WOOD - when craftsmanship becomes art
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area : Verona |
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category : traditional craftmanship |
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Wood is the entrepreneurial soul of the plains area south of Verona. The classic reproduction furniture field dates back to the start of the 1900s when a number of craftsmen in a prevalently agricultural area began restoring ancient furniture as prelude to manufacture. While the classic style dominates, unique items are also emerging embellished with wrought iron, artistic stained glass and marble.
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The classic reproduction furniture field involves as many as 29 local council areas in the province of Verona and dates back to the start of the 1900s when a number of craftsmen in a prevalently agricultural area began restoring ancient furniture as prelude to manufacture. After the Second World War, the economic boom saw intense demand for new furniture and this gave new impetus to a district by now famous all over Italy and world-wide.
The “Homeland of Furniture” expanded all over the Veronese plains - the only area allowed by the Ministry of Industry to use the “Art Furniture”brand. The historic centres for this tradition are Cerea, Bovolone and Casaleone. Inlay and marquetry artists, polishers, cabinetmakers, craftsmen, small industrial companies, carpenters and commercials companies working in perfect synergy. There is a virtually endless range of products: from kitchen suites to chairs, divans, armchairs, doors and hatches to all kinds of semi-finished products. The strong points of this district are the skill of employees, the desire and capacity to innovate processes and products, and operative flexibility (“made-to-measure” is a fundamental rule).
While the classic style still dominates (Fratino, Victorian and Liberty styles are available), unique pieces are also coming to the fore, embellished with wrought iron, artistic stained glass, marble, as well as modern styles (especially as regards kitchen suites). Carpentry is a primary resource in terms of employment.
In recent years, companies in the wood-working district have rationalised their structures and business activities; production has seen a process of vertical specialisation, with a marked trend towards outsourcing in certain stages (polishing, decoration, painting, marquetry, inlay, etc.). This far-reaching change has seen professional specialisation as the production of furnishing projects for villas, hotels, mansions and luxury yachts.
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