Galleria Giorgi

Active since: 1853
Areas of interest: Modern and contemporary art; antiques

The first historical document regarding the gallery is a rent receipt, made out to Tommaso Giorgi and dated 1853, for premises located in Via della Vigna Nuova to be used for the production and trade of artistic furniture. When Tommaso’s son Giovacchino took his place in the last quarter of the 19th century, the business saw significant development, with an increase in the manufacture of artistic pieces and the sale of modern furnishings, including Thonèt chairs, for which he obtained exclusive sales rights. In around 1925, management of the company passed to Silvio, Giovacchino’s eldest son. Silvio attended the Istituto d’Arte di Porta Romana, developing a marked artistic sensibility that led him to take an interest in art in general and antiques in particular. The shop in Via della Vigna Nuova slowly became an important point of reference for enthusiasts and collectors. The flood of the Arno of 4 November 1966 devastated the city, causing great damage. The event took its toll on the business, as the shop, warehouse and restoration laboratory were flooded. Silvio’s son Giorgio was faced with the challenge of picking up the pieces: he began with the quarterly publication of a thematic bulletin entitled Galleria Giorgi, which was followed by the opening of the auction house in Palazzo Gaddi.

Later he opened the contemporary art gallery and, finally, planned the new innovative launch of the antiques shop in Via della Vigna Nuova. He did not, however, survive to see the realisation of the last-named project, as he suddenly passed away on 10 July 1976. The business then fell into the hands of his widow and his son Franco. The company was then slowly transformed, becoming more and more a professional studio specialising in assessments and estimates of works of art and antiques. During the last few years, the gallery has collaborated with various courts of justice in Italy (especially with that of Florence) and with public and private agencies. This experience has produced a notable refinement of the gallery’s professional skills and discretion, such that Galleria Giorgi has earned a reputation of being able to offer high-quality services to the public. Today the gallery is located on a street in the heart of the artisan district in the Oltrarno. Together with his father Franco, Tommaso is gaining the experience to take the business into the world of antiques of the 21st century with the same level of seriousness and professionality which has always characterised the Giorgi company.