Scuola del Cuoio: Leather School
Scuola del Cuoio is more than just a leather school, it is a charitable institution. In 1950, Scuola del Cuoio was born with the idea of teaching war orphans a skill: leather making; this, in turn, would allow orphans more job opportunities. The Gori and Casini families partnered with the Franciscan friars to make this dream a reality. Since the passing of Gori and Pasini, Goric’s daughters and grandchildren oversee the daily operations.
The wing of the Monastery where Scuola del Cuoio is currently located was donated to the Franciscan Friars during the Renaissance by the Medici family. As pictured below, the Medici Coat of Arms is placed on various doors as well as several frescoes that were painted by the Ghirlandaio school.
The wing of the Monastery was donated to the Franciscan friars by the Medici family and is the present-day Scuola del Cuoio.
Here, the school taught orphans the difference between leathers, techniques for cutting the leather and, how to create handbag of various sizes. However, the most talented students were tasked with gilding with carat gold leaf.
Elephant skin.
Deer skin.
Mississippi alligator skin.
A coaster that has been gilded with carat gold leaf.
Several important people have visited Scuola del Cuoio and have commissioned the school to create their leather goods. To name a few: George Lopez, the lovely Princess Diana, Rob Schneider, Will Smith, Robert Downey Jr., and several others.
Princess Diana is one of many notable Scuola del Cuoio.
The wall of famous individuals who have visited and purchased from Scuola del Cuoio.
During our tour, we were able to distinguish the types of leather that are currently offered and even some that are illegal to use. We also learned the rich history of Scuola del Cuoio and the impact it made on the orphans during one of the most challenging historical periods, World War II. Scuola del Cuoio is one of the greatest examples of how something old in Firenze was made into something new, which can be seen throughout all of Italia.
Some of the bags that are made at Scuola del Cuoio.
Custom cigar case with initials.
As we learned rich history and absorbed the smell of Italian leather, I remember thinking, “There is no place like this in the U.S.” In that moment, I was feeling fascinated, intrigued, interested, and present in the moment. I would recommend a visit to Scuola del Cuoio to anyone traveling to Firenze!
