Laura de Cesare presents her course on the historical techniques Diamantina and Filaticcio Lucchese from her studio in Pisa. This textile weaving workshop is limited to a small group of 4 participants and includes museum visits with Laura in Pisa and Lucca.

Laura’s course offers a practical and cultural textile journey following the origin, history and process of making historical and traditional Tuscan fabrics. 

Originally from Milan, weaver and textile designer Laura de Cesare has been based in Pisa for over 30 years. Her diverse practice ranges from Italian historical textiles to innovative and experimental textile art and design, often collaborating with fashion and interior designers in Italy and abroad on bespoke textiles and custom projects. A weaver since 1987, Laura has been teaching for several years. In 2007 Laura opened her Pisa studio, working on liturgical vestments and textile design, prototypes and small collections for haute couture. She was recognised as a Maestro Artigiano master craftsman in Tuscany in 2020.

Workshop

Laura’s 4.5 day workshop will explore the historical techniques Diamantina and Filaticcio Lucchese.

DIAMANTINA is a small diamond shape used in home textiles and clothing fabrics, such as the Renaissance dress exhibited at the Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Reale in Pisa.

FILATICCIO LUCCHESE is a ‘recycled’ fabric made from silk processing waste, originating in Lucca in the 14th and 15th centuries. Filaticcio Lucchese is now considered one of the finest artisanal textiles of Lucca and Tuscany, and examples can be seen in the historical textile collections of the Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi in Lucca.

Laura’s workshop will include an introduction to the history and making of each weave, excursions to Palazzo Reale in Pisa and Palazzo Mansi in Lucca, followed by weaving of samples on table looms. Two days will be devoted to each technique, with the final morning session being available for completing weaving and finishing.

The Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Reale in Pisa includes rare and exceptional 16th century dresses, including a dress attributed to the duchess of Florence Eleonora di Toledo, and tapestries woven by the Medicean Florentine manufacture between the 16th and 18th centuries. Also nearby is the workshop of historical textile restorers and conservators Restauri Tessili di Moira Brunori who restored many of the Palazzo Reale textiles.

The Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi in Lucca displays looms, tools and fabrics from Maria Niemack’s former rustic weaving workshop Tessiture Rustici di Lucchesia, plus fabrics tracing Lucca’s textile production between the 15th and 20th centuries. The Baroque style rooms of the palazzo remain an example of a 17th - 18th century Luccan merchant’s residence and include an exceptional collection of textiles.

This workshop is limited to a maximum of 4 participants and is suitable for weavers of all levels including beginners. Laura’s assistant Giulia will also be available to assist during the workshop. Workshop hours are approximately 9am - 5pm. Daily lunches and refreshments are included.

Accommodation

We’ll be staying at Anna’s Tom & Jerry B&B in Pisa, a 5 minute walk from Laura de Cesare’s atelier. Anna’s B&B is located in an area frequented by locals and offers a very authentic, local and relaxed experience away from Pisa’s touristic centre.

The B&B consists of 4 individual guest bedrooms each with a private bathroom and access to a shared guest kitchen and dining area. Please note that this is simple, apartment style accommodation, not a hotel. Our host Anna is very hospitable and attentive.

Anna’s B&B is conveniently located within the vicinity of Pisa train station and international airport. Palazzo Reale over the river Arno is a 30 minute walk away, whilst Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli monuments and museums are a further 10 minute walk. Local buses are also available.

Itinerary

Day 1

Checkin at Anna’s Tom & Jerry B&B Pisa and join us for an aperitivo followed by a casual dinner.

Days 2-5

Textile Weaving Workshop with Laura de Cesare at her Pisa studio, including excursions to Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Reale and historical textile restorers Laboratorio Restauro Tessili di Moira Brunori in Pisa, and Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi in Lucca. Laura’s studio is within walking distance of our accommodation. We will be walking to all excursions, except for the trains we’ll be taking between Pisa and Lucca.

Day 6

Final morning of Laura’s textile weaving workshop at her studio followed by a free afternoon in Pisa with the assistance of our Italian trip leader.

Day 7

Day 7 is a free day, explore the beautiful city of Lucca with our Italian trip leader or make your own plans. We get together for dinner on our final night in Pisa.

Day 8

Checkout of Anna’s Tom & Jerry B&B and final farewells.

Inclusions

• Workshop – 4.5 day textile weaving workshop with Laura de Cesare and her assistant Giulia including all materials

• Museum and Atelier Visits - Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Reale Pisa, Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi Lucca, Laboratorio Restauri Tessili di Moira Brunori Pisa

• Accommodation – 7 nights at Anna’s Tom & Jerry B&B Pisa

• Meals – 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 aperitivi & 2 dinners

• Transportation – train travel between Pisa and Lucca

• Guide – Access to local Italian guide for assistance during the trip

Cost

US$3250 Individual Room

Booking

Please ensure you read our Terms and Conditions and Covid-19 Policy. A US$250 non-refundable deposit payment is required to confirm your booking. Final payment for this workshop is due 60 days prior to the workshop start date.