♦ ♦ ♦
How one thing leads to another…
Several weeks ago I was watching a presentation hosted by Paola Vojnovic with her guest, Marietta Cambareri. The topic was the Della Robbias whose unique formula for glazed terra cotta pieces gave us unmistakably beautiful and unique sculptures universally admired today.
During the presentation and discussion afterwards, they mentioned Sbigoli Terrecotte and that they still create traditional artisanal glazed terra cotta (majolica) ceramic pieces. As an aficionado of locally made artisan crafts of any kind (and since I LOVE hand painted ceramics!), I wrote down the name with the intention of visiting at some point.
♦ ♦ ♦
Serendipity
A few weeks later, coincidentally, I was out for a neighborhood stroll with friends and, as we turned onto a street, there was Sbigoli Terrecotte!
I told them I recognized the name and we decided to go in and take a look. My friend, Luisa, struck up a conversation with Chiara and Lorenza who then showed us their “bottega”, workshop, and back rooms. When I told them that I would love to return and write a “Learning with Locals” blog post about them, they generously agreed and here we are…
♦ ♦ ♦
A Family Affair – Steeped in Tradition
Once again, it’s a compelling story about artistry, tradition, and passion…the kind of story that I love to learn about and to share.
Sbigoli Terrecotte was founded in 1857 by the Sbigoli family. The Florentine artisan workshop earned a reputation for excellent quality design and craftsmanship. Unfortunately, after the devastating floods of 1966 they decided to sell and the workshop was taken over by Valentino Adami and Antonetta Chini.
Always all in the family…
A New Family- the Adami Family
Following the same path as her father, Tito Chini, Antonella nurtured and furthered her education and talent and talent to become a highly respected ceramist. After continuing her studies in ceramics in a school in Faenza, she went to Sicily to work with now iconic De Simone Ceramiche. Unfortunately, the Chini factory was destroyed at the end of WWII and production stopped.
Leaving Sicily for Milan, Antonella met and married Valentino in Milan. In 1970 they decided to write a new chapter. They left Milan and came to Florence where both of their families had roots.
They were able to purchase Sbigoli and their partnership: Antonella, the creative force and Valentino, the practical, business manager, created a perfect collaboration. This winning combination has been passed on and is evidenced today in their daughters; Lorenza, following in Antonella’s footsteps and Chiara in Valentino’s.
Sbigoli, owned and managed by the Adami family for just over 50 years, is run like an old Renaissance bottega. Producing their own handmade ceramics as well as offering the works of some other artists, Sbigoli is proudly dedicated to the tradition of high quality, hand painted terra cotta and to their reputation for excellence.
Terra Cotta to Majolica: Throw – Fire – Glaze – Paint – Fire
Terra cotta literally means baked earth. Once a piece has been fired it is referred to as earthenware. However terra cotta which is glazed/painted and fired for the second time is called majolica. This second low firing of the painted terra cotta results in more vibrant colors and striking detail.
The process…terra cotta to glaze to hand painted and fired…
Bottega Artigiana: Fatto Mano and Dipinto Amano
Everything you see at Sbigoli is made and painted by hand. Everything! It is either an original piece designed by Lorenza, or designs created by her mother and now re-interpreted by Lorenza.
Although Lorenza does make a lot of the pieces you see, in order to offer the array of designs and collections that they do, Lorenza creates designs and the “prototype”/ sample. They then have the terra cotta pieces produced by local artisans conforming to their specifications as well as according to the specific expertise and skill of that workshop.
Terra cotta pieces are then transported to Sbigoli to be glazed, hand painted and fired by Lorenza. No design is simply “duplicated” or “copied”. This is not an assembly line and it is not about reproduction or imitation. That is impossible for a true artisan!
↓ Please CLICK to Watch the Video of Lorenza at work! ↓
–>>>VIDEO: Lorenza Hand Painting Toscana<<<–
One only has to look closely to see that every piece is distinct and individual. Perhaps the pattern or design is the same but “there is something unique in each piece”. Every piece made by hand is a reflection of the soul of the artist and is part of a tradition and legacy passed on with pride from generation to generation.
Love & Skill = Extraordinary Craftsmanship
Is this love and skill learned? Passed on by DNA? Some kind of “osmosis”? Whatever it is, doubtless it runs in the Chini – Adami family! From Tito Chini, to his daughter, Antonella and from Antonella to her daughter, Lorenza, the passion and talent for ceramics has run strong and true!
The creative process is fascinating to me. Ideas, imaginings are born and translated into form: the shape, design, pattern and colors interpreted and expressed through the eye and mind of the artisan into a singular creation. Incredible!
↓ PLEASE Click for the Video! ↓
–>>>VIDEO: Sbigoli – Lorenza Painting Autunno <<<–
Lorenza credits her mother with everything she has learned and that encompasses more than just technical skills. She learned how to solve problems, to find creative solutions. And she also learned a philosophy…to contribute to beautiful environments with beautiful hand made pieces and to never stop learning and nurturing the creative process.
Tradition Meets Originality
At Sbigoli you can choose from traditional Florentine and Tuscan designs as well as original designs by Lorenza.
Such a diverse array of practical and decorative selections with distinctive motifs, patterns, ornamentation, and designs to choose from and certain to appeal to any personal preference, taste and decor.
Her original designs have been influenced by her individual taste and preference for a mix of southern Mediterranean influences (e.g., Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, S. France as well as Arabian ceramics such as North Africa and Turkey).
So many choices!
Sbigoli also offers designs from other families and regions known for their ceramics (e.g., Montelupo, and Deruta).
(And, in case you are wondering, all of their glazes and colors are lead-free and safe for food.)
Collaborating to Carry on a Tradition
Sisters Lorenza and Chiara have a very special relationship. Together, they share a perfectly balanced synergy focused around a common passion and purpose.
Lorenza, Master Ceramist, is the creative partner. She loves to be hands on immersed in her work. Following in the footsteps of her mother, her passion and talents are present in every beautifully handcrafted piece on display. In 2013 she was given the title of Maestro Artigiano and Sbigoli studio qualified as a Bottega Scuola.
Chiara, like her father before her, is the practical partner. She loves handling relationships, meeting and talking with clients. She also ensures that everything will run smoothly. Orders filled and shipped, communications and marketing up to date…all those necessary and important functions to keep a business running and prospering.
And, indeed it is working! Their customers come from the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and include many repeat customers who often send photos of their table settings and pieces at their final destination. Spreading the beauty indeed!
Accolades:
Sbigoli Terrecotte is part of the Association Esercizi Storici Fiorentini * (http://www.esercizistoricifiorentini.it/)
…and of the Observatory of Art Professions (https://www.michelangelofoundation.org/en/the-foundation), two associations that certify on the one hand the historicity of our ceramic production activity from table and decorative for almost two centuries and on the other the quality of the materials used, traditional workmanship and finished products. the materials used, traditional workmanship and finished products.
♦ ♦ ♦
Contact Sbigoli Terrecotte :
Via S. Egidio, 4r
Firenze 50122
WhatsApp: 0039 3397452532
info@sbigoliterrecotte.com
www.sbigoliterrecotte.it
www.etsy.com/it/shop/SbigoliTerrecotte
(Si, you can order from them and, COVID permitting you can arrange a ceramic painting workshop!)
♦ ♦ ♦
While you can find all of the details of their story and journey on their excellent site, when you walk through the door and experience being in a bottega; meeting the family and being surrounded by their craftsmanship, you can feel the years, lifetimes, of love, dedication and, yes, sacrifice to an art, to a craft.
This is what touches me and, with an appreciation I learned from my Mother, why I write and share these “Learning with Locals” stories.
♦ ♦ ♦
*Association Esercizi Storici Fiorentini (From their website):
“The Florentine Historical Businesses Association brings together more than sixty historic Florentine companies made up of artisans, traders, hospitality, catering and food and wine businesses who have decided to come together in the Association in order to promote, qualify, protect and enhance their historical activities both as individuals and in their collegiality.
The aim is also to make these activities known nationally and internationally as cultural, social, characteristic and traditional heritage of the city of Florence.”
♦ ♦ ♦
♦ Learn about other Locals I’ve had the privilege of meeting…
♦ When you’re ready to visit, we look forward to welcoming you! Click here to find out more!
