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  • Location: Venice, Murano

The Glassmaker

The Glassmaker

Why a Booktrail?

1486: Women are not meant to work with glass

  • ISBN: 978-0008153861
  • Genre: Historical, Inspired by true events

What you need to know before your trail

Women are not meant to work with glass, but Orsola Rosso flouts convention to save her family from ruin. She works in secret, knowing her creations must be perfect to be accepted by men. But perfection may take a lifetime.

Skipping like a stone through the centuries, we follow Orsola as she hones her craft through war and plague, tragedy and triumph, love and loss.

The beads she creates will adorn the necks of empresses and courtesans from Paris to Vienna – but will she ever earn the respect of those closest to her?

Travel Guide

Venice

The island of Murano has been famous for glassmaking for many years now. Neighbouring island Burano is famous for lacemaking.

It was founded between the 5th and the 7th century, and it experienced its major development after 1291, when glass furnaces were moved there from Venice. Although glass-making has taken place in Murano for centuries, it’s still to this day the island’s principal industry.

The Murano Glass Museum

If you fancy seeing more glassware, you can visit the Murano Glass Museum with over 4,000 objects. The most spectacular item is a chandelier that weighs 330 kilos (727 Ibs).

BookTrail Boarding Pass: The Glassmaker

Destination: Venice, Murano   Author/guide: Tracy Chevalier   Departure Time: 1486

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