Florentine leather goods
The artisanal tradition of leather manufacturing was born in Florence almost a thousand years ago and it is still famous all over the world.
Leather processing has always had a consistent impact on the political and economic life of the city of Florence.
THE ARTS IN FLORENCE: WHAT ARE THE ORIGINS?
In the middle of 1100 began to form the first guilds of artisan who were then called Arts, among the minor Arts those that had more relevance were the Art of the Beccai, dedicated to slaughterhouses and the Art of the Cuoiai and Galigai dedicated to tanning and producing leather.
SOME CURIOSITIES…
The word “Art” derived from the Latin “Ars” which meant “physical and mental ability to build something”. This word gives an idea of what the Florentine masters did: ability to create, shape and adapt, all skills that were and still are indispensable to be a Florentine craftsman.
The famous Italian saying “Impara l’arte e mettila da parte” refers to the importance of knowing and learning a trade and then treasure it.
Both Arts were naturally in close contact with each other.
The Art of the Beccai sold leather and the Cuoiai worked leather for their creations. Located both upstream and downstream of the Ponte Vecchio where the skins were soaked in the Arno, their location became a problem later…
HISTORY OF POLITICS AND CREATION
In the sixties of 1500, the political power of Florence was in the hands of the Medici family.
A few years after the regency, Grand Duke Cosimo I De Medici decided to build with his trusty architect Giorgio Vasari the famous Vasari corridor, right near the Ponte Vecchio.
THE LEATHER ARTISAN WERE DRIVEN OUT FROM PONTE VECCHIO
The royal family, horrified by the smell of processing meat and leather in the whole area of the Ponte Vecchio, decided to move the Art of the Cuoiai and Beccai, near Piazza Santa Croce, occupying two streets that today have taken the name of Via delle Conce and Via dei Conciatori.
The place of the Cuoiai was taken instead by luxury jewelers and goldsmiths who are still in Ponte Vecchio and nearby areas.
CONTEMPORARY ARTISAN
In Florence the craft was taught in the workshops, where the master artisan taught the youngest all the techniques and secrets of leather processing, which have been handed/passed down from generation to generation.
This tradition is still alive today. Florence and its artisans are known and esteemed for the craftsmanship of the leather and the quality of the products.
Walking through the city, our attention is immediately captured by the artisan shops that make all the streets smell of leather.
The shop windows abound with items but surely at FLORENCE LEATHER MARKET, one of the oldest markets in Tuscany, you will find the best models regarding bags and accessories in REAL LEATHER!
CRAFTSMANSHIP, QUALITY AND STYLE
Florence Leather Market carries on the Florentine tradition, you will find a vast selection of genuine leather items, the result of the best Made in Italy craftsmanship: genuine leather bags suitable for all occasions, leather travel bags, messenger bags, clutches, handbags and shoulder bags, and luxury genuine leather accessories to complete your style.
At Florence Leather Market you can find the right accessory for you and the true Made in Italy quality!
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