An Inside Look at Leather School, Scuola Del Cuoio

Scuola del Cuoio—Leather School of Monastery of Santa Croce in Florence, Italy

People from all over the world travel to see the leather workshop, Scuola del Cuoio, live and in action and Handsome Properties International was lucky enough to visit the workshop on a recent trip to Florence! The school and boutique are combined in the original dormitory of the Monastery. When you walk in you feel as if you are stepping back in time, to a place where people cherished their craft and workmanship. Back to a time when it was honorable to dedicate one’s life to their profession—no matter how glamorous (or unglamorous) it was. The passion, education, and sheer dedication that goes into making these leather goods is truly incredibly and almost a humbling experience.

The scuola is tucked away in the heart of the historic district of Florence located inside the Monastery of Santa Croce. The school was founded shortly after WWII as a place for children orphaned by the war could learn a trade and earn a living. The school collaborated with the Friars and leather artisans and they turned the dormitory into the school and workshop area. Catherine Medici donated the dormitory portion of the church during the Renaissance period and commissioned the frescos and Medici family coat of arms that still decorate the walls today.

The school’s close proximity to the Arno River has long been a historic hub for leather tanning and leather good production since the 13^th century. The first students of the Scuola were school boys from the town of Pisa. It was here they learned how to cute and sew leather with such precision and care that is stillseen in the craftsmanship today.

By 1950, the school was contracted to make leather goods on a more international scale and worked with the U.S. Air Force, Army and the American Embassies in Europe. In fact, President Eisenhower is said to have used a leather desk set in the oval office made by Scuola del Cuoio! Towards the end of the 1950’s the school started a program working with local inmates of the prison in Florence and teaching the prisoners a skill to use when they were released.

Today, Scuola del Cuoio is still run by the family of one of the founding fathers, Marcello Gori. The school attracts influential people from all around the world to visit. Past visitors include: Audrey Hepburn, Carey Grant, Katherine Hepburn, Paul Newman, Grace Kelly, Princess Diana, and former Presidents Reagan and Bush.

As you browse the various leather goods, the craftsman work on the their upcoming pieces right in the middle of the hallway at their stations. Various items such as wallets, belts, purse straps, come with the option of having them hot stamped by the artisans right in front of you. Below is a photo of an artisan hot stamping a belt. He explained to Handsome Properties International that he’s been working at the school for 7 years and has 13 more years until he becomes a master craftsman! If you have the chance to visit Florence, this is one spot you cannot miss!

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