Diaries from three days in Florence for the XXVIII edition of Artigianato & Palazzo, 2022
Artigianato & Palazzo..
This is the place and the moment when you find yourself talking about alchemy, art, music and Beauty with people whose names you do not even know; it is that moment when, under that strong September Tuscan sun, it seems that the most beautiful stories you’ve ever read come to life; it is that moment when, crossing the threshold of Palazzo Corsini, you leave any thought behind, because so much Beauty deserves all the space our eyes and our soul have to offer.
Diaries of three days, enclosed within the bucolic gardens of Palazzo Corsini, among whose Renaissance labyrinths and rose gardens more than 90 witnesses of the highest craft traditions, including emerging generations, displayed their unique savoir faire.
An unprecedented series of installations, workshops and events provided an opportunity to reflect on the role and of the craftsman in contemporary society, of the value of the handmade and the important heritage of knowledge and techniques handed down by true master craftsmen.
The 2022 edition of Artigianato e Palazzo exceeded all expectations: it found an audience hungry for Beauty, us included.
It was almost a year that I had been preparing for this event and my entire month of September revolved around these three days in which I would be enclosed in a circumscribed place, with an intense Renaissance scent, with the greatest Made-In-Italy masters of yesterday and today... in short, in the midst of my element! Being part of Artigianato & Palazzo gives you the warmest feeling of being part of a circle, of a big family of people who, like us, are never satisfied with the superficial, yet absolutely love to look for Beauty in everything they observe; they find the discovering of the deepest layers an enchanting journey.
The journey started from the "Prince Exhibition" entitled "CONCIAPELLI. Heirs to a Greater Art"..
was set up in the Ballroom of Palazzo Corsini, is dedicated to the vegetable leather tanning in Tuscany.
Here I met one of the most experienced craftsmen of the group, a man who’s life has been dedicated to the constant learning and perfectioning of this savoir-faire. With the biggest smile on his face, he explained that it is a process that requires patience and experience, the help of technology while respecting tradition.
The result is a natural leather that never goes out of fashion, dedicated to those who seek high quality and a style that becomes personalized over time.
A man of extraordinary competence, who has not forgotten, however, the playful side of his craft, here we are both particularly excited about this little work of art of his: a miniature car, the leather construction of which is as complex as you can imagine!
The journey continued inside the Palazzo's Limonaia, in the middle of the gardens..
..where the stands of those who, more than people, are true Florentine institutions were located.
Duccio Mazzanti is one of them. “Duccio” I can’t think of a more Florentine name.. It is difficult to remain serious when Duccio is around! The man behind whatever feather you might see on the haute-couture runways of worldwide Fashion Weeks.
In 1935 his grandmother, Natalina Mazzanti, began her craft by transforming feathers and silk flowers into precious ornaments for hats and dresses. In 1997, Duccio gave the company a new look, focusing production on high fashion. For Duccio, feathers are an absolutely magical and fascinating element, an expression of lightness, softness, feminine sensuality.
As he adorned my wrists with two extraordinary powder-pink feather inserts, he did not fail to tell me the most hilarious stories, interspersing them with greetings to the passersby and solemn reveries to his neighbors, with whom he has known for a lifetime.
One thing struck me about this man: his simplicity, helpfulness and modesty, despite the fact that he is, without mincing words, one of the masters of contemporary Made in Italy.
Let me talk to you of one he best-known goldsmith families on the Florentine scene...
the Penko Family: Paolo Penko, the wife Beatrice and sons Alessandro and Riccardo. The Penko family's goldsmith work does not go unnoticed: silver and golden masterpieces take shape in the family’s two workshops, located in the historic center of Florence.
These the family creates unique jewelry according to the ancient techniques of the centuries-old Florentine goldsmith tradition, following classic iconographies, some of which are extrapolated directly from the Medicean archives.
Among the timeless pieces on display in the Limonaia of Palazzo Corsini, my attention immediately fell on the parure bearing one of the symbols I am most fond of, the classic Florentine lily: an iconography that incorporates a thousand and one stories of culture, art, history and beauty related to the city of Florence and the Medici family.
With great pleasure I was able to wear it while Alessandro told me about the behind-the-scenes of some of the masterpieces on display, including the precious so-called "Florentine" diamond.
The “Zouganist” was one of the most fascinating surprises.
Takafumi Mochizuki, or rather, the "Zouganist", from "zougan", "inlay" in Japanese. His work was a fascinating surprise, the result of an exquisite and harmonious melting-pot of the two cultures that identify Takafumi: the Japanese and the Italian, two traditions in which craftsmanship plays an essential role. It is no coincidence that in Japan they call artisans "living treasures."
Takafumi performed a meticulous technique of wooden inlay for decorative purposes. Watching his gentle gestures working with wood was mesmerizing. Millimeter layers of differently colored natural woods, lightly burnished by a hot sand in which they were dipped (seconds counted!), gave shape to floral designs, gentle lines or reproductions of typical Florentine landscapes.
Among the works that most struck me were the inlays on wooden supports, particularly the shoe lasts typically used by shoemakers, true miniature masterpieces with a charming story to tell.
“Giratine”: bags made by six hands by three generations of women.
In the middle of the garden, among the labyrinths of Palazzo Corsini, was the Giratine exhibition stand. It was easily recognizable by the colors and patterns of the textiles that sprouted in the green of the garden.
A family of wonderful women with contagious sweetness and a charming smile! It is the result of the ideas of three generations: from the 1950s to today, through the eyes of a grandmother, her daughter and her granddaughter, "Giratine" bags are made by six hands using entirely artisanal methods.
Classic style, refined fabrics and meticulous attention to detail. Every single step of the production process is carried out using artisanal methods, limiting waste to a minimum. As their grandmother used to say: “in the kitchen, you don't throw anything away!” - so they do when cutting fabric.
The sweetest detail lies in their name: "Giratine" is the Tuscan name for a "slow and pleasant walks" through the city streets or in nature, always in full presence and awareness, enjoying the Beauty of stillness.. the favorite activity of us Italians!
One family, three mosaic techniques, four generations.
I had the opportunity to meet the Traversari brothers and give a close look to their work while listening to their beautiful family story. A family of artisans that has its roots in the late 19th century and proudly stands out precisely for this: the inclusion of three mosaic techniques: Florentine "commesso" mosaic, decorative mosaic and micromosaic.
I was particularly struck by the micro mosaic technique, which I had never seen before. It is fine work, starting from the modeling of the Murano glass slats, to the cutting and composition of the design in its frame.
The Florentine "commesso", on the other hand, is a technique that requires larger cuts and is used for the creation of larger pieces of art by working with hard stones.
I found the work of micromosaic to be exquisite, as it is a workmanship that allows this sublime art to be easily incorporated within our everyday realities.
I would be pleased to visit their atelier in Florence to show you some pieces more closely and bring you along for a private storytelling experience.
Meanwhile, in the Corsini Gardens..
The Renaissance gardens of Palazzo Corsini were transformed into an exhibition square among the labyrinths of hedges and rose bushes. Under marquees exclusive pavilions made of hand-decorated fabric further handicraft realities had their echibitions and excellences from the world of food, plus presentations and symposia with celebrity guests took place.
Inside special marquees, it was possible to taste the dishes created by the chefs of the “Culinary Art School Cordon Bleu” of Florence on the kitchen set up by Casta and served to the public on hand-decorated porcelain plates by Fornasetti!
Only a few metres further on, it was possible to taste the exceptional Procacci 1885's Brie and Truffle delicacies.
In addition, we had the one-in-a-lifetime chance to taste a real delicacy: the gourmet ice cream by Badiani! Have you ever tasted cherry tomato confit ice cream? Or truffle ice cream served on toasted bread? The brain goes into meltdown and doesn't really know what to think, it only knows that whatever it’s tasting is ah-mazing!
Enjoy the photo gallery!
More on the Corsini Garden Experience
Fundraising
Artigianato e Palazzo is the promoter of several fundraising campaigns for the preservation of artistic and cultural works in the area. The FUND COLLECTION "GIAMBOLOGNA AND THE FATA MORGANA" continues in favour of the precious monumental complex of the Fonte della Fata Morgana, located at the foot of the Fattucchia hill in the municipality of Bagno a Ripoli.
The exhibition is promoted by the Corsini Garden Association, of which Sabina Corsini is president, along with Neri Torrigiani creator and organizer, together with the support of Fondazione CR Firenze, Camera di Commercio di Firenze, Fondazione Ferragamo, Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri d'Arte, Michelangelo Foundation, Baratti&Milano, and in collaboration with Artex Centro per l'Artigianato Artistico, Toscana Promozione, Scuola di Arte Culinaria Cordon Bleu Firenze, Casta Cucine, Fornasetti, IED Istituto Europeo di Design, Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, Guri I Zi, Badiani 1932, Starhotels, 25 Hours Hotels, La Ménagère.