[MR] Wikipedia: Venetian Glass

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends,

On this date in 1291, a law was passed in Venice banishing all glassmakers
and their workshops to the nearby island of Murano (actually seven islands
joined by bridges). The purpose of the law was to protect the larger island
of Venice from fires at a time when most of the buildings were still made
from wood.

The banishment also protected the glassmakers' secrets. As early as 1271,
guild laws requiring permission for glassmakers to leave Venice were in
effect. Divulging trade secrets, or even leaving Venice, and later Murano,
without permission could be punishable by death.

The artisans themselves and their secrets did escape Murano. By the 16th
century Venetian glass had been eclipsed by competitors. Murano continues
to be known for its highly artistic glassware, and glassmaking is both the
island's principal industry and a major tourist draw.

For more on Venetian glass see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venetian_glass
.

An interesting piece on Murano, including a map which shows the various
islands, is found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murano .

Yours Aye,


Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆
Continuing a crusade to keep Merry Rose relevant and in business.