Paolo Colombo and the "Arti e Mestieri" Research Centre

A unique guide to the artistic crafts in Europe, with a historical and environmental introduction and a detailed overview of regional peculiarities.

In order to investigate the best of artistic crafts in the member states of the European Union and of the Swiss Confederation, the “Arti e Mestieri” Research Centre has conducted a thorough analysis of the traditions, cultures and territories of Europe.

The research presents a historical and environmental introduction and a detailed overview of the artistic crafts typical of each region. From an economic viewpoint, it extrapolates the lines along which artistic craftsmanship has developed and at the same time it enumerates the main institutions that “artisan-artists” must interact with. The survey includes more contemporary artistic crafts that have emerged hand in hand with the development of modern technologies.

The book also explores national educational policies, which provide a clear indication of the attention reserved to the generational turnover in a sector that depends entirely on the handing down of skills and techniques.