In the current circumstances, many of our previously planned events have had to be cancelled or postponed. Instead, we have launched an imaginative series of ‘virtual’ activities which members of the Company are invited to join from the security of their own homes. This includes a series of webinars, also open to non-members. Details are circulated as more virtual events are confirmed and the programme will continue until more traditional events become possible. The latest version (February 2021) of the events programme is here. Some date changes are noted below. An updated version of the calendar will be available shortly.
22 April: virtual tour of murano
Our tour of Murano will take place live in real time. Murano is a series of islands in the Venetian lagoon, famous for its glassmaking. The glassmakers of Venice were required to move there in 1291, for fear of fire in the town. It was the main glass producer of Europe for many years and the technologies it has developed or refined include optically clear glass, enamelled glass (smalto), glass with threads of gold (aventurine), multicoloured glass (millefiori), milk glass (lattimo), and imitation gemstones made of glass. Our guide will be Luisella Romeo, who has been a registered tour guide in Venice for 20 years.
The tour explores the island’s treasures, taking us past the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato, and the Museo del Vetro. After the tour we will visit the wonderful showroom of one of the “giant” glass masters, Lino Tagliapietra, who will be there to greet us and to answer questions. Lino was born in Murano and became an apprentice glassblower at the age of 11, and is now based in both Murano and Seattle. At the end of the tour, weather permitting, we will watch the sun set over the lagoon. Full details are here. Members of the Company can book free by using the Code on the Members’ page (Password required – see the Clerk’s recent email).
Annual service and drinks: change of date
The Annual Annual Service and Drinks will now take place on Thursday 8July 2021.
Annual banquet: change of date
The Annual Banquet at Drapers’ Hall will; now take place on Tuesday 19 October 2021.
Weekend visit to bath: 16-19 september
The Master’s visit to Bath will take place from Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 September. Expressions of interest to the Assistant Clerk, please.