museo-laboratorio di tessitura a mano giuditta brozzetti

Cant say enough good things about this wonderfull lady and her passion for what she does. Marta is open, passionate, and educated about the dissapearing art of hand operated looms. Her love for the work shows through as she explains the process and shows you around the museum/factory. Her work is fabulous and well worth the moderate prices she charges. We will undoubtably be making a custom order with her in thr future.

If you've had one church or art museum too many, go and hear the amazing story of the women of the Brozzetti family over the past hundred years. Lots of things about this workshop are truly -well, amazing doesn't really cover it - but for me the most fascinating thing was the owner's recreation of textiles depicted in the Renaissance paintings that we've all seen so many times. I agree 100% with the previous reviews, so I won't repeat them; I'll just say GO NOW.

Today I had the extreme privilege of opening a door to find a joy! Marta Cucchia continues first hand the traditional hand craft of loom weaving using some of the oldest French looms in a former church where St Francis of Assisi lived and prayed. The church was built in the13th century inside the medieval walls of Perugia but the story of saving the age old craft of loom weaving by women of the area is one of entrepreneurism and innovation of the highest order. The story dates back to the First World War when Marta's great grandmother, Guiditta Brozzetti, began to source family loom weaving by local women around the countryside and then on sell it. In the 1930's the more formal workshop with about 20 people working in it was established but not in the current location. Jacquard looms were also purchased at this time, in the words of Marta - the first computers as the Jacquard process involved the binary system and the reading of punched patterns cards on large sheets which are used to create the pattern that the weaver works. This process is incredibly physical and requires strength on the part of the weaver as the pulley system weighs some 20- 30kgms each time threads are passed through and the constant use of a foot pedal ensures a vigorous workout for one of the weaver's legs.America was initially the most important client for such artisan craftwork production but wars, changes in fashion and tastes plus the more recent economic environment have made production of such high quality craftwork difficult.Today Marta continues the "love story" with two other weavers. They faithfully reproduce decorative fabric - linens, damasks, cottons which recreate Perugian symbols and iconography such as the lion of Perugia that one finds in old vestments, upholstery and of course fashion garments found in the artwork and frescoes one sees all around Umbria. I was mesmerised by what was being created in front of my very eyes. If you are a lover of textiles, hand work, and craft work of the highest standard then you must visit the workshop. Pieces are available for purchase but are not cheap - this is hand crafted labour of love; a piece no bigger than a small table runner can take over 60 hours to produce depending on the design plus set up time. Just setting up the loom for weaving a pattern can take up to 10 days. Marta also undertakes commissions. Yes I left with several beautiful pieces- each beautifully wrapped. What will I do with my treasured piece - it will drape across my sofa and I will gaze upon it each morning I get up and again each evening when I arrive home. It will bring joy and a smile to my face every morning and of an evening a sense of peace and comfort as I think of the person who made it - passionate about her craft and the beauty it provides. I will also remember the Church- still providing sustenance in a new way to its owner and followers/clients. Marta was a little sad that I was taking one of her "babies" with me but I can assure her it has a new home and will be well loved.

Believe all you have read in previous reviews of this wonderful place. Marta's love for the art of weaving using generations of knowledge from the time of her grandfather comes brimming out in her description of the traditional and original work being completed from this fantastic place.The building, a deconsecrated church just adds to the atmosphere. A 300 year old lemon and other citrus in huge pots line up at one end in the sunlight from the giant windows. The looms line each side of the remaining building and if you are lucky you will see some people weaving beautiful pieces.Make sure you go right into the little car park as the entrance is via a little path at the far end. I definitely don't want you to miss this place. I will be recommending this as a highlight of Perugia.

This one-of-a-kind museum/atelier, full of huge old looms, with beautiful weavings in progress, is an essential visit for anyone interested in the art and ancient artisanal culture of Umbria (and Italy). What's more, it is located in an enormous deconsecrated church, so the whole experience is an architectural and aesthetic wonder. There is much to learn from Marta Cucchia, the warm and knowledgeable great-granddaughter of Giuditta Brozzetti, who today runs the entire operation and oversees the extraordinary fabrics that are created there. Children will also love this visit.

See how they worked in the past and enjoy the fantastic designs, a historical gem fitting very well in beautiful PERUGIA

My partner and I were told about this place by the people we were staying with so one morning whilst walking went and found it and are so happy we did. The Lady who runs it is lovely and although she says her english is not good it is. The place is like a time warp and feels kinda magical with all the old looms inside and the intricacy of how it was done (and still is by the dedicated people there). The museum pieces are all individually great and shop items I thought very reasonable for the amount of thought and time that goes into them. Well worth a visit and make sure you are not in a hurry.

I was so glad to be able to visit this museum and workshop in the unusual setting of a deconsecrated church, and be shown round by Marta, who enthusiastically demonstrated her different hand looms, and related the history of the church, and that of her family and the workshop. What a special moment this was!

A little tricky to find, but I urge you to be persistent and you will be rewarded by the most fantastic experience given by this artisan interior designer, weaver and tour guide speaking excellent English and with a wonderful sense of humour.The cloth they weave and demonstrate weaving on several different looms is phenomenal - we have to support these artisans in maintaining their craft so we bought the most incredible sample of fabric in the most wonderful colours which we intend to frame it when we get home - only €70 and worth every penny!

It was not easy to find Marta and her church, but it was well worth the effort. Martha herself was a wonderful guide. Even if she was busy she took her time showing us around in her workshop-museum and telling us all about her amazing work and the history of the place. With great enthusiasm she showed us different looms and even demonstrated some of them. We had e great time and we will certainly visit again when we return to Perugia

This is not just another cool tourist attraction, it is a truly wonderful experience!It is hard to describe appropriately in just a few words what awaits you at San Francesco delle Donne, a laboratory In an incredible location where skilled artisans still weave extraordinary fabrics on ancient looms, ( it sometimes takes days to produce a few inches of fabric) you will also meet beautiful people that love what they do and are eager to share their passion for this ancient art.It is impossible not to want to take home some example of their production and I advise you to do so; it not only is pure beauty that will remind you of one of the most amazing things you will have seen in Umbria but it will also go for a good cause as they need to repair the roof of the church.I could not recommend enough to take the time to pay a visit to tis jewel!

I visited this museum along with a group of knitters on a retreat so we arrived by mini bus it would have been hard to reach otherwise but the setting in a de consecrated church is wonderful. Upon entering there is a colourful array of wonderfully intricate fabrics. Marta the latest generation of her family to weave at the mill was passionate enthusiastic and informative as she showed us different looms then demonstrated two of them. Actually seeing her at work let us see just how physical it is. She also showed us how the threads are prepared. It was lovely to see how each generation put their own stamp on the output of the mill, including Marta's lovely reworking of a traditional design.Afterwards there was a chance to buy a little piece of work in the form of a bag or table runner etc the work is exquisite and very fairly priced for the detail in it but keep in mind that is is hand crafted and finished and the price does reflect this. We were encouraged to handle the fabric both cotton and silk which doesn't often happen in a museum.This was a really lovely way to spend a chunk of our afternoon

It was all perfect, if you are at all interested in preserving ancient culture. Historical tour with the lovely owner. You come away with a great deal of information. A must if in Perugia.

Our visit was truly a great experience. Marta is so talented and she was very kind to explain the history of the looms and her family's involvement in the sector. The fabrics are absolutely beautiful. I recommend this as an attraction for anyone visiting Perugia. It is unique! Love her little dog!!

Visited with daughter and friend who are both conservation students, one specialising in textiles. Difficult to find but well worth the effort. Beautiful old church, perfect setting for the looms. Marta was brilliant and stopped what she was doing to explain the history of her family and the weaving industry. She then explained the history of the looms and showed us different cloths and then demonstrated the treadle loom. The whole experience was wonderful and truly inspiring. We came away hoping the whole business goes from strength to strength - it really deserves to. Can thoroughly recommend a visit.