Boro in Murano

[JDeMoss]

Who works in boro in Murano? I guess Lucio Bubacco And Vittorio Costantini are soft glass guys. Is Cesare Toffolo a boro guy? That's what I always thought, but now I'm not sure.

[HumanLathe]

Yes Cesare Toffolo is a boro guy

[vetropod]

Cesare is pretty much the only boro guy on Murano - they're all working soft glass and he's the rebel!

[JDeMoss]

Sweet, that's what I thought but I wanted to be sure.

[Gibsons Glassworks]

yea i was over there this winter asking aorund if anyone worked boro, nobody was in any rush to help me out, unsuccessfull in my findings. but its deffinityl a wicked place, got to see some guys workin in the hot shop and a dude make a glass horse in about 40 seconds

[jahglass]

Hey,
Im currently living in Murano studying under Cesare. He is indeed the big boro man on the island (but he also does a little soft glass work). As far as other boro workers, Id say there are a couple scattered around the island (maybe 5 or 6...). Most of the lampers here work Moretti because is made on the island and very cheap compared to boro and its not necessary to ship, etc. You coming out this way sometime soon?

Matt O.

[jusbag]

Hey Matt,

I will be over on Murano in May for about a week (7th-12th)... Maybe we can meet up sometime?

[jahglass]

Ill be outie by then, sorry. I can give ya some insight on places to check out, eat, etc....

[jusbag]

That would rock! Thank you!

[jahglass]

Well, I undershot undershot my guess about boroworkers. I asked Cesare today and he said about 30-35 people on the island are working with boro. Suprisingly, I dont think he has taught any of them- maybe a few. None of the boro work here looks like the US boro styles, and I havent seen any pipes at all. A little suprising given how many tourists come here (Id think they be a big seller).

As for things to do, there isnt much going on here in Murano other than glass, glass, and more glass. That being said, Id say just roam around and check out the numerous galleries. Many hotshops are open for public viewing- try to avoid the ones making cheesey stuff (you be able to tell). There is a street right by the Venier boat stop where the Carlo Donna tool studio is located (he is on the left side of the street). His prices are better than in the US, even with the weak dollar. Too many tools and not enough cash.... Also, try to check out the Moretti factory, Im not sure if its open to the public or not but tell them you use their glass in the USA and would love to check out the factory.

For food, everything is very good is Murano and Venice. In Murano, try the resturaunt by the Bell Tower with the outdoor seating- dont know the name off the top of my head. Also, very good homemade gelato right over the main bridge. In Venice, everything good as well -these Italians know how to eat!! Two very good resturaunts in Venice are Hostaria da Franz (near the Giardini) and L'Osteria di Santa Marina (Campo Santa Marina). If you want more places shoot me an email....Except to pay top dollar for good food. Also try to avoid eating near San Marco square. Alot of the resturaunts there are very touristy and charge extremely high prices for mediocre food.

Just remeber in both Venice and Murano, your on an island. So roam around and get lost! As long as you dont get off the island, youll be able to get back to where ever your staying. There is no other city in the world quite like Venice, its truly wild. And as for Murano, it is the glass mecca (at least one of them) and should be visited by anyone who appreciates glass. Hope this helps.

Peace out,
Matt

[shade]

I'm so jealous!!! Thanks so much for posting from there! I was there in November and the experience has forever changed me :)... I'd recommend trying to find Davide Salvadore on Murano... I'd also strongly suggest the Baraco Jazz (jazz bar) near the Rialto Bridge on the Piazza side! so much and so little time... The best pizza at da Alvise right off the Fondamente Nuove boat stop.... Have fun.... I'm so jealous.. Tell Cesare e Teresa, Sara said.............Ciao!
Grazie mille.
Ciao... ciaooo!