Tuscany

In Tuscany, a respect for ancient tradition and a desire to make something new have produced a unique artistic sensibility. This is the place where some of the greatest creators of the Renaissance made their masterworks, many of which can still be seen here today. But it’s also a home for some of today’s most talented artists, men and women guided by history but with their eyes fixed firmly on the future. From the frame-makers who give us a window into great art to those who practice the delicate craft of mosaic-making, the purse-maker carrying on a family tradition to the goldsmiths doing a centuries-old job, they are all experts in their field. And they bring a sense of focus, dedication and love to their work, whether they are brewing perfumes from ancient recipes or turning straw into hats with international appeal. All across Tuscany, these artisans blend old styles and techniques with a dedication, vision and talent that’s all their own.

Master Leather Artisans

Pelletteria Artigiana Viviani is known around the world for its fine handcrafted leather goods. Renato Viviani and wife Delia opened the factory and workshop in the 1960s in Florence where they trained their daughter Viviana to become the Master Leather Craftswoman she is today. Viviana and her son Leonardo still run the shop, in the same place where her parents launched it so many years ago. Bringing their artistic sensibility and personal touch to everything they create, their unique craftsmanship is both beautiful and practical.

Check out Pelletteria Artigiana Viviani’s Website

Yellow leather handbag on a dark background

Person wearing a blue shirt and apron, marking leather pieces on a worktable with cutting tools and a pen.

Assortment of leather handbags on wooden shelves, including a brown satchel, tan handbag, blue purse, and orange shoulder bag.

Goldsmiths

Master Goldsmith Paolo Penko picked up the art of handcrafting jewelry from his father. But Paolo also worked hard and took his craft to the next level while studying at the Art Institute of France. That is also where he met his wife Beatrice, an expert gemologist. Together, and working with their sons – the next generation, Alessandro and Riccardo, they are creating one of a kind jewelry masterpieces. Their handcrafted designs, often inspired by Florentine architecture, reflect centuries of history and tradition in their home city of Florence.

Check out more of their work: Paolo Penko

Close-up of a hand cutting metal shapes in a workshop with a fine saw

Jewelry display with necklaces, earrings, and rings in glass cases at a store.

Gold pendant necklace with pearls and gemstones on handwritten parchment

Mosaics

Leonardo Scarpelli carries on the art of Florentine mosaic known as commesso, working closely with his multigenerational family. First, he first sketches out his artistic design, carefully tracing each line with his scalpel. Then, Leonardo has to find the stones with the perfect color and shape to complete his masterpiece. He works with his sister, Catia, to find these stones - the brighter the better. He has to work with incredible detail, shaping stones for hours to fill in the mosaics and if they break he has to start over. Their father, Renzo, has owned this shop in Florence since 1972. Leonardo’s and Catia’s childhood passion evolved over time into their life’s work.

Check out more work by Scarpelli Mosaici

Close-up of hands assembling a mosaic on a wooden table, with tools and glue bottle in the background. Person wearing a plaid shirt and apron.

Three smiling people, a woman and two men in aprons, standing closely together, inside a warmly lit room with a stone wall and art in the background.

Hands holding various types of stones and minerals.

Butcher

Dario Cecchini’s family has worked in handcrafted butchery for eight generations. Dario himself is sometimes called the most famous butcher in the world, and you can usually find him at his shop in the Tuscan village of Panzano. With his past veterinarian work and love for animals, he brings a unique perspective to his craft, using every part of the animals.

Check out more from Dario Cecchini

Steak being cooked on a grill with firewood burning in the background

Exterior of Antica Macelleria Cecchini, an artisan butcher shop, with striped walls, signage, and interior view showcasing products and a sculpture. Subtitle reads "250 years of Cecchini, artisan butchers."

Person using a fork to serve a slice of meat onto a plate with a glass of red wine in the background.

Perfume Makers

Dr. Giovanni Massimo is a trained pharmacist and has practiced for almost sixty years. He created plant based supplements and opened many pharmacies around the country. He then switched gears and started to make perfumes when he came across the manuscript of Catherine de Medici that had recipes for perfumes. He then started to hand make perfumes. Florence was the world capital of perfumery during the Renaissance thanks to Catherine de Medici book. Giovanni retired from full time work three years ago when Giovanni was 70 years old. Then his daughter, Francesca, took over. Francesca worked with her father in his pharmacies growing up. She left and pursued business management and even worked at Microsoft. She then came back to work with her father. She is now the owner of the company and works in their shop in Florence where they also have a laboratory.