In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
I agree with you Gala. I caught the end of an item on Italian Tv the other evening, where shops in Venice were being exposed for selling cut lead crystal to tourists and swearing it was Murano glass. (Murano glass is blown and is not lead crystal). So perhaps Venetians are also to blame for the drop in sales.
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Noble, I also think that many people have stopped buying some of the "classics" such as glasses, cups, the magnificent mirrors and chandeliers which were the items that made money for Murano, not the smaller pieces which were always considered "souvenirs" and which I think that are the ones being copied and faked. It may be a matter of convincing designers and make them again "fashionable".
As far as I am concerned, I do not need any "convincing". To me they are pieces of outstanding beauty and craftmanship which do not go out of fashion and become real heirlooms.
I would also add that it is quite possible that there would be some bargains available because of the crisis. Good time to buy.
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
It is possible to buy directly from the manufacturers at Murano on the net. I found this site: [url=http://www.muranonet.com]MuranoNet: artistic Murano glass on line[/url] or do a Google search under Murano glass. Perhaps it is a way of helping them.
Very sad to see this happening. If the number of artisans diminishes, they are not going to train apprentices and this is perhaps the most serious aspect of this crisis. Let's hope that business picks up and that it will only be something temporary only.