Metal melting in an artistic foundry – Tour

Metal melting in an artistic foundry: visit the only one left!

While Venice is famed for its watery foundations, it is also a city steeped in artisan traditions. Once abundant, artistic foundries played a significant role in Venice’s history; the very word “ghetto” originated here, referring to the area where molten metal was cast. This metalworking was crucial, even for crafting the iconic gondola, with numerous workshops contributing to a single boat.

Metal melting: a dance of Fire and Form

Today, only one artistic foundry remains, a testament to a century of tradition. This resilient workshop survived two world wars and its creations graced prestigious Venetian palaces. Even renowned figures like Jean Arp and Queen Elizabeth acquired pieces here. In the mid-20th century, its fame extended to America, culminating in a chandelier for the Kennedy White House. Operating since 1913, the foundry’s legacy is visible throughout Venice – most of the city’s elegant lamppost arms were cast in their workshops, and they even repaired damage after the Pink Floyd concert in 1989. Visiting this last artistic foundry offers a unique glimpse into a vital piece of Venice’s craft heritage.

The visit to the artistic Foundry

Welcoming you will find Carlo, an employee of the foundry for 36 years and now its owner. He will take you on a tour of his historic foundry, showing you all the processes from start to finish; how the creation of an object begins, how the mold is made, the traditional stirrup or lost-wax methods, as well as the special dowel molding. You will then witness the casting and finishing until you reach the finished object.

Metal melting artistic foundry: an event not to miss….

The melting of iron is a crucial phase for the work of a blacksmith, something similar to a ritual which takes place once a week in our foundry and that we would like to invite you to see.

If you want to witness this magical event, be sure to attend the visit on Friday afternoon at 2 p.m.!

This is the moment when the furnace of the forge is lit and the metal to be poured into the appropriate molds is melted, according to the work commissioned; it is a very important and the most fascinating phase of this craft. By witnessing this practice, you will learn a lot about the history of blacksmiths in Venice and the thousands of anecdotes surrounding it. Techniques and traditions are passed down from generation to generation.

You will hear many memories and get in touch with an ancient knowledge that you can only find here in Venice, in its artisan workshops.