VM - VETRI MURANO

Over the last century, the processing techniques and secret methods of obtaining Murano glass colours have become more or less public knowledge.
This has led to an upheaval which, on the one hand, has gradually enriched the supply of ever more imaginative and unexpected glassware and, on the other hand, has attracted counterfeiters from all over the world to copy items that previously could only be produced by one brand.
This is why, after long negotiations, the first attempt has been made to unite the Murano producers in order to protect their art.

The common trademarks "Vetri Murano" and "VM" represent the first attempt by an independent authority to ensure authenticity and establish a seal of guarantee. They were created and owned by "Veneziavetro," the consortium for the promotion of Venetian artistic glass production in Italy and abroad, in 1981.

These trademarks are the result of market research carried out in the main European countries and in Italy, which clearly showed the need for their introduction: the need for a clear definition of the identity and recognisability of a product that can trace its roots back to a great historical and cultural past.

"Vetri Murano," the result of in-depth historical and graphic research, was created by Max Huber and Roberto Sambonet, internationally renowned designers. It could only be used by companies whose production facilities were located on the island of Murano and whose products were worthy of the high level of creativity and tradition inherent in Murano glass. The use of this trademark was subject to strict controls and regulations. "Vetri Murano" and "VM" aimed to guarantee the authenticity of Murano glass products. The "Vetri Murano" trademark is found only on the products of companies that had the right to use it, in the form of a sticker or (in the case of suspension lamps) as a label.

Through this arrangement, all member companies were assigned a number that appeared on the label glued to all items being forged by the company.
We researched the consortium and learned that the official data regarding that numbering was lost in the turnover of the various locations.
We report the results of said research, however, hoping to do a good service to the various collectors who follow us:

We also report the page of a publication of the time which brought together all the producers registered in the consortium. Unfortunately for now we are not able to attribute the correct number to each of them. We are confident that with the help of some of you with tagged items we can complete the job.

As you can imagine, not all the brands joined the initiative, and only a fraction of the two hundred or so glassworks active at the time were represented.
In spite of the difficulties caused by the lack of funds and sometimes the incompetence of the Italian public authorities, this certification is still active today, adapting to the new traceability possibilities offered by modern technology.

Currently the evolution of this label is managed by PROMOVETRO.