The Glass Museum of Santa Lucía commemorates Francisco García Romero in a plaque, who dedicated a significant part of his life and work to preserving the glassmaking tradition of the city.
Friday, May 16, 2025 �|� Viewed: 59 times
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The name of Francisco García Romero, Paco ‘El de la Mufla’, can now be read on the plaque unveiled on Friday, May 16, at the Glass Museum of Santa Lucía, in a posthumous tribute presided over by the mayor, Noelia Arroyo, alongside the widow, Josefina, children, Eva and Francisco, and grandchildren of the honoree, as well as government councilors, Diego Salinas, Ignacio Júdez, Belén Romero, and Pablo Braquehais, and the councilor of the corporation Juan José López, along with a good number of friends and neighbors who wanted to accompany the family.
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The master and artisan from Cartagena who passed away in July 2023, whose drive, perseverance, and work, alongside his partner Manuel Gil, were crucial for the promotion of the glassmaking tradition in Cartagena and the creation of the Glass Museum, has been honored with this posthumous recognition plaque, a distinction unanimously agreed upon by the council last November.
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As the mayor pointed out in her remarks, «with this plaque bearing his name here at the Glass Museum, a place that represents his legacy, we fulfill a commitment made to him before he left us.»
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Arroyo praised Paco’s figure and all that he achieved with the support of Josefina, his wife, «he had glass in his blood, heir to a lineage of glassmakers that dates back to his grandparents, and he knew how to keep the flame of the trade alive with Fina, his partner, giving La Mufla a unique character, where tradition and creativity merged like glass in the furnace.»
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The mayor also remembered his inseparable companion, «Manolo, with whom he passed on the knowledge and affection for glass to the younger ones, through the workshops of the Rascasa Association, almost 30 years ago, teaching them to cut and decorate glass.»
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Now, Noelia Arroyo concluded, it is time to «protect his legacy, take care of his museum, and help Manolo and all his disciples keep this Cartagena tradition alive. With the tribute this afternoon, we fulfill only part of the gratitude we owe him.»
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Advocate for the glassmaking tradition
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Born in Cartagena on October 12, 1946, Francisco García Romero, the eldest of four siblings, took over the family glassmaking tradition and took the reins of the business, known as La Mufla.
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When his father, Ginés García López, retired, he was already a professional in glass cutting and porcelain decoration, and together with his wife, Josefina Aguilera, they launched new initiatives in tile murals, stained glass windows, and the «fusing» technique.
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He taught decoration courses with the Cartagena City Council, at the Rascasa Association, and tirelessly fought with other colleagues in the trade to enjoy the Glass Museum in the city of Cartagena.
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Founder of the Glassmakers Association of Santa Lucía, where he brought together glass artisans from all over the Murcia Region to dignify the profession and strengthen the bonds among glass masters, pieces resulting from his work, such as tableware, glassware, or gift items, bearing the imprint of Paco ‘El de la Mufla’, can be found in many homes in Cartagena.
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