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Discovering ancient trades in the streets of Lucca
A route taking us round some of Lucca's craft shops, where ancient
tools and the passion of bygone days are still very much in evidence,
and where devotion to one's craft outweighs financial gain. Places
where the enjoyment of traditional art is still very much alive and
not choked by technological production methods, ready to be handed
down to apprentices and assistants during the daily practice of their
trade.
In the Artistic Lithographs studio in Via della Zecca
prints are still being produced using lithographic presses dating
from the beginning of the century using Bavarian limestone. Work is
carried out on commission from private clients, and especially from
galleries, painters or other organisations that want to put on
exhibitions.
Visitors are welcome, either individually or in groups. They are shown
how the machines are used as well as certain stages of the work
process,
but it is necessary to book the visit by telephone.
Not far from here, in Piazza San Francesco, there is a studio
of workers in bronze that has been in existence for over thirty
years. They produce brass furnishings, even based on drawings: lamps,
lamp-posts and beds. They start from the laminates and proceed to
create works of various shapes and sizes. Their main clients are
architects,
but work is also done for private clients.
Guido and Lamberto Simi have worked in their Frames and Bookbinding
studio in Via del Battistero since they were very young. They
bind books using traditional methods for those who have not yet got
used to paperbacks and still enjoy the feel of the leather or parchment
of genuine bindings. Their clients are mainly private individuals
and many requests are also received from abroad. The studio also produces
handcrafted frames, which can also include inlays, starting from the
working of the raw wood. You can book a visit to discover the secrets
of the workshop.
In Via del Crocifisso there is a Laboratory, founded in 1993,
specialising in the restoration of old and contemporary works of
art. Here they restore paintings on canvas and panel, wood sculptures
and ornaments in wood and stone. The owners are keen to point out
that nowadays, much more so than in the past, scientific methods are
used as much as possible so it is vital to have carried out specific
courses of study.
This is also why the laboratory accepts students from schools specialising
in restoration.