Silvia Mazzucotelli Salice and Isabella Medicina

Artistic crafts represent a complex system that is deeply rooted in Italy’s history. In this field, progress determines frequent redefinitions of the production specifications.

“Maestri del fare” was born of the partnership between the Cologni Foundation and the Scuola Cova. The research was carried out by Isabella Medicina and Silvia Mazzucotelli Salice of the “Arti e mestieri” Research Centre of the Università Cattolica of Milan directed by Paolo Colombo. The purpose of the study is to understand the relationship between the leading figures of the artistic crafts and the manufacturing industry in the area of Milan. This choice is not only determined by the significant position of the Lombard capital as the epicentre of a creative and industrial system of national relevance. It is also the result of a precise request from the Scuola Cova, a historical educational institution for professional training, that wanted to understand if and how training provided at school actually matches the world of work, in order to adjust the courses offered with a new vision projected into the future.

This project was made possible thanks to a contribution from the Region of Lombardy, which shared the research’s content and aims.

The Scuola Cova was founded in 1931. It was built around Irene Cova’s workshop in Milan. For over 80 years, it has trained young people in the arts and crafts, with the aim of helping them find a place in the working world and society. The Scuola Cova holds training courses in the fields of applied arts (ceramics, glass, goldsmithing, serigraphy) and interior design. The City of Milan has bestowed upon the Scuola Cova the title of “historical training institute”.