unique |
| artists. At the same time a lot of European | | | | nature of traditions in design and craftsmanship |
| manufacturers are dreaming about getting the | | | | make each glass object made by Murano artists a |
| secrets of Venetian craftsmen. The Minister of | | | | one-of-a-kind "piece of art". Murano Glass Light |
| Louis XIY Colbert had succeeded in bribing of | | | | Fixtures Designer lighting fixtures and crystal |
| three artists from Murano, who new how to | | | | chandeliers. Contemporary, modern and classic |
| make famous Venetian mirrors. Those times | | | | lighting online and in our showroom in Toronto. |