Lorenzo Sarubbi's Florentine Press House
In a tiny little workshop on a narrow road that connects the Palazzo Pitti with Santa Spirito, Lorenzo Sarubbi makes prints from antique engravings.
Here, you can find prints of historical maps, cityscapes, flora, fauna and much more. Most of the designs date back to the 1600 and 1700s and were collected by Lorenzo’s father Vicenzo over the course of his life time.
After Lorenzo’s father passed away, his wife Viviana took over the business and taught Lorenzo and his brother Leonardo how to make prints. “I taught them everything they know,” she tells me proudly.
To make a print, Lorenzo first selects an engraving and then using a roller, manually applies the ink. He then removes any excess ink using a wet towel.
A sheet of paper is placed on top of the inked engraving, a stiffer board on top of this and then they are run through a rolling press.
The stiff board is removed and, like magic, the print is revealed.
Lorenzo also prints images onto the pages of antique books, creating something entirely new.
He then adds watercolours to bring the prints to life. Lorenzo’s daughter also lends a hand. If she takes over the business, she’ll be the fourth generation to run La Casa Della Stampa.
