Immediately after the Great War, considering such a widespread and accredited mosaic tradition, there was a need to establish a school in Sequals that would gather and pass on methods and experiences acquired over many centuries of diaspora.

On September 18, 1920, at the notary Daniele Fabrici, the Società Anonima Cooperativa Mosaicisti del Friuli was founded by astute men of ingenuity, which shortly after gave rise to the Cooperativa Anonima Laboratorio e Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli.

The annexed school, opened in a large room on the first floor of the house called “di Gheta,” despite the enthusiasm of the promoters and the promising start, immediately faced financial difficulties.

It was at this point that the will of the Società Umanitaria of Milan, established in 1892 by the testamentary disposition of the wealthy Jewish philanthropist Prospero Moisè Loria, forcefully intervened, pressing to create an active and efficient mosaic art school to offer many willing young people a qualified preparation.

The municipal administration of Spilimbergo did not miss the opportunity. Mayor Ezio Cantaruzzi committed 10,000 lire to make the school operational, providing the premises and initial support, but above all the enthusiasm always needed when a new institution is to be launched. On January 3, 1922, the agreement with the Umanitaria was signed, and on the 22nd of the same month, the first director, Antonio Sussi, from Venice, held the inaugural lesson for the first 38 students of the Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli in the east wing of the former Bevilacqua barracks, in viale Barbacane.

The students came from the entire foothill area, especially from places where terrazzo and mosaic had been practiced for centuries. The institute was named after Irene di Spilimbergo, the countess-painter student of Titian.

In 1932, the school moved to the new building, specifically constructed in via Corridoni, where it is still located today.

Text ViviSpilimbergo - Photo Denis Scarpante

For the history of the school, click here