Gabriele & Tommaso Maselli

Florence in a frame

• Gabriele has been nominated a master artisan
• Tommaso is studying at the prestigious Opificio delle Pietre Dure school
• Their collections include more that 600 unique pieces

The Maselli family shop was first opened in 1955 in the heart of Florence by Paolo Maselli. The production mainly involved antique prints and handmade frames. Paolo passed down the love for this work to Gabriele, his son, who has been running the family business since 1979. He’s been honoured with the title of master artisan thanks to his impeccable skills in gold-plating, frame restoration and wood carving. Gabriele is now proud to be teaching his craft to his son Tommaso, 20. The young artisan is as passionate about the craft as his father and his talent in wood carving is already exceptional. Today, 60 years since its foundation, Bottega d’Arte Maselli still provides high-quality handmade creations, sold all over the world.

Interview

Pietro Lucerni ©Michelangelo Foundation

Pietro Lucerni ©Michelangelo Foundation

How do you make your frames?

Gabriele: we start with the hand carving of high-quality wood, then the frame is covered in plaster and ready for the gouache gilding technique. We use agate rocks to spread a thin coating of gold on the frame. Finally, we apply the patina to age the wood. The whole process can take up to a few weeks.

Are they all unique pieces?

Gabriele: yes, they are, and they are customizable. Our clients can also choose among our collections, we have over 600 models available. Our workshop also provides a restoration and conservation service for frames and wooden objects of any age and type.

When did you start?

Tommaso: I was three years old when my grandfather used to take me to the workshop, I had my own little desk where I would do my drawings that my grandpa would cut and frame for me. I started with my first carving works when I was nine.

Has your work already been noticed?

Tommaso: I was lucky enough to design a frame collection for a Dolce & Gabbana catwalk and one of my models appeared in a famous Italian television series. My father is very proud, even if he doesn’t show it.

Gabriele & Tommaso Maselli are master artisans: they began their career in 1982 and they started teaching in 2008

Works

Pietro Lucerni ©Michelangelo Foundation

Pietro Lucerni ©Michelangelo Foundation

Pietro Lucerni ©Michelangelo Foundation

Pietro Lucerni ©Michelangelo Foundation

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