Mani d'Oro: A Monthly Series Dedicated to the Guardians of Venetian Craftsmanship

“Mani d’Oro – Storie di bellezza artigiana” has come to a close at Londra Palace Venezia. Organised by The Place of Wonders Foundation, the series has, since last September, brought to life a programme of events dedicated to the discovery of traditional crafts, welcoming both the city of Venice and its local community.

Seven monthly events guided audiences through a journey of diverse stories and experiences. Through conversations led by Andrea Bettini, storyteller and business narrator, each event introduced the public to some of Venice’s most remarkable artisans, going beyond the techniques of each craft to reveal the people, values and life stories behind them.From the art of Venetian glass beads by Alessia Fuga to the tradition of the Venetian oar shared by Saverio Pastor, from the marbled paper of Arzanart to the handcrafted hats of Giuliana Longo, from the Venetian lace of Atelier Martina Vidal to the wood design of Lunardelli Venezia, and finally to the ancient craft of the impiraressa preserved by Marisa Convento, each event offered an opportunity to reflect on the importance of passing on knowledge, the value of education and training, and the role artisans continue to play in safeguarding Venice’s cultural identity.

Over the course of the series, Mani d’Oro gradually became a space for listening and dialogue, where personal stories, workshop experiences and reflections on the future attracted an increasingly engaged and growing audience. This enthusiastic response highlights the importance of creating opportunities for conversation around craftsmanship, not only to celebrate its historical depth and cultural significance, but also to encourage meaningful reflection on its continuity.

For the Foundation, the series proved to be a tangible way of bringing the public closer to the themes of safeguarding and passing on traditional crafts, fostering new connections between master artisans, enthusiasts and younger generations, while encouraging more conscious, local and sustainable purchasing choices. The future of these workshops also depends on the everyday choices each of us makes by supporting those who continue to preserve and pass on an extraordinary heritage of knowledge and craftsmanship.

All episodes are available on the Foundation’s YouTube channel.