Murano Glass: The Jewel of Venice

Venice is known for Pizza, Pasta, Palaces and Popes, and also for Venetian Glass. In the talk "Murano Glass: The Jewel of Venice" we explore how Murano Island became the epicentre of excellence for glassmaking across the world. We begin by exploring the origin of Venice and the building of 189 canals to create the floating city of Venice, before taking a short gondola ride to the tiny island of Murano. Here we learn of the many enduring styles of Murano glass and delve into the lives of these ancient artisans.

THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER

Ms Laurie Wickwire

With over 35 years in the diamond industry, diamond expert Laurie Wickwire represents the industry across all sectors: mining, sorting, grading and brokering some of the world’s key rough stones.

A leader in the industry, Laurie is the On-Air Diamond Expert for the international television shopping channel QVC where her opinion is regularly sought by over a million viewers each week.

Whether presenting diamond shows on national channels the BBC, ITV and QVC, hosting diamond master classes, filming jubilee specials, or creating the historical jewellery range for both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle gift shops, Laurie’s love of the diamond industry is apparent.

A graduate of GIA London, IGI Antwerp, and DeBeers Institute of Diamonds, Laurie is both a certified diamond grader and certified pearl grader. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in International Business & Finance, and a Bachelor of Arts in French.

Laurie’s industry knowledge has seen her interviewing celebrities at the Cannes Film Festival, publishing articles on Ocean Mining or the British Coronation, guest on numerous internationally streamed podcasts, enrichment lecturer on luxury cruise lines and creating bespoke commissions for the Royal Family.