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On the island of Murano, near Venice (Italy), some women are trying to establish themselves as glassblowers, a profession long reserved for men.
AT two kilometers from Venice, on the island of Murano, each vase, dish or chandelier is a unique piece. The know-how, acquired in the Middle Ages, is traditionally a story of men. Glassblowers passed on their secrets from father to son, under the eyes of women, mere spectators. So hard to find a place, but a small team of passionate women have been trying to meet the challenge for a year.
Change mentalities
“It’s normal to give women the chance to work in the workshops. It may be difficult for the older ones to accept, but they will get used to it”, hopes glassblower Veronica Cavalier. Despite the hard and demanding work required in front of the ovens, they do not allow themselves to be overcome by prejudices. “It’s physical, we are on the move all day long in the heat of the ovens set to 1042 degrees. But I like to put femininity in these objects”, confides Mariana Mona Oliboni. In a nearby workshop run by men, Simone Giordani, master glassmaker, sees this development favorably: “glasswork allows you to express what you have in yourself. If they have a touch to add, why not.”