After World War II, thousands of European immigrants came to Canada in the 1950s. They changed this country for the better– enriching it with different cultures, different traditions, and fascinating new artistic directions.

Angelo Tedesco, a former Venetian glass blower, master glass cutter and engraver - following many of his countrymen from Murano, Italy - settled in Montreal in 1952. He sponsored his brother, Luigi Tedesco, and his brother-in-law, Sergio Pagnin and their families to Canada. Both men were master glass blowers having apprenticed under Venetian Maestri, and in addition to his unique skillset, Sergio was also a chemist. In 1958, the three, with a French-Canadian partner, established a small glassmaking factory “Les Industries de Verre et Miroirs.”

The budget was tight; requiring the artisans to build their own crucibles, warming ovens and benches. In 1960, the name was changed to Murano Glass. Although Murano Glass was Canada’s first handmade decorative glassware company, the Montreal area became a beacon for other glassblowers, and it wasn’t long before Murano Glass was only one of several small Italian/Canadian glass factories in Quebec.

“We had to change Venetian design to a small, modern design. Less artistic but more useful. Artistic for Canadian homes.”