Jo Downs fused glass Cufflinks (a history of Murano Glass)

Every now and then I stumble upon designers that are hidden away somewhere in the woodwork (why hidden, I don’t know?) The other day was one of those “every now and then" occasions, when I stumbled upon, Jo Downs, a jewellery designer in Cornwall

Jo Downs is one of the world’s most prominent fused glass designers. She manufactures a unique range of men’s cufflinks plus jewellery for women. Her advanced fusion techniques create abstract designs of great individuality, vibrant colour and texture. Just a glance at her range of her jewellery will allay any doubt of her ability.

It’s not just jewellery that takes form in her studio, glass panel designs are commissioned by renowned architects and hang in some famous buildings, and there are also objects that decorate homes sideboards and tables.

To fully appreciate Jo’s art form, it would help to know the history of fused glass production stemming from Murano glass.

Murano, an island located near Venice, is still today regarded as being synonymous with the production of the finest and most elegant glass. Murano's products are the most recognizable glass around the world. Murano glass is often referred to as "cristallo" due to its unique properties.

The art of glass-making in Venice has been present in the city since its very settlement. The Venetians acquired glass-making techniques from other civilisations through their extensive trading colonies in the Eastern Mediterranean and Islamic territories. Around the year 1292, Venetian glassmakers learned every known aspect of glassmaking. Although they were not the only ones to make glass, Venetian production has always been more refined. In the same period, the whole Venetian glassmaking production was moved to the isolated island of Murano becoming one of the world's first industrial districts.
There are several explanations as to why production was moved to Murano. One thesis says that it was a precaution against fire hazard. If a fire should have accidentally escaped it would have risked causing great tragedy among the largely wooden structures of crowded Venice. Another more frequently suggested opinion is that the move was made to isolate the glassblowing masters and prevent the sharing of knowledge with foreigners. As glass trading with fine Venetian glass was one of the leading sources of trade, it comes as no surprise that glassmaking was one of Venice's most guarded secrets. The art of glassmaking was handed down from father to son, and then became a trade exclusively for those born on the island of Murano. A glassmaker that left the Venetian State was condemned to death as a traitor.

The dominance of Venetian glass lasted until the 19th century when the mutated political situation lead to the development of glassmaking in other European countries. However, the Murano School remains one of the most important in the world, and has retained its influence right up to modern times.

Fused glass production in England thrives and artists like Jo Downs help to keep the tradition alive, while producing objects in vibrant, abstract form.