When was Mtarfa Glassblowers established?

Mtarfa Glassblowers established in 1990s, a period when Malta’s glass craft saw renewed interest. The founders aimed to keep traditional blowing techniques alive after earlier workshops in Mdina gained global attention from the 1960s onwards. By the mid-1990s, the studio had set up in Mtarfa, a quiet town in central Malta, offering live demonstrations to visitors. Early production focused on simple vases and bowls, with output estimated at a few hundred pieces per week.

Over time, the range expanded to include decorative sculptures and lighting. The workshop has remained relatively small compared with large industrial glass producers, with a team often numbering under 20 artisans. This scale allows close attention to detail. Over three decades, the studio has built a steady following among tourists and collectors, with some pieces from the early years now resold in vintage markets at higher prices than their original retail value.