Our lovely friend Agostino sent these great photos of the latest art installation at Ponte a Serraglio. He lives above the village and has a bird’s eye view.
Here is a closer perspective.
…and from the other side of the bridge.
It looks like giant meccano floating on the river. I have no idea how it was done. Had I been at Ponte a Serraglio while it was happening I would have been able to tell, it is right under our balcony.
Thank you Agostino for the great photos!
It is no secret that I am a big fan of Paolo Citti. I am delighted that he has opened a new bar and cafe in Fornoli. I am even more pleased that his gelato making is fully operational.
Now the biggest problem is which flavour to have.
I find it difficult to go past nocciola and pistachio, but I was also tempted by chocolate and coconut…life can be molto difficile sometimes.
Say hello to lovely Paolo at Catene Cafe in Fornoli for me next time you go.
Circolo dei Forestieri in La Villa is currently hosting 2 art exhibitions.
The first is a display of Mailart. Beautifully decorated envelopes have been sent to Bagni di Lucca from far and wide and are now on show.
The second is an exhibition is called Sacred and Profane…a selection of plaster statues produced by Arte Barsanti, a local factory which has been in operation since 1900. Bagni di Lucca is well known for its production of plaster presepi, nativity scenes. Here is a chance to see some beautiful pieces. Click here to see more about Arte Barsanti.
Both exhibitions are on until 25th July. Go up the stairs beside the restaurant.
Thank you Morena and Kerry for the great photos.
The hills around Bagni di Lucca are very popular with cyclists. This little group took the time to wave to me on my balcony.
No self respecting Italian cyclist would leave home without the right clothing.
There is a new photography exhibition at La Rondine gallery in Ponte a Serraglio by Ella Haller Zwierzchowska. The young photograper’s colourful representations of India delighted visitors on the opening night last week.
The gallery was full of people having a great time.
Thank you Kerrie for photographing the event so we can all join in the fun.
Bagni di Lucca has a long history of making figurines from Plaster of Paris, or gesso, as it is called here. The tradition began in the 13th century when people from Bagni di Lucca started going to France to sell their silk and they became intrigued by the use of Plaster of Paris to make mortuary masks.
They experimented with it, as the soft alabaster, one of the main ingredients to make that type of plaster, was abundant in the area. They realised it would be possible to make inexpensive religious statues by making moulds and filling them with plaster…much cheaper than the usual carved marble or stone.
The figurines became very popular, as not everybody could afford a Della Robbia, or other original for their home or church. Presepi, or nativity scenes were big sellers and salesmen from the area would travel far and wide selling their wares.
I was very lucky to be able to see one of the last producers of figurines in Bagni di Lucca, and the only one who still makes his statues by hand. Meet Simone from Arte Barsanti.
The business was started by Simone’s great-grandfather in 1900. At its peak there were 60 people employed. Now it is just Simone with some helpful advice from his uncle Carmelo.
The little factory is a treasure trove of figurines, moulds and paraphernalia from years of work.
Simone took us through the process of making a figurine. First the mould is prepared.
The plaster powder is mixed with water until it is the consistency of yoghurt.
Then is poured into the prepared mould and shaken to get out as many air bubbles as possible.
The statue is then left to cure for about 20 minutes. If the figurines are under 30cm high they are solid plaster. If they are bigger than that they are hollow to save on plaster and to make them less heavy.
Once out of the mould, the figurines are finished by hand to remove any rough patches and fill any small imperfections.
They are then fired in the wood fired oven room.
The next step is to hand paint each figurine. The flesh coloured parts are spray painted first.
The rest is painted with brushes of varying sizes.
We were taken to the top floor where there is a little museum with some of the history of the business.
There is a photo of a recent Pope receiving a Barsanti figurine.
…and some old presepi, including one in a pumpkin.
…some old accounting equipment.
Best of all was an old suitcase which the travelling salesmen would take around the country to display their wares.
There is a delightful story that when Christopher Columbus arrived in America the first person he saw was a fellow from Lucca with a suitcase full of presepi for him to choose from.
We were given a beautiful presepio to take with us…my first…thank you Simone and Carmelo for a wonderful visit.
I really hope this wonderful tradition can be kept alive in Bagni di Lucca.
info@artebarsanti.it
39 0583 87882
A summer celebration, Benvenuta Estate, was held in Fornoli yesterday. It was a gorgeous day in Piazza Aldo Moro. Lots of people came.
There were stalls selling arts and crafts.
There was food.
Children and parents got together to play wonderful old fashioned games.
Stories and music were provided by Luca Fabrizio and Pietrolino…it was great fun.
Later on there was dinner under the stars. I couldn’t stay for that, but I am sure it was every bit as good as the rest of the day…welcome summer.
I saw this gorgeous creature standing quietly and elegantly by the water at Ponte a Serraglio waiting for breakfast to pass by.
She was showing a complete lack of interest, but I’m sure if she had seen movement in the water she would have swooped quickly onto the unsuspecting fish.
After a while she moved away, perhaps she wasn’t hungry after all.
There is a heron nesting in a tree high above my house at Ponte a Serraglio. I wonder if it is this one. If so, she doesn’t have far to fly for breakfast.
There are a few things happening in Bagni di Lucca soon.
Firstly, on 12th and 13th June at the Sala Parocchiale at Via Vittorio Emanuele, 32 in Ponte a Serraglio there will be a puppet show for children. The show is being performed by the Carideo Clan and Friends and promises to be a lot of fun. Come along at 7.00pm.
Onn Saturday 15 June at the Piazza delle Ponte Catene is a tug-of-war, for men, women and children. Be there at 4.00pm.
This Sunday, 16th June is the day of the Palio della Val di Lima…Palio della Balestra…the crossbow competition. I went last year and just happen to have some photos. Click here for more on the event. I strongly urge you to attend this one. It starts at around 9.00am and runs all day in Bagni alla Villa, with the competition taking place in the grounds of the Villa Ada.
In Fornoli on June 23rd the Festival to welcome summer will take place. This one is new for me. I hope we have a fine day. Be in Piazza Aldo Moro in Fornoli at 3.00pm. At 8.15 there will be dinner under the stars at a cost of 15 euro…to book call 347 07756788.
Sunday 2nd June was Italy’s Republic Day…and Corpus Christi.
The beautiful 12th century church…Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Pietro…in Corsena, was decorated with flowers and candles for the First Communion fo several local children.
It is an excellent opportunity to see some of the beautiful religious art in the church.
The chapel at the side of the church was open…a very rare occurence.
Families gathered for the celebration.
There was a little procession from the chapel to the church.
The ceremony went well.
A special day needs a special haircut.
I’m sure everyone who took part enjoyed their day.
For more on the ancient church, click here.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 