There can be no enterprise without culture, and no culture without enterprise. There can be no future without respect for one’s own history. And there is no Made in Italy without a conscious awareness of these interconnections. This is the starting point — from which it expands across multiple levels and intensities — of the journey undertaken by UNIC – Italian Tanneries and Lineapelle in 2008, in support of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii’s restoration and public reopening of the ancient tannery discovered in 1873 in Regio I of the site.
The book that reveals everything about the Pompeii Tannery
A true monument to the art of tanning, this unique site — following its reopening to the public in June 2023 — is now the subject of a coffee-table book that tells its entire story. Every detail. From the discovery itself to the structural characteristics of the site. From the archaeological analyses conducted over the past 150 years to the interventions that have made it possible for the site to become an open-air tanning museum within Pompeii. It also explores why this restoration is a unique example of public-private collaboration in the context of Pompeii.
A journey of discovery
The Tannery of Pompeii, coordinated and produced entirely in-house by UNIC and the editorial team of La Conceria, is divided into two parts. The first part consists of three chapters, unfolding like concentric circles: beginning with the story of what happened in Pompeii in 79 AD, narrowing in on the discovery of the tannery, and delving into the recent restoration and enhancement projects funded by UNIC and Lineapelle. It is a journey of discovery as much as one of writing — a project that uncovered a wealth of features that make the site a remarkable example of manufacturing modernity from an archaeological perspective. The second part presents a photographic reportage that captures the tannery as it is today, following its public reopening two years ago.
Honouring our roots
“Pompeii is not merely a testimony of the past; it is a living place that belongs to the present and to the future”, writes Gianni Russo (President of Lineapelle and, previously, a strong supporter of the restoration during his presidency of UNIC) in the book’s foreword. “This awareness — combined with our desire to preserve and pass on the value of our history — is what motivated Italian tanners to support the restoration of the ancient tannery. We joined the project with truly believing in it and with no hesitation, recognising in it a deep responsibility: to honour the oldest roots of our craft”.
Investing in the future
“We firmly believe in the value of this project”, Russo continues. “It’s not merely a promotional initiative that can inspire our industry and its clients culturally, but also an educational opportunity at multiple levels. Most importantly, it is an action with strong symbolic value: a trade association — a group of private businesses — that not only funds a restoration but follows it step by step, year after year, becoming its custodian. That is a true example for the business and cultural world”. This, Russo concludes, “is a restoration we proudly celebrate, because it reinforces our belief that investing in culture means investing in the future”.
A dual edition
“The restoration of the tannery in Regio I, in all its uniqueness”, explains Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, “is a truly exemplary case. It reflects a strong will to share artisanal knowledge related to the preparation and transformation of leather, while also changing how the space is experienced. It offers a new way of interpreting and appreciating such a vast and complex archaeological heritage as that of Pompeii”.
The book La Conceria di Pompei is available in both Italian and English. You can browse the online edition by clicking below:
– Italian version, click here
– English version, click here
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