In the artisans’ workshop

The expression “ to go to the workshop” has always meant learning the art of artisan craftsmanship here in Florence. The apprentice would enter the artisan’s workshop and get direct experience in the workplace. As he worked, he learnt, considering the artisan a master and the workshop a school. It was this way that most of the Renaissance artists were trained.
In the historic centre of Florence some highly valued artisan activities still go on, capable of resisting industrial production and commercial competition. This capacity is the result of the artisan treasuring and conserving the only thing which a machine cannot copy, his manual skill and ability to create unique objects.
We intend to send you to train with these artisans, to have you learn the trade you’re most interested in by attending, on a single basis, the workshop-school which you can choose from the following:

• Marbled paper
• Antique book restoration
• Picture frame gilding
• Book binding
• Jewellery design and production
• Antique furniture restoration
• Working in wrought iron
• Papier-mâché mask production

You can choose to attend these practical seminars and learn the Italian language at the same time. Otherwise an interpreter will explain all the aspects of the craft techniques in your own language.

Picture by Kee-Ho Casati