A book to tell the story of an extraordinary cultural endeavour. “La Conceria di Pompei – Regio I, Insula 5” is the publishing project presented by UNIC – Italian Tanneries and Lineapelle, bringing together historical memory, industrial heritage, and the promotion of cultural assets. It is not only a high-quality publication, but also a tangible symbol of how dialogue between past and present can generate knowledge and beauty. The volume documents the long and complex restoration of one of the most fascinating production sites in history: the ancient tannery of Pompeii. After its international preview at Expo Osaka, the book will be presented in Rome today, Thursday 10 July, in the Sala Matteotti of the Chamber of Deputies.
The restoration of the tannery of Pompeii
This project is rooted in a deep connection between past and present — between Italy’s contemporary tanning industry and the ancient tannery of Pompeii, discovered in 1873 and located in Regio I, Insula 5 of the archaeological site. The restoration, the result of a 2008 agreement between UNIC, Lineapelle and the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, took fifteen years of study, conservation and dedicated care. Inaugurated in June 2023, the restored tannery is now part of a widespread museum network, open to the public and situated in a living context that continues to tell its stories. Far from being a simple sponsorship, this was a direct and long-term commitment — embraced as a moral duty to honour the origins of the tanning craft.
A book, a symbol
“La Conceria di Pompei – Regio I, Insula 5” is a large-format volume that combines scientific rigour with visual beauty. Created through a meticulous photographic survey of the restored spaces and extensive research, the book documents the entire restoration process. Beyond its historical significance, the initiative also holds strong educational and promotional value for the entire leather supply chain, both in Italy and internationally. The next stop on the presentation tour will be in New York, on 15 July, at the Italian Cultural Institute.
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