Dimensions of Book: 230mm wide x 320mm deep
Number of pages: 104 pages
Binding: Soft cover
Printing: Digital
Language: English/Italian
ISBN: 978-19-160792-0-5

La Bottega Madre by Gianfranco Mancini is a mesmerizing exploration of Italy’s rich tradition of craftsmanship. Through his lens, Mancini takes readers on an intimate journey into the heart of Italy’s artisanal workshops, where centuries-old skills are still passed down through generations. The book is a tribute to the tireless work of craftsmen and women who continue to preserve the country’s cultural heritage, one creation at a time.

The title, which translates to The Mother Workshop, captures the essence of this deep connection to tradition. The workshops, or botteghe, are not just places of work; they are nurturing grounds where the spirit of artistry and skill is cultivated, often within families that have been perfecting their craft for centuries. With La Bottega Madre, Mancini shines a light on these sacred spaces where innovation and tradition collide in an intimate dance of creation.

Mancini’s photographs are not mere images—they are windows into a world of intricate detail, textures, and human emotion. The book is filled with stunning, high-definition images that bring the viewer face-to-face with the artisans’ hands at work—weathered and worn from years of practice, yet delicate in their precision. From shoemakers in Florence, who carefully stitch each pair of shoes by hand, to metalworkers forging tools with quiet intensity, La Bottega Madre invites the reader to step inside these workshops and witness the magic unfold. The lighting, composition, and textures captured by Mancini emphasise the dedication and love behind each piece—whether it’s a piece of leather, a hand-forged tool, or a finely tailored garment.

Beyond the visual feast, La Bottega Madre also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving these time-honoured practices in a world that is increasingly driven by mass production and technology. Gianfranco Mancini’s work encourages readers to reflect on the value of craftsmanship in the face of industrialised and how these artisanal processes continue to offer not just products, but stories, heritage, and a sense of connection to the past.