The School of Arts and Crafts in Solomeo

At least until a few years ago, a young man or woman were not pleased to tell their friends that they were employed in a field that required manual work. Something was preventing them from seeing and realising the true value and the creativity of their hands and eyes, despite the fact that Italian young people all share an essential ability: an uncommon spirit of adaptation, both in Italy and abroad.

To prevent our youth from forsaking our heritage, Brunello Cucinelli decided to establish a school of arts and crafts in Solomeo, drawing inspiration from the great visionaries John Ruskin and William Morris, with their Arts and Crafts movement.

A building in the classical style was rebuilt specifically to host the School of Solomeo; moreover, some rooms of the castle where the company workshops were located until recently have been turned into classrooms.

Students and teachers at work at the School of Men’s Tailoring

The artisans of tomorrow have been trained here for several years already: they are learning the different arts and crafts that used to be the glory of Italian creativity and have almost disappeared today.

Here technology is not banned, but it is there to serve the hands and the eyes of our artisans. As it was the case for the workshops from the past, here crafts are taught in a practical manner under the guide of a master: Pattern Making and Women’s Tailoring, Cutting and Men’s Tailoring, Mending, Knitwear, Horticulture, Gardening and Masonry.

By attending these courses for 5 hours a day and receiving their monthly wages, many young people have had the opportunity to understand and appreciate the true value of craftsmanship as an art form, they have become enthusiastic about them and are no longer embarrassed to talk about their job, because they are excited about it. And the benefit is not only theirs to enjoy, as it matches and goes hand in hand with the glorious revival of our craftsmanship, thus attaching moral and economic dignity to work.

For info:

http://scuoladeimestieri.sfcu.it

info@sfcu.it 

Tel. 075/582741 (9-13)