Noble and Precious Knives from the collections of the National Museum of Bargello - Florence
In 2024, Scarperia and the Museum of Cutting Tools celebrate significant milestones. This year marks the fiftieth edition of the Cutting Tools Exhibition, a period defined by important collaborations with Italian and foreign museums, local stakeholders, and academic institutions. Additionally, on July 10th, the Museum commemorates its twenty-fifth year since opening in 1999 within Palazzo dei Vicari. The museum has been managed since its inception by the Scarperia Pro Loco association, supported by the Scarperia e San Piero municipality, enabling the realization of ambitious projects that enrich both the museum and its visitors. Pro Loco Scarperia has long collaborated with the Research and Documentation Center on Cutting Tools Craftsmanship, which promotes numerous museum initiatives and valuable publications.
The 50th Cutting Tools Exhibition is titled "Noble and Precious Knives," marking a renewed collaboration with one of Florence's most prestigious museums, the National Museum of Bargello. Thanks to the efforts of the Museum of Cutting Tools' director, the Scarperia e San Piero administration, and the Bargello Museum, Scarperia welcomes back artworks from the Florentine museum since the 1998 exhibition. This year's initiative was also made possible by the contribution of the CR Firenze Foundation under the Artistic and Cultural Activities grant.
"Noble and Precious Knives" represents a significant exhibition event aimed at showcasing Scarperia's production of cutting tools, particularly fixed-blade knives and table cutlery. While Scarperia historically focused on folding knives and work tools (such as billhooks), since the 16th century, there has also been a production of table knives for a wealthier clientele distinct from the local peasant community, as documented in Giordano Giordani cutlery workshop records from the 1500s. Thus, presenting a collection of table cutlery used in noble and princely dining rooms across various countries and nationalities (France, Germany, England, etc.) becomes particularly intriguing. This exhibition allows for an evaluation of the uniqueness of these productions and objects, as well as the widespread use of different knife types during banquet phases, corresponding to specialized professional figures like the Carver and the Master of the Household.
Additionally, for the 50th edition of the Cutting Tools Exhibition, the Research and Documentation Center on Cutting Tools Craftsmanship has curated an anthology video showcasing past editions of the annual exhibition and its fruitful collaborations.
The inauguration will take place on Saturday, July 6th, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Palazzo dei Vicari in Scarperia.
Info: 055 8468165 / informazioni@prolocoscarperia.it / www.prolocoscarperia.it / www.museoferritaglientiscarperia.it
