The Great School of Italian Restoration. The things of beauty created through human ingenuity are also
caught in a delicate balance: the relentless action of time and
natural disasters can destroy works of outstanding value for mankind.
Italy is home to a great School of Restoration, which we intended
to celebrate. Strewn on the ground were shards which visitors were
invited to tread upon, to “experience” a dilapidated heritage…
On a large screen nearby ran a startling video with images
of the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi collapsing, knocking
several people to the ground and killing four.
A tragedy, in all respects.
Immediately after this scene, we witness the Basilica emerge
out of the dust of the collapse as it appears today, thanks
to the remarkable restoration work carried out by a team of
Italian experts.
The ability to bring beauty back to life is also energy for life.