Italy’s glass art under threat – news bulletin

By Cecilia Brabin | August 8, 2012

Italy’s glass art under threat

Glass makers on the Italian island of Murano, prized through the centuries for their unique skills, face the global financial crisis.

The global financial crisis has dried up sales of the prized glass of the Venetian island of Murano, raising stark questions about the future of the 700-year-old industry. Competition from China and other producers, and a strong euro that killed the U.S. market for its fine glass are the key culprits, as Murano glass workers become increasingly worried for their livelihoods.

Jim Drury reports.

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Italy’s glass art under threat

True, false, no evidence

  1. The beauty of this glass is admired everywhere.
  2. The glass industry in Italy as faded away.
  3. Chinese glass is very high quality.
  4. Italian glass sales have decreased by 50%.
  5. Less glassware is being bought in the US now.
  6. Only 3/4 of Italian glass workers are still in work.
  7. Most glass factories in Murano have now closed.
  8. Lots of American tourists still enjoy tours around the glass factories.
  9. Some glass factories have found new markets for its products.
  10. Murano became a well-known glass making centre in the 19th century.
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