Refurbished Lm100,000 glassblowing plant opened

Phoenicia Glassblowers yesterday opened the doors to its newly refurbished premises in Ta' Qali after three months of intensive works and an investment of about Lm100,000.

Proprietor Anthony Fenech, who took over the company a year ago, said the bulk of the investment had been directed to the purchase of the latest equipment, machinery and ovens.

Established in 1986, Phoenician Glassblowers has now undergone a revamp and with Mr Fenech at the helm is changing to meet the demand for stylish modern glass works of art.

For a while local handmade glass had become dated but after glass blowing companies adapted with the times and started producing modern glass items these regained popularity.

"We have witnessed a steady rise of Maltese buyers in the past years who choose individual pieces to give as wedding gifts or to decorate their home. While foreigners remain the bulk of our market, this rise is encouraging," he said.

After penetrating the European market, Mr Fenech is now focusing his energies on introducing this Maltese product to the US, the Far East and the Middle East.

A number of guests gathered at the refurbished premises, relocated from Manoel Island to the Crafts Village, to witness the fascinating art of glassblowing.

To mark this event, Mr Fenech invited Venice's foremost master, Elio Quarisa, and five other Italian experts to join his staff and put on a show.

The foreign masters are also in Malta to pass on new techniques to the employees of Phoenicia Glassblowers.

The new premises include a section that produces fused glass - a modern brightly-coloured range of glass plates, clocks, bowls and table placings.

Mr Fenech said one of the hottest-selling items with tourists at the moment was a Picasso-style face of fused glass.