It’s an important day for Italy’s tanning segment, but more in general for the history of Italian leather and its deep artisanal roots. It’s the time when, after years of renovation, the ancient tannery of Pompei opens its doors to the public. UNIC – Italian Tanneries and Lineapelle (the ones responsible for this safeguarding project), cut the ribbon to show the largest artisanal tanning laboratory found in the town hit by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Putting together social interests
“We believe that companies – says the president of Lineapelle Gianni Russo (Russo di Casandrino) -, could strive to put together social interests, thus stimulating reference territories”. Fabrizio Nuti (Gruppo Nuti Ivo), president of UNIC, also agrees. “The industry is the expression of the cultural baggage of Italy. Tanning surely is just that, for Italy, with its leadership role recognized at a global level. Pompei’s restoration expresses a summary of virtuous dialogue between business and culture, with potential positive benefits on the entire public”. A dialogue that, as pointed out by Fulvia Bacchi, general manager of UNIC, “has profound value from a multitude of viewpoints and one that has proven fruitful when it comes to the Parco Archeologico di Pompei. It’s an homage to history, which through the concept of giving value to the roots of our activity, allows us to create a bridge between ancient traditions and the future. We believe a lot in this restoration operation”.
UNIC opens Pompei’s tannery to the public
The end of the restoration activity for the tanning complex found in the 1800s (found inside the Regio 1 of the excavation of the town) brings additional news. Simply put, the tannery becomes “a part of the visit planned by the Parco Archeologico di Pompei – reads a note -. The plan includes visits to different artisanal shops, as it will allow people to visit different types of workshops (from June 30th to August 1st). beside from the tannery: the Fullonica (old laundry shop) and Popidio Prisco Panificio (bakery). And again Bottega del Garum, where the old condiment made with fish oil was made”.
The restoration is finished
The visit to the old tannery in Pompei “is supported by a show-and-learn approach that illustrates how the tanning process took place at the time”. Moreover, it shows “original tanning tools, useful to create the products of the period”. An “already proven choice for Pompei, which includes the presence of a tactile 3D model for blind individuals”.
A virtuous example of collaboration between private and public entities
“We give back another important site. We are sure it will be appreciated by the many visitors coming in to see Pompei in the coming months – says the director of the Park, Gabriel Zuchtriegel -. The proposal of offering an itinerary focused on artisanal shops, is focused on showing people the manufacturing and commercial sides of the town. Not just the regal side of Pompei, with the Domus filled by frescos. The sponsorship of UNIC and Lineapelle represents a virtuous example of collaboration between private and public entities. Thanks to these collaborations, new important synergies are created, and as a consequence, new cultural processes are created”.
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