A CRAFT REVIVAL

World-renowned as a centre of excellence for the production of the finest quality hand-made goods, Florence is home to a thriving, age-old arts and crafts scene. Don’t miss the chance to encounter some of the city’s contemporary masters on this inspiring artisan expedition. Your assistant will meet you at your accommodation, accompany you to a paper bottega, a leather school and a perfume boutique and entertain you with fascinating stories about the protagonists of Florence’s creative craft world.

You begin your day with a leisurely stroll to a historical paper shop located in the Oltrarno district. Founded in 1856 as a bookbinder, this bottega began practising the art of paper marbling in the early 20th century. After an explanation of the art of marbling and a technical demonstration, you will participate in a hands-on workshop and learn how to make your own marbled paper. As you will have the chance to discover, part of the appeal of paper marbling is that no two pieces are ever exactly the same. By floating colour on an aqueous surface and then carefully transferring the marble-like pattern onto absorbent paper, you will turn out a truly exclusive work of art and feel the excitement of mastering a technique that dates back centuries.

Tucked away in a wing of the complex of Santa Croce lies the prestigious Leather School where, since the 1950s, generations of artisans have learned to create top class leather goods. The school was founded after World War II with the aim of providing orphans of war with the opportunity to learn a profession and revive ancient traditions and production methods following the destruction caused by the conflict. Today, in this one of a kind setting, time-honoured techniques continue to be taught and practised, allowing students to acquire the knowledge and expertise needed to fashion a range of leather products, including handbags, book covers, frames and belts. Escorted by a member of staff, you will enjoy a tour of the premises, gain an overview of the history of leather craftsmanship in Florence, discover the different skills and materials used and attend a demonstration of leather gilding.

After some free time for lunch the last stop on this tour will bring you to a perfume boutique. Here, you will participate in a workshop and enjoy a sensory journey into the world of artistic perfumery. A master profumiere will open the shutters of his treasure chest and share his secrets with you. More than 1,500 rare extracts and valuable raw materials are carefully preserved on the shelves of the boutique’s precious olfactory library. Learn about the variety of fragrances – from floral and fruity, to citrus-like and exotic – and how their different combinations generate an extraordinary array of scented elixirs. Under the master’s guidance, select the essences for a personalised scent, calling on your own senses to concoct a unique signature perfume. A 100 ml bottle of perfume created during the workshop, along with its exclusive formula and your newly acquired olfactory awareness, are among the cherished souvenirs you will take back home.