Villa Bardini recently inaugurated a nostalgia-inducing exhibition showcasing memorable illustrations, mostly for children’s books, all published by Florence-based Adriano Salani Editore. Titled Pinocchio, Harry Potter, Topolino, Heidi and all the rest, the exhibition brings together a cast of classic childhood characters from yesterday and today, including Little Red Riding Hood, Heidi, Gulliver and Harry Potter.
The mix of book covers, interior illustrations, drafts and unidentified drawings demonstrates the scope of the Salani patrimony and its contributions to children’s literature. But Gabriele Gori, General Director of main exhibition sponsor Fondazione CR Firenze, emphasized that “it would be erroneous to look at these images and drawings and see only something for children’s amusement… the documentary value is just as important. The exhibition aims to entertain and impress, of course, but also to push the public to learn more about popular artistic representation of the past, reflecting on its evolution and impact on the collective imagination.”
Furthering this “push” are the partner institutions and businesses organizing related initiatives, beginning with the “C’era una volta” series at Cinema La Compagnia, which will bring animated classics to the big screen from February 17 to May 26. The series kicks off with Disney’s take on the Tuscan-born puppet Pinocchio, showing at 5pm on February 17.
“Real” boys and girls of all ages are also welcome at the spinoff exhibition Pinocchio va in scena!, opening on February 17 at toy and game shop Dreoni Giocattoli. Comprising 90 woodworks carried out by Romeo Aldo Ferro, who spent four years carving out Carlo Collodi’s story in its entirety, Pinocchio va in scena! will stay open until March 10 during the store’s regular hours.
Pinocchio, Harry Potter, Topolino, Heidi and all the rest is curated by Kikka Ricchio for Musicart srl and runs until June 3, 2018.
Pinocchio, Harry Potter, Topolino, Heidi and all the rest
February 13-June 3, 2018
Villa Bardini, costa San Giorgio 2, Florence
Admission: 8 euro, full price / 6 or 4 euro, reduced / Free first Sunday of each month
