Tradition over Technology

By Samantha Bloom & James Lattanzi, FSU Florence Students | Italian Fashion & Craftsmanship Class

When stepping into a hole in the wall metal artisan workspace and shop within Santo Spirito, one word came to mind: tradition. The owner of the store, a middle to older aged man, along with his wife of 55 years walked us into the shop as we were immediately surrounded by decades of blood, sweat and tears.

To begin our visit, the artisan made it known that he is an apprentice to his master who opened the shop many years ago.

Out of respect, he kept the name of his master to the store although his is different. He learned for many years under his master who showed him the craft, and he and his wife eventually took the business over after his passing.

The artisan explained to us that everything in the shop was handmade, and that while there were many finished products for sale, most of the business that the store conducts is contract based.

Stressing precision and quality, he explained to us that at one point there were many artisans among them in Florence, although most had died out due to the crippling economy and lack of made by hand appreciation.

Giuliano’s metals

Photos courtesy of Alex Frantsvog & Lindsay O’Laughlin

What makes this shop different than those that were unable to withstand economic downturn is the lasting quality that defines them. The large brands that continue to provide contracts to this store understand that the one of one quality is unmatched. The artisan began to show us his masterpieces as well as his everyday works of art that are all unique.

Walking through his workspace one can see that his machinery is as old as his craft, and that his workspace produces authentic Italian art. With immaculate attention to detail, each piece is crafted meticulously. Pulling certain pieces from his endless workbench, I asked about the time it would take to create a particular frame mold that was immensely intricate. He replied that it had taken a month to chisel the piece by hand.

Giuliano’s Creations

Photo courtesy of Samantha O’Boy & Sofia Moises

Thinking that I had known the extent of attention to detail, I was shocked. Knowing that a laser could produce a similarly looking piece within five minutes, I was unable to estimate the man hours that it would require to be made by hand.

I realized that the handcrafted piece was worth so much more in comparison to the computer lasered version.

Aesthetically, the two pieces may be the same, but when you look at the handcrafted one, and know that someone spent a month to hand chisel the intricate designs, a greater appreciation is formed.

The craft has slowly crumbled within Florence as there are less people that understand the time, effort, and dedication that it takes to create a single piece. Fortunately, the appreciation still exists for the larger brands that find artisans such as Giuliano Ricchi for one of a kind designs.

Many that walk into this store will appreciate similarly, and this appreciation is what keeps his craft of metal artisan work alive.