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  • Lathe, Archive of Sestese Ceramics, Sesto Fiorentino.zoom in altra finestra
  • Overall view of the Archive of Sestese Ceramics, Sesto Fiorentino.zoom in altra finestra

Archivio della Ceramica Sestese [The Sesto Ceramics Archive]

Instituted in 1989, the Archive of Sestese Ceramics documents the production and history of the ceramics manufactories operating on the town’s territory, in particular between the late 19th century and World War II. Its holding results from the helpfulness of citizens who deposited documents and objects in their possession. In addition to the recorded collections, the institution preserves the factory archives of six manufactories which operated in the early 20th century, about 3000 sketches and pounces, production catalogues of various firms and about 400 photographs of factory interiors.

It possesses a collection of plaster statues with more than 1500 plaster models and moulds, used between the late 19th century and World War II, which come from the "Egisto Mantechi" Manufactory and from Ciulli Art Ceramics, as well as about 700 plaster shapes and models made by the "La Perla" Manufactory after World War II. The structure also preserves tools for working ceramic, such as small lathes for decorating, a threader, equipment for modelling, glazing and firing, as well as a workbench and several hundred templates.

The exhibition spaces are lodged in the Centre for Promotion and Professional Training of the Commune of Sesto Fiorentino, and consist of two rooms and a small consultation room. The Archive promotes training courses and initiatives of a promotional nature.

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Texts by Donato Monaco

English translation by Victor Beard

Last update 14/feb/2008