In the 1960's archaeologists discovered what seemed to be the earliest glassmaking furnace in Venice which was in existence around 700-800 AD. It is thought that the trigger for this might well have been the Romans who were known for making glass for windows panes and objects. 

By the 1200's glassmaking was in full swing to such an extent that firm rules and regulations were laid down and such protectionism ensured that the skills were not allowed to escape the area.  In the late 1200's they decreed that the furnaces should be moved to the island of Murano in the Venice lagoon to stop the risk of fire spreading in Venice itself. But not only that, the paranoia which surrounded the abilities of the skilled glassmakers meant that the island location made it much harder to leak glassmaking secrets and ruin the wealth of the city.

Later on, in the 1400's, the Murano glassmakers invented the process for producing clear glass called cristallo; this invention is attributed to the Barovier family.  This glass needs pure silica not ordinary sand which is filled with impurities.  This advance set the Venetian glassmakers on a totally new path compared with competition in other parts of the world. They also began to experiment with the glass producing all kinds of effects like enamelling and twisting it.

Later on in mid Europe, new glassware factories sprung up and lead crystal was invented. This again turned the fate of glassmaking away from Murano. To fight back, the Murano glassmakers carried on with more experiments like adding flecks of gold and silver into the mix, producing the famous millefiori ‘thousand flowers' and experimenting with rich colours.Yet again around the early 1800's the Murano glassmakers suffered as Murano products became prohibitively expensive and Murano furnaces were shut down until only a handful were left.

Fortunately in the middle 1850's, a couple of remaining firms decided to make more everyday items (for obvious commercial reasons) then also were able to revive the old specialist techniques. One man, Antonio Salviati is credited with the final revival of Murano glass. He had a long contract to supply important restoration work in Venice and this work came to the attention of the mayor and others who decided to create an archive of Murano glass work.  Later on they set up a glassmaking school and more international exhibitions revived the interest and brought the furnaces of Murano fully back to life.

Murano glassmakers have never been afraid to keep up with the trends.  In the later part of the 19th century, designs changed with the advent of art nouveaux styles which then changed again when the art deco movement arrived in the early 20th century with its more simple geometric shapes. 

Today Murano glass is still highly desirable and particularly so when one consider the tribulations this identity has gone through over many centuries that we should be thankful to the few families who kept the tradition going when times were difficult. We can all enjoy Murano wares, not only the fabulous vases and objet d'arts, but also the pretty and often inexpensive glass in Murano jewellery thereby bringing a bit of glamour to everyone.