I never miss a visit to Artigianato e Palazzo: it is one of the “musts” of Florentines in May. Roughly 100 Italians and international artisans and designers will be spread throughout the orangerie, the tree-lined pathways, and the “Nuns’ Garden” of the spectacular Giardino Corsini, a private garden open only on rare occasions. Live demonstrations play a big part in the program, and this year brings a hodgepodge of out-of-the-box handiwork worth watching (a typewriter restorer and a feather ornament-maker will join the more traditional lineup of ceramicists, mosaic artists and others).
The biggest development for 2018 is the involvement of historic porcelain manufactory Richard Ginori: its artisans will recreate steps in the creative process against the backdrop of the 17th-century Limonaia Piccola, and funds raised from entry donations will go toward the reopening of the Doccia Museum.
Carlo Ginori started manufacturing porcelain pieces in 1735 in his workshop in Doccia, Tuscany, setting the benchmark for luxury home décor products ever since. This prestigious company was ran by the same family until 1896, when it has been acquired by Richard of Milan and the brand was created.
Richard Ginori remains the quintessential maker of sophisticated porcelain pieces and demonstrates the ability to reinterpret its iconic history through collaborations with important designers and artists. Its pieces have graced museums, luxury liners, restaurants, luxury hotels, and fine tables around the world. It made collections for the Vatican and has featured designs by top Italian architects like Gio Ponti and Paola Novane.
Unfortunately, difficult economic conditions and changes over time caused this historical company to fail for bankruptcy in 2013.
Richard Ginori has now joined the global luxury company that includes Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, and Brioni.
Gucci’s strategy with the porcelain brand is the same as with its other brands — focus on luxury and bring in fresh, new designs. Today, its creative director is none other than Alessandro Michele, the super designer responsible for Gucci’s huge growth in recent years.
And so begins a new chapter in the history of Richard Ginori.
A charming local tradition... do you know that almost every Florentine Tuscany family is getting a Ginori’s table handed down from generations? Mine is .. exquisite white and blue floral and this design is not even produced anymore!
With Beyond is also able to shop directly at the factory’s store.
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