“In the vibrant heart of Florence, under the protective shadow of the Basilica of Santa Croce, a dream woven in leather and gold was born in 1960: the Atelier Michelangelo Leather Works.”
The passion for excellence in every gesture
Here, where the streets still whisper tales of the Renaissance, we approached art with almost sacred respect, viewing the nearby birthplace of Michelangelo Buonarroti not just as a muse, but as a guardian of our heritage.
From its inception in 1960, alongside the historic Basilica of Santa Croce, this corner of the world embraced a mission: to infuse every creation with the essence of Made in Italy, focusing on details and a work ethic that raises each artifact to a testament of superior quality.
From the very early days, the Atelier Michelangelo Leather Works stood out for its exceptional quality and artisanal craftsmanship. The first orders began to come to life: sets of handcrafted leather luggage, sturdy duffel bags for timeless travel, and various leather items, each with a story to tell.
The art of leatherworking for desks and writing tables soon became a widespread and distinctive practice, each piece finely adorned with the technique of gold leaf gilding, making each creation not just a utilitarian object but a true work of art. The skill with which gold was applied to leather was the result of years of study and passion, a secret jealously guarded by the master craftsmen who perpetuated the ancient Franciscan tradition of classifying and cataloging the sacred texts’ parchments of the Basilica of Santa Croce.
Timeless
Craftsmanship
Today, just as in the past, the artisans at Michelangelo preserve and honor those ancient techniques, weaving the past with the present in the production of bags, belts, and small leather goods, extending to artistic jewelry, binding of ancient books, and the production of traditional Florentine paper.
Every piece that leaves the atelier is a tribute to tradition, a bridge between generations, encapsulating the essence of time and the passion for timeless art. The Atelier Michelangelo is not merely a workshop but a keeper of stories, a place where time stands still to admire the beauty of artisanal creation.
Because of this profound connection to tradition and the desire to share the timeless art that animates Atelier Michelangelo, we now open our doors to those who wish to immerse themselves in the world of craftsmanship through leather workshops and guided tours.
These unique experiences take place within the rooms, corridors, and gardens of Palazzo Pepi, the historic residence that houses our atelier. It is an opportunity to get close to the very essence of artistic creation, discovering firsthand how each piece is born from a gesture of dedication and passion, and to explore the splendor of a place where time truly seems to stand still in the face of artisanal beauty.
