through all the working phases, but without the necessity of being constantly tied to his workbench. The speed of producing the jewellery, guaranteed by the technological evolution ensured by the machine, allows Nathan to understand where errors lie without actually producing the piece by hand; but in any case, Maria Grazia Brunini wishes the first phase to be characterized by a more traditional procedure, and by diligent study of the history of art. Maria Grazia Brunini also adopts this approach in her role as teacher in the Professional Training Centre in Gallarate, a position that allows her to transmit planning quality associated with artistic research and personal sensitivity.
VALTORTA DECOR
The workshop of Renato Valtorta, an eminent “Made in Italy” craftsman who produces exclusively
to order, serves a privileged clientele. Founded in Lissone 126 years ago and now in the hands of the fourth generation, Valtorta Decor is at present very actively engaged in promising markets such as Russia and Saudi Arabia, where the interiors for yachts manufactured by the team of Lissone craftsmen are justifiably enjoying great success. The student selected for a sixmonth stage at Valtorta Decor is Alessandro Germano, an 18-yearold upholsterer newly arrived from the Professional Training Centre in Meda. His presence, linked with the ARTIS project, is yet another aspect of the advantages that Valtorta Decor have obtained from the regional recognition: an important acknowledgement for “qualifying and supporting Italian Manufacturing which spreads our country’s excellence throughout the world, by helping craftsmen with communication and by organizing opportunities to visit foreign
countries”, as Renato Valtorta stated. “It is true that there should be an opening for handicrafts towards other nations”, continues Valtorta, “but there are companies that have already invested and which really do make top quality, entirely handmade, products: they should receive extra attention from the institutions”. It is probable that the attention mentioned is also synonymous with the knowledge of materials and the awareness of classic products that is being completely abandoned in favour of an exclusive interest in the lowest price. When asked if he is satisfied with his experience, Alessandro confided that working in Valtorta Decor is extremely stimulating: every day the work is different and he is never bored. Further evidence that enthusiasm and passion are vital ingredients for the preparation of new craftsmen.
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