Events & Projects

Have you ever wondered how Florence has preserved its outstanding artistic heritage for centuries? Since the Renaissance, artists and craftsmen have been looking for ways to take care of artworks. Florentine restoration techniques are deeply rooted in the history of the city since it was the Medici Grand Dukes who actively encouraged the conservation of works of art by setting up the first arts and crafts laboratory in Europe. After the terrible flood in 1966, which had devastating effects on the artistic patrimony, ancient restoration practises have been perfected and some new ones have been introduced. This intense activity has strengthened the image of Florence as the world capital of both art and restoration. Our unique experience will give you the opportunity to learn how to restore a real art object! You will learn the history of Florentine restoration, the most widely used techniques, as well as the secrets to bring materials back to their original level of perfection. You will have a hands-on experience of working with a wide range of materials such as wood, chalk, marble, and metal, and you will find out simple ways to gild, polish, remove stains from an old object, or even reconstruct missing parts. Ultimately, you will learn something you will be able to use in your everyday life! The classes take place in one of the city’s most fascinating antique galleries, located in the prestigious Via Maggio, in the heart of Renaissance Florence, on the left bank of the river Arno in the famous district of Oltrarno. The shop is in a building that dates back to the 14th century. Its wonderful arched ceilings provide the perfect setting to display the magnificent pieces within, dating from the end of the 17th century to the second half of the 1800s. The gallery will provide a stimulating context for the pieces you will be restoring, which will actually be chosen according to the original antiques works already displayed in the shop! The classes are specifically designed for you to be entertaining, lively, fun and for absolute beginners, too! So, don’t worry if you have never worked on an object before or you don’t even know how to use a hammer! An expert and qualified restorer and craftsperson who has worked with my gallery for decades, will guide you through every step of the way and answer all the questions you might have regarding the fine art of restoration. Plus, you will get the chance to keep your own restored piece! You will have your own, one-of-a-kind, Florence souvenir! The classes take place four days a week, last 2,30 hours and they include all the tools, the aprons, soft drinks and a lunch box provided with a selection of Tuscan food, wine and Prosecco. The gallery space is air-conditioned and has one restroom. An official English-speaking tour guide will assist for whole length of the experience.