The
Museum of Pittaro's vineyards boasts a collection of a different kind of art. Located in the quiet Friulian countryside, precisely in Codroipo, Udine, this in-house art gallery has several displays of artefacts.
Glasses & Ceramics
The glasses collection ranges from the Bohemian crystal goblets to the delicate Venetian works of art. The common characteristic of the two different productions is the connection between nature and wine elements. The whole theme is present with the decorations recalling the wine-making bond.
There is a curious nightcap glass in a wolf-like shape, as well as other drinking related tools like the so-called Cave à liqueurs, that used to be small travelling boxes for coaches held by French and British bourgeoisie.
Another section is dedicated to fine porcelain bottles and modern ceramic jugs.
Library and prints
Famously renowned is the library of the museum, which hosts more than three thousand volumes, including the Diderot encyclopaedia and academic essays by Agostino Gallo, who was the first agronomist in the XVI century to develop new enological and agrarian technologies within the farms and crops. The collection consists in precious papers of roman authors like Ovidio, Virgilio and Plinio. Therefore, as we can understand, the consultation of the books is strictly private and allowed to the single individual prior authorization.
Nevertheless along the walls and rooms, anyone can glance at interesting prints illustrating rural settings. However, a group of these paper archives represents the ancient laws, announcements and edicts that once controlled the wine and crops production.
The gondola
In the top room, there is a gondola with amazing Murano glasses kept inside. That reminds me to the Libreria Acqua Alta in Venice, even though the gondola here is surrounded by bottles instead of books. Opposite to this setting, there is a duplicate of the former set designer Nicola Benois, who had curated the scenes at Teatro alla Scala of Milan for many years. He was a close friend of the Pittaro Vineyards's owner, since his wife, a mezzo-soprano of La Scala too, was born in this town of Codroipo.
Walking sticks
The most interesting and intriguing collection is that one consisting of one hundred and twenty walking sticks, which belonged to the young French and British bourgeoisie.
The walking stick was considered a status symbol and was designed both for men and women. Moreover, there is a collection called sticks a sistema, which had a real 'system' right inside to fulfil any circumstance. For example wood canes with parasols and wine-drinking mini tables with tiny bottles.
Workshops recreations
The last room I visited offers a broad overview on the old artisans and professionals workshops. I am talking about the era of our grandparents and beyond. Some of the areas are rebuilt such as the print house, with a stone for lithography, an old office with the legendary typewriter, the cooper's lab, the typical Friulian tavern, the cellar, the distillery and the glassmaker.
In the middle of the space, three coaches have being exhibited, among which the British one stands out for its colours, brightness and battles episodes. I believe this blast from the past helps to safeguard the cultural heritage and historic memory.
