Paolo Penko opens in Via delle Oche
The historic jewellery store doubles up in old Visdomini Tower
A new jewellery workshop to house Penko’s unique creations and provide continuity for training in the field of excellent craftsmanship.
The new Bottega Orafa Penko was inaugurated this morning, a synthesis of the possible link between the Florence “of the artisans” and the commerce of the future, where “yesterday” and “tomorrow” coexist in harmony. Housed in the ancient medieval Tower of Visdomini, in Via delle Oche 20r, the space emphasizes the historical characteristics of the premises thanks to an accurate architectural renovation, on which the most modern technical aspects are grafted.
A space dedicated to creativity and craftsmanship, qualities at the heart of Penko’s creations, made even more precious by references to Florentine painting and architecture. And the passion for their work. A passion that Paolo Penko shares with his wife Beatrice, an expert in gemology, and with his sons: Alessandro, who is in charge of the brand’s internationalisation project and the continuity of the historic headquarters in Via Zannetti, and Riccardo, who develops new jewellery lines in the wake of the family tradition.
The new workshop in Via delle Oche also has a space dedicated to the artisans of the future: four workbenches equipped for internships, apprenticeships and alternating school-work or workshop-school programmes.
The inauguration took place today, preceded by a press event and ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the mayor of Florence, Dario Nardella, the deputy mayor Cristina Giachi, councillors Cecilia Del Re and Giovanni Bettarini, the president of the Regional Council of Tuscany, Eugenio Giani, the president of Confartigianato Imprese Firenze, Alessandro Vittorio Sorani, the secretary general of Confartigianato Imprese Firenze, Jacopo Ferretti, and many representatives from the world of craftsmanship, art, culture and solidarity.
The Workshop
The entrance features an imposing workbench with tools and implements of ancient charm. On this stands the reproduction of the hexagonal tile of Daedalus (depicted by Andrea Pisano in Giotto’s Campanile), a character from Greek mythology who is considered an architect, sculptor and inventor, famous for having created the famous labyrinth of the Minotaur as well as the basic instrument of flight, the wing. The ancient charm of the location blends with modern technology: the coffered ceiling punctuates the jewellery-specific, energy-saving LED lighting system, creating fascinating plays of light.
The wooden furniture develops Maestro Paolo Penko’s artistic vision and, thanks to the technical support of architects Carta and Boganini, incorporates both the plant engineering system serving the workbenches and the advanced surveillance and security systems. The renovation of the environment was carried out in collaboration with the Opera del Duomo, the Superintendency, Confart Multiservice and with the professional contribution of excellent Florentine and Tuscan craftsmen, such as the furnishings, studied down to the smallest detail: the handles and knobs personalised with the Penko logo, the door bell made using the penkato technique. The furnishings act as a backdrop to the life of the shop: the vision of the new world of craftsmanship comes together in this space, both through the multimedia communication of the touch screen monitors for the use of customers, and in the artisan production of the famous “Penkati” unique pieces. The jewellery shop houses another four workbenches fully equipped to accommodate possible internships, apprenticeships, school-to-work or workshop-to-school training.
The Visdomini Tower
The Visdomini Tower (with an adjoining small palace) is located in Via delle Oche 20r, an alley adjacent to Piazza del Duomo. The entrance to the building, with its ancient features, is part of a palace that still retains its 14th-century character.
Next to the tower, a characteristic door with a lintel supported by corbels can still be seen, although walled up. The palace and tower later belonged to the Cortigiani, one of the families of the Visdomini consortium, and were purchased by the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore to incorporate them into the building of the Canonica, which was considerably enlarged in the early 15th century. On the front, under a shield with the Visdomini coat of arms, a plaque bears some verses from Dante: “Così faan li padri di coloro / che, sempre che la vostra chiesa vaca, / si fanno grassi, stando in concistoro” (Divine Comedy, Pd. XVI 112-114). The verses refer to the fact that the Visdomini, like the Tosinghi and the Cortigiani, were in charge of the episcopal see while waiting for the new bishop to be appointed. In practice, they occupied the archbishop’s palace, gaining advantages and profits until the new cardinal took office. For the inauguration, special thanks go to the Antica Pasticceria Sieni and the Azienda Agricola Le Coste di Rufina.
