FFAI Fall 2013 Newsletter

The Abbey of Cerrate, Lecce (Puglia) - ©: Francesco Franciosi

2013 Fall Newsletter

Friends of FAI is delighted to bring you our 2013 Fall Newsletter, which contains information on our activities so far this year as well as our upcoming projects and events. We look forward to sharing with you the latest updates on the Campatelli Tower restoration project, and we are particularly excited to announce our new restoration project in Puglia, the Abbey of Saint Mary of Cerrate, pictured above. We wish to thank you for your commitment to preserving Italian culture, and hope that you will be able to join us at our fall events.

Friends of FAI24 West 12th Street, 5th Floor – New York, NY 10011 – T: 212-242-3377 – [email protected]

www.friendsoffai.org

www.friendsoffai.org 2

About Friends of FAI The mission of Friends of FAI is to foster in the United States a deeper appreciation and support for the preservation of Italian cultural and historical heritage reflected in buildings and properties of architectural and environmental significance in Italy. One way that Friends of FAI meets its cultural and educational objectives is through its support of FAI - Fondo Ambiente Italiano, in its efforts to restore, preserve and open to the public important Italian monuments and properties

In addition to supporting the work of FAI, Friends of FAI also organizes numerous events, including conferences, seminars, exhibitions, and concerts in the United States, and tours in Italy, to promote our mission and to spread awareness of Italian culture.

About FAI FAI - Fondo Ambiente Italiano – is an Italian non-profit foundation established in 1975 with a precise objective: to safeguard Italy’s artistic and natural heritage. The name is not just an acronym, but a play on the Italian verb “fare” which means “to do,” encouraging Italians to do something concrete for their country. As such, FAI is committed to restoring a host of monuments and important environmental landmarks throughout Italy and reopening them to the public. To date, FAI has restored 49 historic sites in Italy, including castles, villas, parks and monasteries.

Fall 2013 Calendar

October 10 th, 7-9pmFriends of FAI will host a private shopping event at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills in collaboration with Brunello Cucinelli. The evening will begin with a viewing of vintage automobiles from the Petersen Automotive Museum, followed by shopping, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres.

9600 Wilshire Blvd Beverly Hills, CA 90212

October 22nd, 7-9pm Photographer Micól Sabbadini will present a new series of her work featuring FAI’s most beautiful estates at Christie’s New York. The photographs will be available for purchase, and proceeds will benefit Friends of FAI.

20 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10020

December 11th, 6-8pmFriends of FAI will screen a film from Puglia at New York University’s Casa Italiana. Please check our website for further information.

24 West 12th Street New York, NY 10011

Castello di Masino, Ballroom, Caravino (Turin) © Mauro Ranzani

Villa Panza , Varese © Fabrizio Oppes Studio

Castel Grumello, Sondrio © FAI


Newsletter - Fall 2013

Board of Friends of FAI

Board of Directors

James M. CarolanPresident

Sharleen Cooper CohenVice President

Bona de’ Frescobaldi International Chairwoman

Susan BenderTreasurer

Giovanna Loredan Bonetti Vannozza Guicciardini

Merle MullinAlessandra Pellegrini

Board of Advisory Trustees

Lynn de Rothschild Chairwoman

Marella Agnelli Honorary Chairwoman

Maria Manetti Shrem Chairwoman of the Balbianello Circle

Giorgio Armani Giancarla BertiAnna BulgariLaura Casalis

Giulia Maria CrespiChiara Ferragamo

Audrey GrussGail Hilson

Joan HotchkisAnn Nitze

Paolo and Henrietta PellegriniMarilyn Perry

Giorgio PoggianiRoberta RitterNancy Rubin

Mariuccia Zerilli Marimò


News from the Board

Cari Amici,

May is a sublime month, attested to by the thirty two ultra-game travelers who toured Palermo in depth and then Syracuse as well for this years breathtaking tour of Sicily. The trip was savored and enjoyed by the congenial and loyal members of the Balbianello Circle. Ah, the incomparable food, the ancient Greek history, the ambiance, the exquisite palazzos and sumptuous meals hosted by the most glorious hosts in their own dazzling settings.

One of the highlights of the journey was our picnic lunch at Kolymbetra Garden, a FAI property. It was most gratifying to share in the wonder of this magical place of ancient olive and orange groves. And to feel some pride to know that it would not exist without the organization of FAI. For those who aren’t familiar with FAI, or Friends of FAI, we are dedicated to the rescuing and safeguarding of Italy’s historic, architectural, and environmental patrimony. The outstanding news we share this year is that we have raised $131,000 towards the restoration of the Abbey of Cerrate in Puglia, this years Friend’s of FAI project! The continuous generosity of our members makes this possible and we are forever grateful.

There will be a fundraising event again this year in Los Angeles, in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue and Brunello Cucinelli where we will display a magnificent array of antique cars rarely seen from the vaults of the Petersen Automotive Museum. We will then enjoy cocktails, fine wines by Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi, and a light supper by Celestino Drago as we shop the fall season at Saks and the Brunello Cucinelli collection. A percentage of our purchases will be donated to Friends of FAI. There will also be a silent auction featuring exceptional Italian wines, weekend getaways, and more. I am proud to say this is my eleventh year as a member of the Balbianello Circle and our twelfth anniversary. To our incomparable Bona Frescobaldi, my heartfelt thanks for creating and arranging some of the most memorable experiences of my life.

Friends of FAI’s Vice President Giancarla Berti has announced her retirement from the Board of Directors after 7 years of devoted service. We are deeply grateful for her commitment, generosity and enthusiasm over the years, and look forward to her continued service on our Board of Advisory Trustees.

Friends of FAI is pleased to welcome Merle Mullin to the Board of Directors, and Joan Hotchkis to the Board of Advisory Trustees. Mrs. Mullin and Mrs. Hotchkis were among the first members of the Balbianello Circle, and together with Mrs. Cooper Cohen have been instrumental in increasing membership and organizing initiatives in the Los Angeles area.

A Word from Sharleen Cooper Cohen



Balbianello Circle Spring Tour of Sicily

This past May Friends of FAI invited the Balbianello Circle to rediscover the treasures of Sicily. The journey began in Palermo, a city with a rich architectural and artistic heritage, which has been influenced by the convergence of numerous cultures over the centuries. Travelers marveled at the Byzantine mosaics of Monreale and the Palatine Chapel, the Baroque stonework of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, and the distinctive Arab-Norman architecture of the main cathedral. The group was also invited into the private homes of Palermo’s most influential families. Among the highlights was a visit to Palazzo Gangi, which is perhaps best known as the setting for the iconic ball scene in Luchino Visconti’s 1963 film The Leopard. The group then journeyed south to Agrigento, where they walked through the superbly preserved Valley of the Temples, some of which date to the 5th century B.C. The visit included a picnic lunch at the adjacent Kolymbetra Garden, a natural grove of ancient olive and citrus trees that is protected and maintained by FAI. The tour concluded in eastern Sicily with trips to Syracuse and the splendid Baroque town of Noto, and memorable meals in the country estates of our hosts.

Friends of FAI wishes to thank our travelers, gracious hosts, and our own Bona Frescobaldi, without whom this trip would not have been possible. We look forward to announcing the destination of our 2014 Spring Tour, and hope that you will be able to join us!

sicily hostsPrincipe e Principessa di BaucinaDuca e Duchessa Lanza TomasiMarchese e Marchesa BerlingieriLeonardo e Rosa Maria FoderàConte Lucio Tasca d’AlmeritaBarone e Baronessa Camerata ScovazzoMarchesa di SpedalottoDonna Vittoria Alliata Principessa di ValguarneraPrincipe e Principessa di GangiMarchese Giuseppe di SangiulianoDonna Luisa Bonaccorsi BeccariaBarone e Baronessa Beneventano

Palazzo Gangi, PalermoCathedral of Monreal, province of Palermo

Kolymbetra Garden, Agrigento Lunch at Casteluccio, province of Syracuse

Tonnara di Scopello, province of Trapani


2013 Restoration ProjectThe Abbey of Saint Mary of Cerrate, Puglia

About the Abbey The Abbey of Saint Mary of Cerrate was built in the early 12th century by the Normans, who had conquered the region during the previous century. The Abbey is located near the town of Lecce in Puglia, the south-eastern tip of the Italian peninsula. The complex was constructed when Bohemond of Altavilla (1058-1111) chose the location for a colony of Greek monks who followed the teachings of St Basil the Great. These Basilian monks helped the Abbey become one of the most important monastic centers in Southern Italy. Cerrate flourished for centuries, as both a religious and agricultural center, until 1711 when the Abbey was sacked by Turkish pirates and fell into a state of abandon. The Abbey of Cerrate is one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in Puglia. The structure consists of a beautiful limestone basilica, adorned with elegant relief sculpture over the main entrance, and a columned loggia added to the north side.

The interior of the building was completely decorated with frescoes, on which work began in the 13th century, and which are today stored in the adjacent museum.

The Restoration Project The Province of Lecce agreed to grant the Abbey to FAI on a thirty year concession, so that FAI may restore and reopen the site to the public. Friends of FAI has committed to restoring the Abbey’s interiors, which represent the most important artistic and architectural features of the church, including two baroque altars, as well as exceptional Byzantine style frescoes.The Baroque Altars: The church contains two altars from the 17th century. The main altar is covered by a ciborium, which according to its Greek inscription was sculpted in 1266. A second altar is located laterally in one of the naves, and covered by an elaborate baroque ciborium. The Byzantine style frescoes: The frescoes at Saint Mary of Cerrate

16th century well© FrancescaTurati

13th century frescoes© Francesco Franciosi

represent one of the most significant examples of Pugliese art of the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries. The Abbey’s interiors were originally entirely covered in frescoes, of which several significant portions still remain. The frescoes depict saints and Old Testament figures, and contain byzantine elements, which leads scholars to believe that they were painted by Greek masters.

The Abbey’s frescoes, altars and ciboriums have been significantly damaged by environmental conditions over the centuries, and must be thoroughly cleaned of surface debris. To preserve the frescoes, cohesion must be restored between the paint layers, and adhesion between the painted plaster and supporting wall.

The project will also entail restoring the Abbey’s ten original columns, maintaining the stone floors, repairing portions of the Abbey’s walls, and restoring the Abbey’s furnishings (the 18th century confessional, wooden and straw chairs, and other liturgical furnishings).

Interiors of St. Mary of Cerrate© Francesco Franciosi



The Campatelli Palace & Tower© D.Cutrupi

€ 210,000 (Approximately $ 270,000)

Project Budget and Funding

The Campatelli Tower: Project Update

Project Budget

Restoration of the 17th century main altar Restoration of the 17th century lateral altar Restoration of the ciborium & columns of the main altar Restoration of the memorial stone Restoration of the 10 original columns & capitals Maintenance of the stone floorsRestoration of the stone wallsRestoration of the Abbey’s furnitureRestoration of the12th-13th century frescoes

Total:

Out of an overall budget of € 3,500,000 ($ 4,500,000)

$ 20,000

$ 30,000

$ 10,000

$ 5,000

$ 50,000

$ 10,000$ 30,000$ 25,000

$ 30,000

The restoration of the Abbey’s interiors will cost approximately $270,000. Friends of FAI is thrilled to report that we have already raised $131,000 towards our goal, thanks to the generous contributions of:

Giancarla BertiCarla Bossi-ComelliMartin & Sharleen Cooper CohenJerry & Linda JangerSimon & Nathalie Marshall-LockyerPeter & Merle Mullin Steven & Harriet NicholsAndrew & Mary PilaraGianluigi & Claudia QuentinJan & Maria Manetti Shrem

We wish to thank our patrons for supporting this important project. If you are interested in learning more about the Abbey, and the benefits offered to supporters, please visit: www.friendsoffai.org

In 2011, Friends of FAI provided a grant of $150,000 towards the restoration of the Campatelli Palace and Tower in San Gimignano. These funds financed the restoration of the interiors and exteriors of the tower, and facilitated much-needed repairs to the tower’s roof.

The first phase of the restoration was successfully completed in August 2012, however a great deal of work remained to be done. Therefore, last December, Friends of FAI elected to provide a second grant of $300,000 - the largest single gift in our history - towards the project. These funds will enable FAI to complete the second phase of restoration, which will entail restoring the palace’s roofs, façade, and second floor (which contains the house-museum). Work will begin on the second stage of the project this fall. The Campatelli Palace and Tower is slated to open its doors to the public in late 2014.


News from Italy

FAI Inaugurates First Site in Sardinia On July 24th, FAI opened the doors to the Batteria Militare Talmone, an 18th century military outpost located on the pristine shores of Punta don Diego near the town of Palau. The earliest section dates from 1767, when a garrison was established on the island. Subsequent

“I Luoghi del Cuore” Census ResultsLast year, FAI launched the 6th edition of its “I Luoghi del Cuore - Italian Places I Love” census. The initiative asks Italians to vote for the places in Italy that are closest to their hearts. Once the results are tallied, FAI selects one or more of the top-ranked sites to restore and safeguard for future generations. Last year saw the greatest participation of any previous census: one million Italians cast their vote - more than

La Giornata FAI di Primavera - “FAI Spring Days”For one weekend each year, FAI opens the doors to hundreds of historic sites throughout Italy, many of which are generally not open to the public. This year, on March 23rd and 24th, 500,000 people visited the 700 participating sites, thanks to a dedicated network of 7,000 volunteers, and 21,000 student guides. Once again, “FAI Spring Days” has proven to be the only initiative capable of engaging such a large audience who is interested in Italy’s cultural and environmental heritage.

Batteria Militare Talmone, Palau, Sardinia

Citadel of Alessandria, Piedmont

expansions were carried out at the end of the 19th century and then during the inter-war period. The area is of considerable historical interest, with a plethora of interesting natural and geological features. The Battery complex is composed of buried terraces on which the cannons were positioned behind the coastline, while the munitions depots were partially dug out of the caverns. Entrusted to FAI on concession in 2002, after decades of neglect, the Batteria Militare Talmone recently underwent the first phase of restoration, making it possible to visit this historic landmark.

double the participants for the previous census. Moreover, for the first time, FAI opened “I Luoghi del Cuore” to an international audience, garnering responses from 123 countries. In first place, with 54,000 votes, was the Citadel of Alessandria, located in the Piedmont region. Built in 1732, the sprawling citadel is one of the most important 18th

century European fortresses. The citadel has been plagued by environmental damage over the years, most notably by the proliferation of a destructive plant that has weakened the structure’s stability. A careful removal of the plant growth will be the first step in the building’s restoration. But what about the thousands of other places that were nominated in the census? This year, FAI has established a new policy, allowing any site that received over 1,000 votes to apply for specific support directly from FAI.

To learn more about the project, please visit: www.iluoghidelcuore.it/home/



News from the U.S.

Young Friends of FAINow in its second year, the Young Friends of FAI has been hard at work developing unique cultural events in New York. Last February, committee co-chairs Chiara de Rege and Celine Crosa di Vergagni organized a private viewing of the Piero della Francesca exhibit at the Frick, followed by cocktails at the home of Giancarla Berti. In June, the Young Friends of FAI were treated to a special tour of the Old Masters Collection at the Met, featuring the portrait of Francesco I d’Este by Velazquez. This important work was on loan from the Galleria Estense in Modena, which Friends of FAI is helping to support following the devastating effects of the 2012 earthquake in Emilia-Romagna. The Young Friends of FAI also enjoyed a tour of the High Line, led by one of the lead landscape architects of the project. To learn more about upcoming events and membership in the Young Friends of FAI, please contact: [email protected]

Friends of FAI ScholarshipFriends of FAI is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2013 Friends of FAI Scholarship: Melissa Swain and Anna Wainwright. The fellowship grant, generously funded by Luciano and Giancarla Berti, enables students of New York University to study or conduct research in Italy.

Ms. Swain’s project examines the phenomenon of co-rulership by early modern Italian princes and their consorts. Her research traces the development of this political ideal of complementary conjugal rule through literary and visual projects that established, defined and perpetuated the cultural identities of ruling couples. The Friends of FAI Scholarship enabled Ms. Swain to conduct critical research in museums, archives, churches and libraries across northern Italy, with particular emphasis on holdings in Florence, Bologna and Milan.

Ms. Wainwright’s research focuses on the intersection of gender and politics in writings by women in the early modern period, and her Friends of FAI Scholarship supports two projects, both of which focus on literary works from the last decade of the sixteenth century. The first is the final study for

The Year of Italian Culture in the U.S.Did you know that 2013 is the Year of Italian Culture in the United States? The project, launched last January by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, showcases all aspects of Italian culture through a

series of over 200 events throughout the U.S. Events include lectures, workshops, screenings, exhibits, concerts, and much more. For further information, and to view the full calendar of events, visit: www.italyinus2013.org

the completion of her M.A. thesis, “Ma che dirà il mondo? Isabella Cervoni and Her Rhetorical Authority as Verginella,” which traces the rhetorical goals of the young Cervoni’s political writings to Pope Clement VIII in 1597 and 1598. The second is research pertaining to the first critical edition of an anonymous pastoral tragicomedy from 1590 or 1591, housed in the Biblioteca Marciana in Venice, to be published by The Other Voice Series, University of Toronto Press, 2014. Her research this summer took her to libraries and archives in Venice, Florence, Lucca, and Modena.

Anna Wainwright

Melissa Swain


Experience FAI for Yourself!

Villa dei Vescovi:

This breathtaking Renaissance Villa, immersed in the hills of Veneto, was once the country home of the bishops of Padua. Guests will have their pick of two elegant apartments on the villa’s top floor, each containing 2 bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.

San Fruttuoso Abbey:

Relax by the sea at this enchanting 10th century abbey, nestled in the pristine Bay of Capodimonte, near Genoa. The recently renovated guest house is located only steps from the beach and includes 2 bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen and a terrace overlooking the bay.

Not only are FAI’s properties open for public visits, but it is also possible to rent out these beautiful landmarks for private events or weekend getaways!

For rates, booking inquiries & further information, please call: 212-242-3377 or email: [email protected]

Villa del Balbianello, ComoVilla Della Porta Bozzolo, Casalzuigno, Varese

Overnight StaysFAI invites you to spend the weekend at two of its most spectacular properties: the Abbey of San Fruttuoso and the Villa dei Vescovi!

Private EventsGet married at a medieval castle, host a banquet at a villa on Lake Como, or plan a photo shoot in a Renaissance garden. These are just some of the possibilities available to you at FAI’s incredible properties. FAI offers a rich variety of unique settings that can accommodate virtually any type of event, from concerts, to weddings, art exhibits to film shoots.Contact us today to begin planning your special event!

Guest House, Villa dei Vescovi, Padova© Elisa Franceschi

Guest House, Villa dei Vescovi, Padova © Gabriela De Paoli

Guest House, San Fruttuoso Abbey, Camogli© Gardin & Mazzoli

Masino Castle, Caravino

We are deeply grateful to our 2013Members and Supporters

Balbianello CircleRamune AmbrozaitisLuciano & Giancarla BertiNick Carroccia & Harriet Jean BlackCarla Bossi ComelliTeresa Aguirre Lanari de BulgheroniMassimiliano & Mary CaglieroMartin & Sharleen Cooper CohenJerry & Linda JangerJacques & Anne de LiedekerkeVictoria LondonSimon & Nathalie Marshall LockyerLiliana MoscheriPeter & Merle MullinSteven & Harriet NicholsLee PearceAndrew & Mary PilaraGianluigi & Claudia QuentinFrederic & Suzanne RheinsteinJan & Maria Manetti ShremRossana Sacchi Zei Friends & SupportersJoseph D’AmicoAnnie Fiorilla di Santa CroceCecile GrazianoAllan HillmanKaren RossMichael & Beatrice Ughi Frankel

The Young Friends of FAINancy BittetoJacqueline BonfiniSebastien ChatelChris ChesebroJorge CosanoCeline Crosa di VergagniPaola Crosa di VergagniNicolas DebetencourtChiara de RegeFrancesco de RegeCharles de Viel CastelJohn & Elizabeth Fain LaBombardAnastasia FilippeouNicolo FoscariZandy HartigThierry HerbertIggy IoppeHilary KoyfmanDavid LegzielSusannah LudwigDaphne LymanLivia Manca di VillahermosaHillary MazanecClare MelletSara MerkahstMurray MillerFrances MillikenCarlo MirasolaCecilia MortimerJawal Nga & Carey FordMorgan PerrySamuel PowellMatthew RossJustin SchultzNikki ShawKatie Zorn

FFAI Fall 2013 Newsletter

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