2011 May | Danielle Fisher

Tiffany Gold Favrile

Famous Glassware Makers

Glassware has been an important facets of our lives for centuries. We use them for dining, entertaining or as beatific forms of decorations. Glassware manufacturers have over the years, created glassware as both functional and decorative. Let us look at some of the most famous glassware makers, of designs have been highly praised and prized.

Murano glass is synonym with elegance and refinement. The Venetian island of Murano, situated off shore of Venice, Italy has been producing high-quality glassware for centuries. In present times, Murano is still the number one destination for those who appreciate and collect high-end glassware and jewelry.

In the 9th century Rome, glassmaking in Murano, influenced heavily by both Asian and Muslim heritage, began to take effect. Glassmakers were re-located to the island of Murano in 1291 because of fire threats. Till today, Murano glass is still very much interwoven with Venetian glass. At the culmination of the 16th century, more than seven thousand of the island's citizens were very much ensconced in the glassmaking industry, making them the island's most prominent inhabitants. They are however, forbidden from leaving the Republic, although they enjoyed many perks such as persecution. Many of their daughters also married into Venice's most affluent families.

The glassmakers of Murano redefined numerous technologies on enamelled, crystalline, aventurine and multi-colored glass. Through them, glassware was embellished with glass gemstones and threads of gold. The glassware artists of Murano, over the centuries, and to this day, utilize age-old techniques to produce exquisite chandeliers, wine stoppers, elegant figurines and art glass of breath taking proportions.

Tiffany glass is another glassware maker that has endured the test of time. Founded by Louis Comfort Tiffany, he created highly-dramatic glassware in his studio from 1878 to 1933. Tiffany's head designer, Clara Driscoll, manufactured the coveted leaded glass Tifanny lamps from 1909. Both Louis and Clare are heralded as America's most famous glass artists of all time.

Tiffany was and still is famous for its opalescent glass and Favrile glass created in 1880. Favrile was taken from the French term 'fabrile', meaning handcrafted. Ring mottle glass, invented in the early 20th century, was also another Tiffany trademark, although this glass art form was forgotten when the Tiffany studios was closed in 1928. The art was revived in the late 1960s by Eric Lovell of Uroboros Glass.

Another famous glassware contender would have to be Waterford Crystal, the makers of crystal glassware in Waterford, Ireland. Waterford Crystal moved its flagship factories to Germany and Czech Republic after the factory in Ireland was shut down after the Waterford Wedgwood Receivership in 2009.

Waterford Crystal began its history in 1783 by George and William Penrose, who created exquisite flint glass renowned the world over. Although the factory closed its doors in 1851, the art was continued by Charles Bacik, and with the help of designer friend Miroslav Havel, the Company continued the legacy of making crystal glassware. The Irish Glass Bottle Company took over in the early 50s.

Famous designer Jasper Conran began creating a signature range for Waterford Crystal and Wedgwood in 1999.

About the Author

DiscountMugs.com is a large distribution company based in Miami, Florida. They are web-based and factory-direct which allows them to keep prices lower than the rest of the competition. They also have a huge selection of glassware from wine glasses and shot glasses to beer mugs and champagne flutes.

Spalt The Nouveau Series Tiffany Bon-Bon #7