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WINDOW to WONDERS Any Dinner Party Island of Murano

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WINDOW to WONDERS Any Dinner Party Island of Murano design. The wide variety of objects makes it easy to find one that perfectly fits the bill. The dining table can be transformed by Murano glassware: goblets, tumblers and flutes will elevate any dinner party while decorative bowls and plates provide colour and a talking point. Murano glass can also enrich more private spaces. Add a touch of glamour to a bathroom with Murano glass mirrors whose appliqués can sublimely illuminate the room. However, Murano glass doesn’t only mean decorative objects. Beads, initially designed for rosary beads, were produced from the very beginning on the island. Today the glass beaded necklaces, bracelets, rings and pins are highly original and precious jewels that will add colour and elan for women of all ages. Whether to complement a special outfit or for a discerning gift idea, these fashion accessories are timeless creations, and perfect for any significant event or anniversary. Murano glass creations are excellent wedding gifts for both the bride and the groom that will be appreciated long after the day. Murano celebrates its history at the Museo del Vetro in the Palazzo Giustinian, which holds displays on the history of glassmaking and objects dating back centuries. Some of the older factories also have museums. A little nearer to home are the treasures to be found at The Artisan Studio in Salisbury’s Fisherton Street. Owner Juliette Scott sources her homewares and jewellery range from sisters Serena & Carlotta whose family are among the last master glassmakers on the The dining table can be transformed by Murano glassware: goblets, tumblers and flutes will elevate WINDOW TO WONDERS any dinner party island of Murano. Exquisite to behold, all of Christine Stock discovers the art of glass the objects are indeed little gems. As well as Venetian “pearls” made by himmering like dazzling Murano’s glassmakers held a closely glassmakers of Murano rely on their craft fusing glass with gold and silver leaf, used to jewellery, Murano glass is guarded monopoly on high-quality skills more than anything. decorate pins and make jewellery, the family’s instantly recognisable. Once glassmaking for centuries, developing or Today, the artisans of Murano still employ pieces include carafes, bowls and goti - the the sole preserve of European refining many techniques including optically these centuries-old techniques, crafting special shaped drinking vessel originally aristocrats and Mughal clear glass, enamelled glass (smalto), everything from contemporary art glass and used to quench thirst in the glassblowing Emperors the distinctive art multicoloured glass (millefiori), milk glass glass jewellery to Murano glass chandeliers workshops in the lagoon. Sets of elegant glass now decorates the most elegant homes (lattimo), and costume gemstones made of and wine stoppers. tableware would make a superb gift. For men Sthroughout the world. With an unrivalled glass. Some advances have been made by Each Murano object, irrespective of there are exceptionally chic cufflinks. history of innovation combined with artistry chance – like the glass with threads of gold size, can embellish any living space, whether To protect the original Murano Glass Murano glass is truly unique. known as aventurine. traditional or modern, adding a sense of art from fake imitations, the glass factories Venetian glass is thought to have been The Venetian glassmakers use a set of refinement and luxury. Venetian mirrors and have a collective called Vetro Artistico® made for over 1,500 years, and production tools that have changed little for hundreds of collectable vases and goblets are wonderful Murano which certifies glass pieces using anti- has been concentrated on the nearby island years such as ferro sbuso, also called a canna focal points for sophisticated living rooms counterfeit tags to protect these 1,000-year- of Murano since the 13th century when da soffio, the blow-pipe that is essential for or dining rooms while elegant sculptures, old traditions. All of the Artisan Studio's the Venetian Republic, fearing fire and the extracting molten glass and beginning the figurines, vases or fine centrepieces make the pieces carry this unique guarantee of origin. destruction of the city’s mostly wooden shaping process. “Good tools are nice, but perfect design statement. buildings, ordered glassmakers to move their good hands are better” is an old Murano Traditional, beautiful Venetian glass vases furnaces to Murano in 1291. saying that reinforces the idea that the can provide the final flourish to any kitchen theartisanstudio.uk 30 | Living | October 2020 October 2020 | Living | 31.
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