Marinha Grande and the glass craft... An age-old history

From the sand of the river to the glass museum of Marinha Grande, we tell you the history of the artisanal production of glass in Portugal.

The beginnings of an exceptional Portuguese craft.

The history of the fame of the city of Marinha Grande begins in 1769, when Guilherme Stephens, an Englishman who emigrated to Portugal, decided to acquire the city's glass factory.

Guilherme Stephens - Credit Regiaodeleiria

With the support of the Marquis of Pombal, Guilherme Stephens invested in the factory and expanded it massively. Indeed, Portugal was at that time in full reconstruction following the great earthquake of 1755 and the country needed to make up economically for the losses related to this tragedy.

During 15 years, the glass factory in Marinha Grande expands and takes an important place as a European glass producer. Stephens creates a real center of glassmaking know-how.

The processes of the Portuguese glass craft.

Blown glass

In the production of blown glass, or even mouth-blown glass, the know-how is even different and requires a unique technique.

The master glassmaker swirls his molten glass at the end of a metal cane. He then works the material until he obtains the desired shape, by blowing or incorporating air inside the glass ball. This ancestral technique is unique and has been passed down for generations in Portugal.

Fused glass

Glass in Portuguese culture.

The history of Marinha Grande undoubtedly explains the place of glass in the Portuguese culture. Indeed, the Portuguese decoration is impregnated with this craft. Glass is found in all its forms: blown glass, fused glass and handmade glass.

A true everyday art object, Portuguese glass is above all unique and breathtaking. Indeed, Portuguese glassmakers stand out for the originality of their productions.

In the early 2000s, the Portuguese glass industry joined the world of design and interior decoration.

That's why today, typical Portuguese glass creations can be recognized from afar: original shapes, shimmering colors or diverted objects, to decorate your home with taste and character.

There are, for example, blown glass vases with eccentric shapes, colorful tableware, but also decorative objects to display in the house, such as fused glass boxes and even fancy glass jewelry.

Marinha Grande Glass Museum.

In 1994, the architectural project was entrusted to José Fava and the museum opened its doors in 1998 presenting the history of the evolution of glass and the technological aspects of glass production.