Scuola del Cuoio
Scuolo del Cuoio located in the heart of Florence.
Scuola del Cuoio is more than just a leather school, it is a charitable institution. In 1950, Scuola del Cuoio was born with the idea of teaching war orphans a skill: leather making; this, in turn, would allow orphans more job opportunities. The Gori and Casini families partnered with the Franciscan friars to make this dream a reality. Since the passing of Gori and Pasini, Gori’s daughters and grandchildren oversee the daily operations.
Custom cigar holder that I purchased for my dad.
The wing of the Monastery where Scuola del Cuoio is currently located was donated to the Franciscan Friars during the Renaissance by the Medici family. As pictured below, the Medici Coat of Arms is placed on various doors as well as several frescoes that were painted by the Ghirlandaio school.
Here, the school taught orphans the difference between leathers, techniques for cutting the leather and, how to create handbags of various sizes. However, the most talented students were tasked with gilding with gold leaf.
Hand stamped leather coaster with gold leaf.
Several important people have visited Scuola del Cuoio and have commissioned the school to create their leather goods. To name a few: George Lopez, the lovely Princess Diana, Rob Schneider, Will Smith, Robert Downey Jr., and several others.
The wall of famous people that have visited Scuola del Cuoio.
During the tour of the school, I was able to distinguish the types of leather that are currently offered and even some that are illegal to use. We also learned the rich history of Scuola del Cuoio and the impact it made on the orphans during one of the most challenging historical periods, World War II. Scuola del Cuoio is one of the greatest examples of how something old in Florence was made into something new, which can be seen throughout all of Italy.
Alligator skin.
One thing is for sure, there is truly nothing better than the smell of Italian leather.
One of the many beautiful handbags crafted at Scuola del Cuoio.